We all know how bad plastic grocery bags are for the environment. Have you ever been driving down the road and seen a little “ghost” floating up from everyone’s tires as they drive by it? I’ve seen that several times in my city, and it’s just sad! I hate seeing garbage out there, especially these plastic bags, when there are so many ways to reuse them, and they are recyclable! Did you know that only 1-4 percent of all of these plastic bags are actually being recycled? That’s not a very good statistic. 

In California, there’s actually a state law requiring grocery stores to offer free recycling opportunities for these plastic bags. The stores I go to usually have a large green or white bin just inside the doors for people to drop off their plastic bags. The sad thing is, they’re never full. I’ve seen so many ways to reuse these bags, that maybe people are starting to figure out new ways to reuse them at least a couple of times before they end up in the garbage. That would be ideal. 

Some of the ways I’ve seen to reuse these bags are pretty neat! Here are a few ideas that I’ve come across, just by googling “recycle plastic grocery bag”. 

Betterbudgeting.com has a list of 22 ways to reuse bags, with anything from covering your muddy shoes with them while you come into the house, to folding them up and donating them to local shelters, or food banks. There were even a few crafty ideas for them, like making them into door mats for your outside doors… 

Instructables.com showed you how to make Loons from plastic bags, wire hangers, and newspaper. Even LifeHacker got into the ideas and posted a few as well. They noted using them as trash can liners instead of buying other plastic bags, crunching them up and using them for packing rather than using styrofoam peanuts, newspaper or bubble wrap. I’ve done this and it works quite well! 

The State of California has a page dedicated to informing, and suggesting ways to reuse, or even reduce our usage of these bags! 

I personally have started reusing these plastic bags to make stronger, reusable plastic shopping bags. It’s a great way to reuse them several times over, and you don’t have to worry about the bag tearing! It’s actually quite strong! I’ve gotten some great comments & compliments when I use these bags at the grocery store! Not to mention, it keeps at least 60 bags out of the landfill! 

If you want to avoid using the plastic bags altogether, then you can use basically any bag you want. I have seen different stores marketing their own bags. Trader Joe’s sells several bags of different sizes, colors, and materials. I have quite a few of their shopping bags, just because they’re so cute! I must say though, as far as holding large amounts of items, IKEA has the best bag! They have a large blue bag that can hold just about anything! I even use it when we make our Costco trips! It’s better than bringing home a bunch of big cardboard boxes. 

Well, I’ve given you a few ideas, now I want to see yours!!! What do you do with your plastic grocery bags? Do you even use them? or do you use a canvas bag?