{"id":3368,"date":"2024-05-23T03:17:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T10:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/2025\/12\/10\/32-brilliant-ways-to-reuse-plastic-grocery-bags\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T05:22:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T13:22:46","slug":"32-brilliant-ways-to-reuse-plastic-grocery-bags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/?p=3368","title":{"rendered":"32 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Plastic Grocery Bags"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content mvt-content\">\n<style><![CDATA[img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:62.79296875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-16::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-16{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-17::before{padding-top:66.69921875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-17{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-18::before{padding-top:66.796875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-18{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-19::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-19{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-20::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-20{display:block;}]]><\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"photo collage of plastic bags and projects to reuse them.\" class=\"wp-image-19966 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-735x490.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-335x223.jpg 335w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-347x231.jpg 347w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Untitled-design-81-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Plastic grocery bags.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve all got them hiding in our home somewhere, stashed somewhere out of sight where they multiply in the dark like rabbits.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps you have one of those lovely little cloth organizers, a tube where you can shove them into the top and pull a single bag from the bottom, as needed.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-but-it-s-overflowing\">But it\u2019s overflowing.<\/h3>\n<p>Maybe you keep them stuffed inside yet another plastic grocery bag tucked away in your closet or under the sink. Maybe it\u2019s not just one bag filled with bags but many bags filled with bags.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And that closet is overflowing.<\/h3>\n<p>Or maybe, as my mother did, you have that one cupboard. The one that\u2019s been taken over. The one dedicated strictly to hiding the mounds of plastic grocery bags you\u2019ve said you\u2019re going to take back to the store to recycle.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And it\u2019s overflowing.<\/h3>\n<p>Wherever you stash your plastic grocery bags, it\u2019s time to cut down on the clutter and recycle some of them. You\u2019ll be freeing up space in your home as well as putting the bags to good use.<\/p>\n<p>Before we check out all the cool ways you can use them, though, let\u2019s take a moment to deal with the larger issue at hand \u2013 the fact that more plastic grocery bags keep ending up in your home in the first place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Plastic bag floating in the ocean\" class=\"wp-image-13104 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-ocean.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I won\u2019t shock you with the number of bags that end up in the landfill each year or worse, in the ocean. <\/p>\n<p>We all know that single-use plastic is a huge problem. But so is bringing groceries home without them should you forget your reusable shopping bag.<\/p>\n<p>Most of us have good intentions when it comes to our desire to stop using these wasteful plastic bags, but life often gets in the way. We forget our shopping bag in the car or at home and end up at the checkout line silently cringing at the cart full of plastic bags and wondering where they will end up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='643'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20643'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Plastic garbage washing up on a beach. \" class=\"wp-image-13110 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-1024x643.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-720x452.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-garbage.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Here are a few tips to help prevent more of these pesky plastic grocery bags from following you home.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Thank You<\/h2>\n<p>Skip the bag altogether. If you\u2019ve only got a few items, there\u2019s just no need for a plastic bag. No matter what store you\u2019re in, get into the habit of saying, \u201cno, thank you\u201d when asked if you\u2019d like a bag.<\/p>\n<p>Even better, insist you don\u2019t need a bag when the cashier starts putting your items in one. Stop them before they get started. I\u2019ve often pulled my items out of a bag and handed it back to the cashier. \u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Put Your Bag in Front of the Door<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Cloth bags sitting in front of door.\" class=\"wp-image-13103 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-683x1024.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-door.jpg 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019ve finally figured out how to make sure my reusable shopping bags make it back to the car. As soon as I\u2019ve emptied it, I fold it up and put it right in front of the door so that I can\u2019t open my front door without moving the bag. This way, when I\u2019m headed out to the car, my bags go with me.