All Hail the Plastic Bag

If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it is the value of the plastic bag. Life in the states taught me that plastic bags could be used to carry possessions and purchases, and to contain the endless supply of trash we generate. Life in Nicaragua has taught me that the plastic bag can be used for so much more.

Would you like a freshly made juice to go? You will receive your purchase in a plastic bag. If you plan to consume your drink immediately, you might be given an open bag with a straw sticking out of the top. Otherwise, your bag will be tied off so that you can consume the beverage at a later time, by ripping a corner off with your teeth and sucking out the liquid through the hole you’ve just created.  This is also the preferred method of selling soft drinks to go, as the vender can then keep the bottle or can (and therefore, the deposit).

Perhaps some drinking water that won´t result in a nasty bout of diarrhea? One of the recommended water treatment methods here in Nicaragua is to fill clear plastic bags with water and leave them out in direct sunlight for an extended period of time (6 hours to 2 days). You can then continue to store your water in your plastic bag until you are ready to use it, without fear of further contamination. Just make sure you filter the water first; the heat may kill most of the microbial life in the water, but it isn’t going to do much to eliminate the flora or fauna that may have dropped into your reservoir.

Leftovers after a big meal? Pull out your handy plastic bag and just shovel it on in. Granted, your next meal will be far less appetizing, being that all of the separate components have been mashed together, but that just makes it easier to eat, right? No need to dirty a dish; grab a spoon and chow down!

How about making some tortillas at home? There’s nothing quite like a freshly made tortilla, and with a piece of your handy plastic bag, you can easily form the dough into thin, flat rounds. Without said plastic, the dough can easily become a pasty mess stuck to your palms (and whatever other surface you might be using).

Worried about any of the numerous big, bad bugs (or other pain/death-inducing creatures that might find your room an appealing hang-out) crawling into and camping out in your shoes? Stuff a plastic bag or two inside. Now you don’t have to throw your shoes at a wall in the morning before putting them on!

Word of the Week: útil – useful