Plastic Bags: Repurpose or Recycle?

 

I recently returned from a shopping trip with more plastic bags than I had intended. I was informed that check-out clerks are not allowed to touch re-useable grocery bags due to the possibility of being exposed to germs and bacteria. However, the cashier did say that I could use my own bags…if I bagged the groceries myself. Unfortunately, I was alone and it would have taken time. Time that the folks in line behind me might not have been patient for.

Next time, I’ll take hubby and he can bag groceries while I pull everything out of the shopping cart!

If you’ve been around the blog long, you know that I’m trying to cut down on the amount of plastic I bring into my home. Unfortunately, the current pandemic isn’t making it easy! So what’s a body to do with all these plastic bags?

In this post, I’ll cover:

– Why are plastic bags bad?

– What are plastic bags made of?

– Where can you take plastic bags to be recycled?

– Are plastic bags safe to reuse?

– What are some ways to repurpose, recycle or reuse plastic bags?

-What can I do/make with plastic bags?

UPDATED: 3/1/21 – Just about every store in my little town has stopped accepting plastic bags. They’ve removed the drop boxes from the entry/exit area. If you know of any place that is still accepting plastic bags for recycling, please drop a comment below and let me know. Until then, I’ll be saving all my plastic bags for future crafting and repurposing!

Why are plastic bags bad?

We’ve come a long way since plastic was first invented. Some of it good…some not so good. Here are a few facts that might strengthen your resolve to recycle plastic bags:

– Most plastic grocery bags are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) #2. The thinner produce bags used for tomatoes and avocados are HDPE #4. These types of plastic are recyclable but…..

– Many waste management centers don’t accept plastic bags because they gum up the machines. So the bags end up being sent to a landfill anyway.

– It takes hundreds of years for one plastic bag to decompose! Yes, I said HUNDREDS!

– The average American brings home 1500 plastic bags a year.

– Less than 1% of those bags are ever recycled. Most end up in landfills or as litter.

– According to Earth911, plastic is the most common source of marine debris.

– About 100,000 marine animals die every year due to plastic. Either from ingesting it or from plastic poisoning.

– Recycling about 450,000 plastic bags would save 11 barrels of oil. That adds up to about 300 people recycling 1500 bags each. So, how many people live in your community?

– The few waste management centers that do recycle plastic bags use a process called “chipping” to break down the bags. These chips are then used to create new plastic bags. Using a different process, plastic bags can also be manufactured into plastic lumber. This lumber is commonly used in building weather-resistant decks and porches.

 

Where can I recycle plastic bags?

Besides my local grocery store, I was curious to see if other stores in my area had a recycling bin for plastic bags. We live in a somewhat small community where recycling anything other than aluminum cans is out of the question. However, it was encouraging to find that some of the big stores are still accepting plastic bags. In most cases, the drop-off location is right inside the door. You don’t even have to go into the store! Here are some of the stores in my area:

– Walmart

– Target

– Lowes

– Kroger

– HEB

You may not have these stores in your area. So keep your eyes open the next time you go to your local grocery store. Look for a recycle bin somewhere near the entrance. You could also call around to the larger stores in your area and ask if they accept plastic bags.

Pro Tip: once you’ve emptied your bags and put your groceries away, place the bags next to your purse or car keys. You won’t be inclined to forget them the next time you head out the door. You can drop the bags off at the nearest recycling bin while you’re out and about.

Are plastic bags banned?

No…at least, not as much as they should be! To be fair, there are a few states that have passed a ban on plastic bags. In return, you now have to pay a small fee if you want plastic. As of yet, most of the country has not jumped on the band wagon.

The good news (yes, there is good news) about plastic bags!

We currently live in a world where people can be so creative when it comes to repurposing, recycling and reusing. And it’s a good thing too! Otherwise, we would be swimming in a sea of our own trash. Please, for the love of the planet, find a way to repurpose your plastic!

To help you out, I’ve listed some obvious ways…and some interesting options for reusing plastic bags.

What are some ways to reuse plastic bags?

– Use as a trash can liner. According to one source, 77.7% of re-used plastic bags are used for this purpose alone!

– Don’t spend money on pricey “doggy bags”. Instead, use a plastic bag to pick up Fido’s poop.

– If you have a cat, use a plastic bag to line the litter box before pouring in litter. When it’s time to clean the box, carefully peel back and invert the bag so the litter is on the inside. Easy peasy!

– Keep a few in your suitcase. They can hold dirty shoes, laundry, wet swimsuits, sea shells and keep your liquid personal care products from leaking onto your clothes.

– When moving, use to wrap and protect glass and other fragile items. Works great as extra padding in mailed packages.

– Protect outdoor plants from frost. They can also be used to create micro-climates for indoor plants. Kinda like a mini-greenhouse.

– Speaking of micro-climates: before you place asparagus in the fridge, stand them up in a jar of water and place a bag over them. They’ll last much longer!

– Use as makeshift gloves…like when you have to pick up dog or cat poop!

– Stuff them inside shoes, boots, purses and hats to hold their shape.

– Tie one to the headrest in your car and use for loose accessories or trash.

– Barf bags…’nuff said!

– Use to cover the plaster cast on a broken arm or foot prior to taking a shower.

– Before getting into your car, slip a plastic bag over your muddy shoes to contain the mess.