<\/p>\n<p>I tried hanging the bags on my doorknob, but it\u2019s so easy to open the door and leave them hanging there. If I have to pick them up and move them to get out the door, I end up with them in my hand.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bring-a-Bag Sticker or Post-It<\/h2>\n<p>I wish I lost a pound for every extra trip to the car I\u2019ve made when I realize that I\u2019ve left my bags in the car.<\/p>\n<p>I finally got smart and put a red dot sticker on my dashboard. It\u2019s my Bring-a-Bag-Dot. Whenever I look at it, it reminds me to grab my reusable shopping bags. And it works quite well.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not Just for Groceries<\/h2>\n<p>This one is the hardest but get in the habit of bringing a reusable shopping bag wherever you shop, not just the grocery store. We\u2019ve got it ingrained in us reusable shopping bags = groceries, but our efforts often stop there.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re buying something, bring a reusable shopping bag.<\/p>\n<p>Now let\u2019s get to the fun. I\u2019ve scoured the internet to bring you some seriously fun, brilliant, and practical ways to reuse that giant pile of plastic grocery bags lurking in your cupboard.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Use Them as\u2026Bags<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='768'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Back of car with a load of groceries in plastic bags.\" class=\"wp-image-13094 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-1024x768.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-groceries.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I know, I know, this idea is crazy; using a plastic bag as a reusable bag. It\u2019s just utter nonsense.<\/p>\n<p>But why not? I mean, that\u2019s their intended use \u2013 to carry things. When you\u2019ve unpacked your groceries, pack up the bags and tuck them back into the car to be used again.<\/p>\n<p>While we all love the fancy reusable grocery bags, they can be big and bulky. In comparison, plastic grocery bags can easily be stuffed in a pocket.<\/p>\n<p>And in all fairness, reusable bags are just as tough on the environment to produce as their disposable counterparts. To ensure they have a positive impact beyond their production, you need to use them for at least a decade, and even cotton tote bags need to be used for many years to have a significant impact on the environment.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Make a Beautiful Pom-Pom Light<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Lamp made from plastic bags\" class=\"wp-image-13095 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-683x1024.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp2.jpg 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Not only will this beautiful light help you reduce your plastic grocery bag waste, but it will also help get rid of a few of those Starbucks Frappuccino tops too. You know what I\u2019m talking about.<\/p>\n<p>These would look beautiful for a special occasion like a wedding or a swanky dinner party on your lawn.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Ruffled Plastic Bag Lamp<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Ruffled lamp shade made of plastic bags.\" class=\"wp-image-13096 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-lamp1.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Another bright idea is this decorative ruffled plastic bag lamp. Use white bags and a soft white lightbulb for a chic tableside lamp.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Reusable Sandwich Wraps<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Sandwich wrap made of plastic bag and cloth.\" class=\"wp-image-13102 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-sandwich.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>With a little time, your iron and sewing machine, you can create beautiful personalized sandwich wraps. Not only will you recycle plastic grocery bags you already have, but you\u2019ll also prevent the future use of single-use plastic sandwich bags.<\/p>\n<p>Make up a stack for wrapping the kiddos\u2019 sandwiches in for school lunch. These sweet sandwich wraps also make a thoughtful gift for a friend or coworker who packs their lunch.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Make Sturdy Plastic Bag Rope<\/h2>\n<p>This plastic bag rope has a myriad of possible uses; pack some for camping trips, stick it in the back of your car and use it to tie your bags of groceries together, or even wrap the ends in electric tape and use it as a jump rope.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Get Creative Making Coasters<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Coffee mug sitting on a coaster made of plastic bags.\" class=\"wp-image-13097 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coaster.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Create coasters to protect the furniture in your home. This is an opportunity to let your creativity shine while recycling plenty of plastic bags at once. Make a few sets for gifts too.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Plarn<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt='Plastic bags made into \"plarn\" or plastic yarn.' class=\"wp-image-13098 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plarn.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>What is plarn, you may be asking? Good question! It\u2019s plastic bag yarn. And once you make a bunch, you can use it to knit or crochet up plenty of projects, including a few listed here.