Are you thinking of what do you do with all those paper and plastic bags you've been holding onto? Below are some great, easy options for reusing those bags!
What to do with the plastic bags you have:
1. Stash them in your trunk (or under the seat if you don't have a trunk) and reuse them to carry groceries and other goods until they can't be used anymore. For most plastic bags, you should be able to get several uses out of them before they begin to tear and are no longer good for carrying things. Then, once they are no longer usable for the original purpose, use them when you take the dog or a walk.
2. Use them as trash can liners - and not just once. They can keep your can clean and are easy to dump into your outside trash and then reuse.
3. Carry them with you when you travel to use as your "dirty clothes bag." Then, when you return from your trip, rinse, dry and store them for next time.
4. Use them to cushion items you are shipping. Instead of popcorn (also bad, bad, bad), use, all those plastic bags that are taking up your cupboard space to make sure your item arrives unscathed. If you don't mind sounding a bit pushy, include a note asking the recipient to reuse them again.
5. Find a store near you that offers recycling for plastic bags and take your whole stash.
What to do with the paper bags you have:
1. Reuse them for your groceries and other goods. They likely won't hold up for as many reuses as the plastic bags, but remember even one reuse is better than none.
2. Use them to cover textbooks and shipping boxes. This also saves money that you would have spent on book covers or boxes and allows you to reuse boxes at the same time.
3. Use them as cushioning for items you ship- All you have to do is crumble or tear them up
4. Use them for any of the numerous paper crafts that call for Kraft paper or for fun craft projects with kids.
5. Add them to your compost bin.
