I’m sure you are already reusing plastic grocery bags in several different ways, especially now that many states are banning the use of them. I reuse freezer bags to the extreme and have a ridiculous amount of plastic bags sitting under my kitchen sink (where ELSE do they go, you know?). So when I came across some really creative ways to reuse grocery bags, I knew I had to share plus add a few of my own to the mix.

22 Plastic Bag Reuses

1. Cheap packing material: Don’t buy expensive mailing fillers. Save plastic bags to protect and keep items from moving around.

2. Travel buddy: When traveling, use plastic bags in your suitcases for dirty underclothes and wrap shoes in a plastic bag so they don’t dirty up your clothing.

3. Sick bag: Keep several in your glove box in case someone gets unexpectedly sick. You can knot and dispose–better in the bag than all over the car. Tip: Double bag it. TRUST ME.

4. Road trip: When I travel, I freeze some water in a water bottle before filling them up with cold water. The bottles produce so much condensation, that it turns my cup holder into a tiny lake. To prevent that, place a plastic bag in the holder first.

5. Meat prep: When defrosting meats, place a paper towel in a plastic bag, put meats in the bag and place on a plate to prevent messy leaks and cleanups.

6. Give back: Donate bags to food pantries, used book stores, libraries, thrift shops or other organizations.

7. Plarn: Make yarn out of plastic bags. Crochet bags into easy-to-hose-off oval or circular rugs and doormats for entryways, porches and patios. You can also crochet them into very sturdy tote bags for the library or grocery shopping.

8. Line a paint tray: Next time you’re painting your house, use a plastic bag to line the paint pan, rather than buying a disposable plastic pan liner.

9. Diaper bag helper: Feeding the little one on the go? You’re going to need a bib! Lay a bag flat with the handles separated and cut off the bottom of the bag. Make another cut down the middle, between the handles for an instant disposable bib.

10. Car assistance: Difficulty getting in or out of a vehicle?Put a plastic grocery bag on the seat, back up to the seat, sit down and then turn into the car. The plastic bag enables you to turn much easier – it takes away the friction of clothes on fabric or leather.

11. Painter’s helper: Use plastic bags to store your wet paint brushes and rollers overnight. Place your tools in separate bags, twist the top of the bag around it and tuck the end before placing it down on the table or work surface.

12. Fuse it: Use your iron to turn those plastic bags into durable fabrics.

13. Halloween ghosts: Make plastic bag ghost decorations to hang in trees or off of your porch.

14. Shoe shaper: Stuff into shoes to keep shape while air drying.

15. Greenhouse effect: Make a mini greenhouse to keep plants hydrated while you are out of town. Make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the plant by making a “tent pole” out of bamboo or a stick.

16. Winter driving: While at work or overnight, protect your cars side mirrors and wipers during freezing temps by covering them with bags.

17. Protect plants from frost: Protect your plants from a freeze by wrapping them securely in a plastic bag overnight and removing the bag in the morning.
18. Make rope: Using plastic bags as the material, make an emergency rope to keep in your car, boat or second floor bedroom.

19. Protecting valuables– Whether you’re moving or storing breakables, you can wrap them up in plastic bags to cushion them against damage.

20. Pet waste: Line the bottom of your kitty-litter pans, to collect the clean litter from falling through after straining old pieces out. Also, carry a few bags while walking the dog for easy cleanup.

21. Flower power: Line a cracked vase with a plastic bag to prevent leakage.

22. Juggling practice: Scrunch three grocery bags into balls (use the handles to tie the ball shape in place), then juggle!

 

How do you reuse your plastic grocery bags?