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Plastic Bag Woven Basket<\/h2>\n<p>Use plastic grocery bags to weave a basket for carrying vegetables in from the garden. Use it to keep your gardening tools neat and tidy by the back door. Or keep one in the back of your car to use for foraging; you can squash it down to save space until you need it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Plastic Bag Flower Pot<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Crocheted plant pot made of reused plastic bags\" class=\"wp-image-13099 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-plant.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>This fun flower pot is just one of the things you can make with plarn. And you can line the flower pot with a plastic grocery bag to prevent leaks. Make several in different sizes for all your houseplants.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Package Padding<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Cups packed for shipping in a box filled with plastic bags\" class=\"wp-image-13101 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-packing.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019ve lost track of the number of items I\u2019ve received from eBay that were packaged using plastic bags, and I can tell you nothing I received was ever broken. It makes sense to reuse bags from around the house to package items you\u2019re going to mail instead of purchasing plastic bubble wrap, which ends up being another disposable plastic item.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Get Ready to Move<\/h2>\n<p>In the same vein, if you plan on moving soon, plastic bags are a great way to protect your valuables. Back in the day, everyone saved old newspapers, but as more and more people move away from paper newspapers, the harder they are to find for this purpose. Plastic grocery bags, on the other hand, are everywhere.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Fused Plastic Bag Mailer<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Mailer made out of plastic bags\" class=\"wp-image-13100 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-mailer.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>This brilliant idea saves money and prevents even more single-use plastic use. Instead of paying for poly mailer bags, fuse grocery bags using your iron to create bags to ship items in the mail.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Ribbon and Crinkle Pad for Tiny Fingers<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\" Hand sewn crinkle pad \" class=\"wp-image-13105 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-baby.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Babies love crinkly sounds. All of my kiddos had at least one baby toy that made that wonderful sound when touched and squished. Rather than buying something, consider making a handmade pad full of sensory delights for new, discovering fingers to play with.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Gift Bow<\/h2>\n<p>Top your gift with a quick bow made from plastic grocery bags. You can easily make them as you need them or make up a bunch and store them with your gift wrap supplies to use as needed.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. Braided Plastic Bag Basket<\/h2>\n<p>If you don\u2019t know how to knit or crochet, you can make this braided basket instead. This would be a fun project to mix up some colorful bags to create interesting patterns in the finished project.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">16. DIY Crocheted Beach Bag<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Beach bag crocheted out of plastic bags\" class=\"wp-image-13106 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-beach.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Who doesn\u2019t love a day at the beach? Make yourself an upcycled beach bag that\u2019s easy to get sand out of. And you can crush it down and store it in the car when you\u2019re not using it. This bag easily doubles as a great market bag.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">17. A Recycled Bouquet<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='1024'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%201024'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Tissue paper flowers made with a purple plastic bag instead of tissue\" class=\"wp-image-13107 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-16\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-1024x1024.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-360x361.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-flower.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Grab the kids and save your most colorful plastic bags for this fun craft. You can make beautiful flowers that will last long after the birthday, Mother\u2019s Day or other special day has come and gone. As every mom will tell you, gifts handmade by the kiddos are always the most special.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">18. Ice-Free Morning Commute<\/h2>\n<p>Tie plastic grocery bags over your windshield wipers and side mirrors on your car before inclement weather. When you\u2019re ready to drive, all you have to do is slip them off. No scraping tiny, hard-to-reach mirrors and your windshield wipers will be ice-free.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">19. Plastic Bag Coin Purse<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='683'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Plastic bag coin purse with a smiley face on it.\" class=\"wp-image-13112 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-17\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-1024x683.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-coin.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Keep coins ready to hand with this great upcycled plastic bag coin purse. It\u2019s a simple project to show off some of the fun designs you find on plastic bags. If you\u2019ve got a few that are brightly colored, you may want to save them for this project.