There are 2 "floating landfills", that are greater in size than the U.S., out in the Pacific Ocean. The majority of their contents are plastics. Some of the plastics are large, chunky objects such as containers, etc., however, most of the plastic is shredded and is repeatedly mistaken for plankton by "filter feeders" and albatrosses. :(

I watched a PBS program awhile back chronicling the emergence of this floating landfill and how it has taken a toll on marine life. It was depressing to say the least. But there are things we can do to help slow the need for plastic bags, etc!

Simply re-using plastic bags that have "zip-loc" tops could do a lot to slow our consumption of plastics!

If you've been affected by the recession, as most of us have, you may be carrying your lunch to work, as I am. And if you carrying your lunch to work, you probably use lil'sandwich bags to separate your foods, as I do. This instructable will show you one way to slow your consumption of those and other plastic "zip-loc" type bags.

Step 1: Food Bags.

Nowadays, it's virtually impossible to buy food products that aren't housed in some type of plastic bag, which I find super annoying. And it drives me crazy to just throw them away after we've consumed their contents so I've been looking for a way to upcycle them, or at the very least, use them one more time.

I mean, every time you re-use a plastic bag, that's one more plastic bag you don't need!

Here, we have just used the last 2 tortillas from this plastic bag. The bag has a "zip-loc" seal on one end which means it can be used again to hold something else. I decided that something else would be water.

And since I take my lunch to work, I need ice to keep the food cool. But I don't like the ice just floating around in my bag soooo...I freeze water in these bags instead.

Step 2: Fill With Water.

Once you have used all the contents of the bag, give it a quick rinse. Then fill it 3/4 full with water.

Step 3: Freeze.

Try to get as much air out as possible without squirting water every where! Then seal the "zip-loc" top and place in the freezer.

Depending on what you're going to use the ice for, you can either lay it flat or stand it up in the freezer.

Step 4: Re-Use!

Once the water is frozen, place your new recycled ice bag in your cooler and go enjoy nature!

*Make sure the water is completely frozen before removing from the freezer. Partially frozen water can result in a puncture to the bag...which happened to me this morning! :)