Talking About Green

Are you one of the many people who simply throw your used grocery bags in the trash without a second thought?  Would it change your mind to know that these non-biodegradable bags are only taking up space in our rapidly expanding landfills?  Perhaps if you discovered that there are a number of ways to reuse your plastic bags, you would be less likely to waste them and continue contributing to the pollution of our planet.  In fact, there are several uses for recycled plastic bags that can not only help the environment, but also make your life easier and save you money in the long run.  So before you toss your grocery bags, get creative and consider how you might use them around your house.

1. In the kitchen. Plastic bags are endlessly useful, especially in the kitchen.  For starters, you can use them for food.  By keeping meat packages in separate bags, you can stop them from sticking together.  And if you’re transporting food containers that may leak, you can add an extra layer of protection between yourself and spillable items by wrapping them in a plastic bag.  You can also seal away potentially smelly food waste (like peels, rinds, and meat cuttings) before throwing them in the trash so your space doesn’t smell like rotting food.
2. In the car. Whether you’re a sports nut who needs a place to put shoes soiled by hiking or a swimsuit that’s still damp (to keep them from mucking up the interior of your car) a plastic bag can fit the bill.  They can also come in handy on long car trips with kids (or adults) that are susceptible to motion sickness.
3. For baby and pet waste. Have you noticed a malodorous stench coming from the diaper pail or litter box?  You can reduce or eliminate these unfortunate scents by placing dirty diapers in plastic bags (and tying them closed) before you drop them in the pail or by cleaning your litter box frequently and sealing the waste in a plastic bag.  You can even use them when you take your dog for a walk in areas that uphold an ordinance that requires you to pick up your pet’s waste.
4. For trash. Why spend money on plastic trash bags when you can get the equivalent for free with every grocery trip?  These plastic bags are the perfect size for small trash cans (like the ones in your bathroom or office) as well as some medium-sized garbage bins, so if you save them until they are needed, you can avoid buying plastic trash bags at the store (cutting down on your expenditures and doing something good for the environment).
5. For shopping. Forget about everything else: why not use grocery bags again for their intended purpose?  Take them back to the store and put your next grocery order in them (and keep doing it until they outlive their usefulness).  You can also keep them on hand for trips to other merchants as a way to cut down on the future use of new bags.  Or consider smoothing them flat and taking a stack to your local thrift store or library for their use.  As long as someone is giving these bags a second (or third, or fourth) life, you can keep them out of the landfill a little bit longer.

Sarah Danielson writes for Attract Women where you can find tips and advice on meeting, dating, and talking to women.