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">20. Keep Your Frozen Goods Organized<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve all been victims of frozen foods sliding out of the freezer of the refrigerator and smashing our feet. Keep your freezer organized by using plastic grocery bags to group frozen items. Label the bags with a permanent marker \u2013 veggies, chicken, soups, sauces, etc. Double bag for durability.<\/p>\n<p>This works equally well for a chest freezer. The handles make it easier to lift bulky items out of the bottom of the freezer.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">21. Outdoor Patio Pillows<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1024'%20height='684'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20684'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Two outdoor pillows on a chair.\" class=\"wp-image-13108 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-18\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-1024x684.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-720x481.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pillow.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>This tutorial for outdoor pillows is brilliant! It\u2019s quick and easy to do. At roughly fifteen minutes per pillow, you\u2019ll be enjoying these new pillows out on the patio before you can say, \u201cPass the iced tea.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And the best part about this craft is how many plastic bags it uses. Since you\u2019re stuffing the pillow with grocery bags, you\u2019ll bust through your stash in no time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">22. Plastic Bag Kite<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"A kite hanging on the wall.\" class=\"wp-image-13111 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-19\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-683x1024.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-kite.jpg 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Quickly make a kite on the next windy day for some classic fun that adults and kids both enjoy. This easy tutorial will yield a small enough kite that any kiddo can fly.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">23. Keep Knees Clean<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"legs with plastic bags covering the knees.\" class=\"wp-image-13109 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-20\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-683x1024.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/plastic-bag-pants.jpg 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re kneeling in the garden or in the shop, a plastic bag or two can protect your knees from getting dirty. Slit the bag down the middle about six inches. Now open the bag fully and use the two handles to tie the plastic sleeve over your pants.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">24. Garbage Bags<\/h2>\n<p>I know it\u2019s still going in the landfill, but I look at it this way \u2013 you came home from the store with them, so they\u2019re already in the house, make them serve another purpose before they get pitched. You\u2019ll be saving money and preventing even more plastic via full-sized trash bags from ending up in the landfill.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve used up your stash, commit to remembering your reusable bags when you shop.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">25. Save Bags for Camping<\/h2>\n<p>These days, many camping spots are \u201cCarry In \u2013 Carry Out,\u201d meaning you take any garbage you produce back out of the park with you. What a great way to keep parks clean. Pack several plastic grocery bags to use for garbage while you\u2019re camping.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re much smaller than normal-sized garbage bags, making them easier to stash in the car once they\u2019re full. And you\u2019ve already got them; choosing to use them instead of a trash bag is cutting down on single-use plastic too.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">26. Keep Paintbrushes and Rollers Fresh<\/h2>\n<p>Who doesn\u2019t love the look of a new coat of paint?<\/p>\n<p>The next time you\u2019re painting and need to stop for the day, wrap your brushes and rollers tightly inside a bag leaving the handle out. Use the bag handles to tie it shut. When you come back to painting, you\u2019ll have a fresh brush, ready to go!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">27. Faux Finish<\/h2>\n<p>Speaking of painting, did you know you can use scrunched-up bags to create different textured looks with paint? Scrunch up a plastic back and press it on the freshly painted wall. Alternatively, you can dip the scrunched-up bag in a color that\u2019s slightly lighter or dark and press it to a dry wall for a completely different look.<\/p>\n<p>Try it for your next home improvement project.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">28. Doggy Doo Bags<\/h2>\n<p>Dog owners, I don\u2019t think this one needs an explanation. Why pay for special bags when the grocery store gives them away for free?<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">29. Glove Box Garbage Bag<\/h2>\n<p>Tuck several into your glove box to stash trash in while you\u2019re on the road. It\u2019s much easier to keep the inside of your car clean if you have a garbage bag at the ready.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">30. Traveling Laundry Bag<\/h2>\n<p>Use plastic bags to stash dirty laundry in when you\u2019re traveling. Keep your clean and dirty clothes separate when everything is stashed together in your suitcase.