Grocery shopping? Going on a lunch break? Packing for a vacation? It may be a habit to reach for and/ or use a plastic bag.
Unfortunately, if thrown away or disposed of improperly, plastic bags can easily become tangles in plants, trees, and other forms of vegetation, waterways, and animal habitats. Typically, sturdy, re-usable bags are the best for the environment.
Instead of simply throwing away plastic bags after a shopping trip, which can cause lasting and severely damaging effects on the environment, below are five ways to re-use plastic bags in everyday life. Even though plastic bags cannot be traditionally recycled, these are great methods to reuse a resource and promote a green life:
- Suitcase or box buffer: For those packing boxes or storing items in closets or storage bins, always use and layer plastic bags to act as a buffer for delicate items.
- Plant protector: Cover outdoor potted plants during the evening or storms with old grocery store bags to protect from rain, wind, and other elements.
- Small trash can liners: Plastic bags are the perfect size to line small trash cans in bathrooms and guest rooms. Doing so makes disposing of trash easier and tidier.
- Pet waste bag or glove: When walking the dog or cleaning up a cat's litter box, it never hurts to be prepared. Utilizing the plastic grocery bag as a pet waste glove is a perfect way to save resources.
- Car trip trash: Keep plastic bags in the glove compartment on long car tips and/ or road trips in case anyone needs a place to dispose of trash or waste on the way. Go the extra mile and keep a bag for recyclables as well to ensure old water bottles, newspapers, and similar resources will get disposed of properly once home.
This blog was originally posted on Grady's GreenLiving Tips in July of 2016. Read the original version here.
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