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Reuse: Plastic Grocery Bags |
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Written by story by Doresa Banning images by www.craftzine.com
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Monday, 01 September 2008 |
The debate continues on whether plastic or paper grocery bags are better for the environment. (Cloth bags are the greenest option.) Until the debate is resolved, if the bags find their way into your home, reuse them. Here’s how:
Line smaller-sized garbage cans in your home with them. Keep one in your automobile for trash or emergencies. Carry your lunch or dinner to work in one. Use them in place of Styrofoam packing peanuts for protective packing material.
Slip a plastic grocery bag over each foot to protect your shoes from getting muddy, wet or dirty and tracking it around. Use them as makeshift gloves for handling grease, grime or slime. Cover and protect countertops and other surfaces with them when doing messy projects. Before slipping a wet umbrella into your handbag or briefcase, cover it with a plastic grocery bag. On the way home from the beach or pool, put your wet bathing suit into one to prevent other things from getting wet. When traveling, put your shoes in one to keep them from dirtying your clothes.
Cut plastic grocery bags into thin strips and attach them end-to-end with a knot to create one long piece. The long piece, acting as a makeshift skein of yarn, or “plarn,” can be then knitted, braided or crocheted. Create new tote bags, “scrubbies” for the kitchen/bath, or even clothing.
Go to www.craftzine.com and search for “plastic bag crafts” for patterns and ideas.
At the very least, donate them to a thrift shop, day care center, animal shelter or library, or return them to the grocery store to be recycled.
Doresa Banning is a Reno-based freelance writer. |