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">31. Eww, Cover That Thing Up<\/h2>\n<p>Wrap your toilet plunger in a plastic bag to keep your floor or cupboard under the sink clean.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">32. Recycle Them<\/h2>\n<p>Yep, I know. You wouldn\u2019t be here if you could only remember to recycle them. I hear you; I do. That\u2019s why we\u2019re going to do something together right now. Get up from reading this post and go pack up that entire cupboard\/closet\/organizer full of bags. Then take that mass and put it in the passenger seat of your car. Make sure it\u2019s the passenger seat where they will be staring at you every time you get in the car.<\/p>\n<p>Okay, ready?<\/p>\n<p>Go.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll wait here.<\/p>\n<p>It will take you five minutes tops. No, seriously, stop reading; I\u2019m not going anywhere. Go, do it right this second and be sure you put them in the passenger seat of your car.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Done?<\/h3>\n<p>See, that didn\u2019t take long at all. And don\u2019t you feel so much better? I can see you smiling; what a relief, right? I think you should go to the store and treat yourself to some ice cream. Oh, while you\u2019re there, drop that giant grocery bag bomb in the recycling bin out front.<\/p>\n<p>With a few of these plastic grocery bag-busting ideas and new habits going forward, you\u2019ll find you may never need to visit this article again. And you\u2019ll be doing something great for the environment too.<\/p>\n<p>Now, what are you going to do with that shelf, cupboard, or space in the closet that used to house your plastic bag collection?<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;color:#000000;background-image:none;background-position:inherit;background-repeat:no-repeat;padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .privacyPolicy{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877 {border: 0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-standards .af-element{padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-quirksMode{padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-header{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:16px;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-bottom-style:none;border-left-style:none;border-width:1px;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/forms.aweber.com\/images\/auto\/body\/888\/888\/222\/222\");background-position:top left;background-repeat:repeat-x;background-color:#222222;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-top:9px;padding-bottom:9px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-footer{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;border-top-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-bottom-style:none;border-left-style:none;border-width:1px;background-image:none;background-color:transparent;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body input.text, #af-form-1000191877 .af-body textarea{border-color:#000000;border-width:1px;border-style:solid;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;background-color:#FFFFFF;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body input.text:focus, #af-form-1000191877 .af-body textarea:focus{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-color:#5E5E5E;background-color:#FFFAD6;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body label.previewLabel{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#4D4D4D;display:block;float:left;text-align:left;width:25%;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-textWrap{width:70%;display:block;float:right;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer input.submit{font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;background-color:#FCB900;background-image:none;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer{text-align:center;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body label.choice{font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body a{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:underline;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877, #af-form-1000191877 .quirksMode{width:100%;max-width:326.444222px;}\n#af-form-1000191877.af-quirksMode{overflow-x:hidden;}\n#af-form-1000191877{overflow:hidden;}\n#af-form-1000191877 button,#af-form-1000191877 input,#af-form-1000191877 submit,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,#af-form-1000191877 select,#af-form-1000191877 label,#af-form-1000191877 optgroup,#af-form-1000191877 option {float:none;margin:0;position:static;}\n#af-form-1000191877 select,#af-form-1000191877 label,#af-form-1000191877 optgroup,#af-form-1000191877 option {padding:0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 input,#af-form-1000191877 button,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,#af-form-1000191877 select {font-size:100%;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer input.submit {width:auto;}\n#af-form-1000191877 form,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,.af-form-wrapper,.af-form-close-button,#af-form-1000191877 img {float:none;color:inherit;margin:0;padding:0;position:static;background-color:none;border:none;}\n#af-form-1000191877 div {margin:0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 {display:block;}\n\n.af-clear{clear:both;}\n.af-form{box-sizing:border-box; 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We\u2019ve all got them hiding in our home somewhere, stashed somewhere out of sight where they multiply&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[127],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy-projects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3368"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3412,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368\/revisions\/3412"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}