– Use to dispose of dirty diapers or smelly kitchen scrapes that you don’t want lingering in the house.

– Instead of a ziploc bag, use a plastic grocery bag to coat meat in panko crumbs. Also works when you need to pulverize graham crackers for a pie crust.

– Use in the fridge underneath meat packages to minimize liquid messes and cleanup.

– Did you leave home without your umbrella? A plastic bag will work in a pinch.

– Block drafts around window sills and A/C units by stuffing the cracks with plastic bags.

Not-so-common ways to reuse plastic bags:

– Wrap your paint brush or roller in a plastic bag and store in the fridge. This will keep the paint from hardening between coats and minimize clean up.

– Stop spending money on paint tray liners and use a plastic bag instead. When you’re done, invert the bag so the paint is on the inside. Paint cleanup has never been easier!

– Another painting tip: Use plastic bags to give that textured look to your walls. Simply paint your wall a “base” color. Wad up a bag and dip it in a different paint color and dab all over the wall. Very similar to sponge painting or rag rolling.

– Use a plastic bag to clean the deposit buildup on your shower head. Fill the bag with white vinegar and secure to the shower head with a rubber band. Leave in place for about thirty minutes. No rinsing required.

– Cover your vehicles side mirrors and wiper blades to prevent frost accumulation.

– When rolling out dough, place dough between two bags and roll. No more sticky mess!

– Place over outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.

– Use as a temporary compost bin until you can take it outside to the compost pile.

– Use as stuffing for a washable pet bed.

– Cover an unused bird house during winter to prevent “squatters” from taking up residence.

– Use as a clothes pin bag.

– Keep extra plastic bags for garage sale or farmer’s market customers.

– Do a good deed and pass them on to the local food bank. They almost always need more!

– Use as a hanging planter. Especially helpful if you have indoor plants and worry about water dripping on your floor.

– Make “plarn”. Cut plastic bags into strips that are used just like yarn in various craft projects.

What can you can do/make with plastic bags?

– Learn how to make “plarn” at The Spruce

– Paint Covered Kids shows you how to create a jump rope by braiding strips of plastic bags.  A good project to get the kids involved!

– I know Halloween is a big holiday for many. Small for Big shows you how to create ghosts with recycled plastic bags.

– Use excess plastic bags to create rain-resistant outdoor pillows. Two it Yourself gives the details.

– Make it Easy Crafts shows you how to make a braided friendship bracelet.

– Keep your clothes from falling off the hanger with this non-slip clothes hanger from My Recycled Bags.

– Check out this flower pot from Mami Made It.

– Sandals or Sunflower tote bag…My Recycled Bags shows you how.

– Rad Megan offers a twist on the plastic bag wrapped basket.

– Creative Jewish Mom has tons of ideas for recycling plastic bags…placemats, coasters and gift bows, oh my!

– I know you’ve seen them…plastic bag rugs! Take your pick between Homestead Weaver and My Recycled Bags.

– Instructables has a couple of really cool projects…like this hammock/swing chair and sneakers!

– Chica & Jo have created re-useable sandwich wraps from fabric and plastic bags. This one is going on my to-do list!

– I’ve made newspaper beads but never plastic bag beads! The Green Divas have all the details.

– Here’s another one for the kiddos…make a kite from plastic bags. Glue Sticks and Gum Drops will show you how to do it.

– By Stephanie Lynn has a plastic bag wreath that looks good and is easy to make!

 

 

 

 

What are some ways to reduce plastic use?

We, as consumers, need to do a better job of reducing our carbon footprint. A step in the right direction would be to make recycling a priority for all types of waste products. And make it available in every community. It’s sad that so many people want to recycle but it’s not available in their area. This needs to change! Until it does, there are still ways that we can start making a difference now:

– Chose quality over convenience. I’m talking about the products that may be higher priced but will last longer and be easier on the environment. This may actually save you money in the long run!

– Use re-useable produce/grocery bags. Although they’re currently not being used by check-out clerks, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. It helps to bring someone along who can unload the cart while you bag everything up.

– When dining out, forego the plastic bag to carry the leftover food in. In fact, ask if it’s okay if you use your own food storage container to take home leftovers. Use one of your produce bags to carry it home. Or, avoid plastic all together by cooking at home more!

– Instead of buying snacks that come in individually wrapped containers, buy in bulk and reduce the plastic you take home. Buying in bulk is generally better for your wallet anyway.

– Although this post doesn’t cover plastic wrap or ziploc baggies, they’re still plastic. I made the move to re-useable ziploc bags as soon as I could. And I love that my beeswax wraps can now replace plastic wrap! You don’t have to quit plastic “cold turkey”. But small steps over time can lead to big changes! Trust me on this!

A final thought:

I found several sources that discouraged re-using plastic bags that had contained meat or spilled liquids. It was also suggested that you clean your bags in hot, soapy water prior to re-using them. This removes any chance of bacteria or virus being passed on to someone else. Simply fill a sink with hot water and soap. Swish the bags around for a minute to agitate them. Then let them soak for a few minutes before rinsing. Hang them upside down to dry.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve done with plastic bags? I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment below! And if you know someone who has a stash of bags and no clue what to do with them, feel free to share this post with them! They might just thank you with a homemade (plastic bag) gift! LOL

Until next time,

lisa

LisasSimpleLife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.