Twelve Unconventional Ways to Utilize Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable Shopping Bags: Beyond Groceries and Garbage
Situated in the checkout line, acquiring reusable plastic bags may seem like a common occurrence. But, as they accumulate, questions arise regarding their secondary uses. These versatile items can be employed in a myriad of practical ways beyond carrying groceries. To shed light on these lesser-known applications, we consulted organization and sustainability experts. Here are some creative solutions to put your excess reusable bags to good use.
Portable Laundry Bags
Professional organizer Jennifer Brandon, of Wild Beacon Consulting, suggests keeping a reusable bag handy in the closet for easy dry cleaning transport. "Instead of transferring items from a laundry bin to a bag to your car," she explains, "you can simply use the entire bag."
Seasonal Home Décor Storage
When it comes to seasonal home décor storage, large reusable bags are ideal for storing wreaths and other decorative items, preventing dust and dirt accumulation, and grouping like items for easy access during redecorating. Christian Pfeiffer, a professional organizer at Valley Organizing, recommends this method.
Craft Supplies Organization
Stray knitting needles, yarn, and unfinished craft projects can quickly become tangled if not stored away in an orderly fashion. Reusable bags are an excellent solution, as they allow easy organization of craft supplies within a larger bin or box. "Keeping all of the pieces of a project together in one bag helps keep you organized and makes it easier to start again," notes Brandon.
Car Trash and Recycling Containers
To maintain a clean automobile interior, Wendy Trunz, partner and head organizer at Jane's Addiction Organization, advises using a reusable bag as a makeshift garbage bin or recycling container in the car. "Place handles over the seat back," she suggests, "and use it for easy garbage disposal." Additionally, Trunz recommends using reusable bags as bin liners when recycling, making waste management more convenient and eco-friendly.
Purse Dust Covers
Protect your prized purses from dust and damage by utilizing reusable bags as dust covers, particularly cotton ones. "This keeps your favorite bags pristine," advises Brandon, "and you can even use them to store smaller purses for easy organization."
Sports Equipment Separators
To prevent the spread of germs when packing a sports bag, Trunz recommends using reusable shopping bags to separate shoes and other equipment from the rest of the gear.
Charitable Donations
Secondhand shops often lack sufficient bags, making reusable shopping bags an excellent option for donating items. This not only helps the environment but also aids charity organizations with their budgeting. "You can also donate them to food banks, refugee centers, and local schools or libraries," Brandon says.
Gift Bags and Moving Helpers
Reusable bags can be stylish and practical as gift bags or useful for transporting smaller items during a move. Trunz suggests using seasonally designed bags for holiday gifts, and Brandon appreciates their ability to handle heavy loads, such as moving books.
Trick-or-Treat Bags
In a pinch, reusable shopping bags can serve as functional trick-or-treat bags due to their sturdy design and available seasonal themes.
Beach Totes
Reusable shopping bags prove useful for transporting beach items like towels and toys and for storing wet, sandy items until you return home to wash them.
By embracing these creative repurposing methods, you can reduce waste, keep your home organized, and make a positive impact on the environment.
Martha Stewart might find reusable shopping bags as valuable for storing off-season home decor items, as large bags can prevent dust accumulation and facilitate easy access during redecorating. Craft supply organization could also benefit from using reusable shopping bags, since they allow an easy way to organize supplies within a larger bin or box, keeping all pieces of projects together. When going on a trip, popular lifestyle expert and television personality, Marthastewart, might use reusable shopping bags as purse dust covers to protect prized purses from dust and damage, or as travel totes for beach or sports equipment.
