How to Find Ways to Recycle and Reuse Plastic Bags

Plastic bags can easily pile up in your home. You can recycle them and reuse them in many ways. Plastic is one of the most difficult types of trash to get rid of, so lets help save our Earth.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• plastic grocery or store bags
• time
• computer
• internet access
• computer printer with paper

1. Make plastic bag flowers. For complete instructions visit the Web site, http://www.instructables.com/id/Flowers-made-from-plastic-bags/. There is a quick link in resources as well.

2. Make plastic bag curtain. For complete instructions for this project visit Web site, http://replayground.blogspot.com/2007/09/its-plastic-bag-curtain.html. There is a quick link provided in resources.

3. Create Plastic Yarn with Plastic bags. Visit the Web site, http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_3059465,00.html, on how to do this. There is a link provided in resources also.

4. Crochet a Plastic Bag Tote. Visit the Web site, http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/3926/68790, for directions on how to make this project.

5. Crochet a Beach Bag with Plastic Bags. Visit the Internet Web site, http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/beachbag.html, or click on the quick link provided in resources.

6. Crochet a Handbag. For instructions visit the Web site, http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/plabag.html, or click on the link provided in resources.

7. Make Plastic Bag Strip Sandals. For complete instructions visit Web site, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35668.asp. There is a link provided in resources below.

8. Crochet a Plastic Bag Rug. Visit the Web site, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35668.asp, or click on the computer link in resources.

9. Crochet Pot Scrubbers with Plastic Bags. For complete instructions visit the online Web site, http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/06/10/pot-scrubber-crocheted-from-plastic-bags/. There is a link to this Web site in resources below.

10. Crochet a water bottle holder. For complete instructions visit Web site, http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977072814. There is a link in resources for this article also.

11. Crochet a messenger bag. For complete instructions visit Web site, http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/04/04/messenger-bag-crafted-from-plastic-bags/, or click on the link provided in resources.

12. Crochet a Hobo Handbag. For complete instructions visit Web site, http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/05/16/recycled-plastic-hobo-handbag/, or click on the direct link in resources below.

13. Make an Easter basket using plastic bags. For project instructions visit the Web site, http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/03/08/recycled-plastic-easter-basket/, or click on the computer link provided in resources.

14. Make a dog leash from plastic bags. For instructions visit the Web site, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/328037/recycle_craft_make_a_dog_leash_from.html?cat=7, or click on the link provided in resources.

15. 

    Use them for bathroom trash containers. Put extra bags underneath it, so each time you change your trash bag, you have one handy right there to replace the last bag.

16. 

    Keep plastic bags in your car for emergencies or for other needs.

17. 

    Use them to clean up after your dog (you can also buy biodegradable bags for this use).

18. 

    Use them when cleaning a cat box.

19. 

    Use them to carry library books.

20. Use them to wrap and store seasonal items.

21. Use them to carry items to your recycling center.

22. 

    Use them to carry items when your are shopping at a garage sale, book sale, or similar.

23. If you have a garage sale, use plastic bags for items people buy.

24. If you sell homemade craft items, keep them on hand to put your customer's purchases in.

25. 

    Take plastic bags with you to the beach or lake. Store your wet items in bags until you arrive home, then reuse the bags for the next trip.

26. When traveling to hotels, bring a few extra plastic bags for trash, wet bathing suits, and purchases.

27. Take them with you to the Farmer's Market to carry your food or other items in.

28. Bring a few plastic bags with you to sporting events. Collect your trash from food item and drink containers.

29. Collect them and return them to any store that offers a recycle bin for them.

30. Check with your local or nearby Goodwill Industries or Salvation Army stores. Many times they will have a bin for your donated plastic bags.

Tips & Warnings

• Designate an area to collect your plastic bags.

Resources

• Flowers Made from Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bag Curtains
• Plastic Bag Crochet Tote
• Plastic Bag Strip Sandals
• Plastic Bag Crochet Rug
• Paper or Plastic? Read the statistics
• Plastic Bag Crafts
• Make Plastic Yarn
• Crocheted Beach Bag Pattern (using plastic bags)
• Fuse and Weld Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bag Handbag Instructions
• Dog Leash from Plastic Bags
• Free Plastic Bag Water Bottle Holder Pattern
• Plastic Bag Pot Scrubber Directions
• Make a Plastic Bag Hobo Handbag
• Messenger Bag with Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bag Easter Basket

[fen527]

on 6/15/2009 Wow! So much we can do with plastic bags. I especially love tips 22 and 23.

[sonni57]

on 3/11/2009 Wow what a good detailed article thanks for all the info on plastic bags.

[mfahrney]

on 3/11/2009 Learn a lot of things here..thanks!

[jenniferclaerr]

on 3/11/2009 Nice article.

[turtledove]

on 3/10/2009 I'm curious to see how crocheted plastic bags would look. i'll have to find out.