What to do about those plastic trash bags?

Over a year ago I was feeling guilty about throwing out my trash in plastic bags. I recycle every bit that I can. I try to reduce the containers I bring home by using my own water bottles, coffee tumblers and produce bags. But in the end, I still had waste (and still do). In fact, due to apartment living, student life and budgeting, I am not yet ready for the completely zero waste lifestyle. So, I decided to find a trash bag that wouldn't add to the trash.

I discovered and have been using BioBags ever since. I purchase mine at my local Bartell Drugs, but for those of you who can't find them, as usual they are on Amazon (I swear, I have no deal with Amazon, I am just really obsessed with their website). BioBag sells a large variety of bags; for yard waste, food waste, pet waste, toileting, and compost system products as well. They state, "We will never compromise our earth or our standards." How can you say no to a company like that? This is one product where I am not sure how the price compares, but this for me personally, is one I am willing to let slide in the budget arena due to the positive impact it has for our planet.

BioBags do require some special care. Because they are effective at composting, they will begin to compost in your trash bin if you throw in damp food items and liquids. How do I avoid this and make my trash bags last more than a few days? I have a large plastic tupperware in which I place my food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc. When my BioBag is 3/4 full of dry trash, I put on some gloves and dump my food waste container's contents into my BioBag and take it out to the dumpster right away. Does it require a little more effort? Yes. Does it add significant time to my weekly duties? No. Unless you consider 30 seconds significant.

Additionally, the secret benefit of the food waste container is this: If you have a container with a sealing lid, you will have no garbage smell at all. Doesn't matter if you're throwing out onions and fish bones, still no smell! I just chose a random bin I already had and never used due to it's odd size, nothing fancy or high priced.

One day I hope to have a yard and compost my food waste myself. Or at least live in a building that gets the city "Yard Waste" bins. For now, I am happily using my BioBags, recycling, and reusing/reducing whenever I can.