How to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Bags
- 1). Collect your bags into one place. If you have a container, such as an old garbage bag box or even just another plastic bag, you can stuff your leftover plastic bags into either of these to hold for later use. If you have paper bags, fold them at the creases that are already in place and flatten them out. You can keep these in an out-of-the way area until you need a bag again.
- 2). Use your leftover plastic bags as packing material. If you're shipping something breakable across the country, instead of buying Styrofoam peanuts, you can wrap the item in paper first, then pack plastic bags around it so the bags can absorb any shock the box may endure.
- 3). Lay your leftover bags out on a table to cover it for craft projects. If you or your kids are playing with paint, resin or clay, bags can help you with an easy cleanup and they will protect the surface you're working on.
- 4). Reuse your bags to take your lunch or dinner to work. Since you bring home bags from the store anyway, you might as well use them to lug other items around. If you need to take your meals to work, you have a ready-made lunch bag in a plastic or paper grocery sack.
- 5). Recycle your bags. If you prefer not to have the clutter around your house, many grocery stores will take back plastic bags for recycling. Collect a handful of bags, and when you're ready, take them back to the store with you and deposit them in the recycling bin. If you have paper bags you wish to recycle, you should be able to include them with your regular weekly recycling pickup, but make sure to check your local ordinance first.