Bulk Bin Jars

After seeing the documentary Bag It (on Netflix streaming), I have been trying to reduce my plastic usage as much as possible. See this post for more details. One major move I've made is buying from the bulk bins at the grocery store instead of buying prepackaged. Of course, in order for this strategy to be effective, I have to also bring my own container to fill at the bulk bins. Taking the plastic bags they provide doesn't exactly work towards my goal. Some places do provide paper bags, but most are plastic. At first I was using reusable produce bags, but I'd transfer the contents to a glass jar when I got home, which could be a little tricky. Also, the bags I have are a tight-weave mesh, which doesn't work for everything (i.e. very fine items like flour). Anyway, I've been saving glass jars and came up with this idea to use chalkboard paint to make a spot to write the PLU number.

This way, I can fill the jar at the store and then just put it right into the cupboard when I get home, saving me a step. I weighed each jar using my kitchen scale, so it's accurate to the 1/4 oz and wrote the tare on the bottom and lid, in ounces and pounds.

At the store, I just write the PLU in chalk, or the contents and PLU, however I feel like doing it. I might have to invest in one of these old school chalk holders to keep the chalk contained in my purse. Remember the elementary school teacher who always used these? There are also chalk markers now, but of course they are made of plastic. It is so hard to get away from!