Okay, so I wasn't yet hip to this phenomenon: spindle-y contraptions allowing one to invert plastic bags (presumably of the ziptop variety) to help dry them after a wash for reuse. Like a dish strainer or a clothesline for sandwhich baggies.
Of course, that $20 price tag always hits where it hurts, especially when it's clear that the materials all came from the unfinished wood section at the craftstore. (the little vase gives it away). So, for a...
Even if you've already made the move to reusable bags when grocery shopping, you still seem to gather a collection from short trips to the pharmacy, hardware store, etc.
Here's ninetine other options to put them to good reuse.
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0010/1275/4_2c_plastic.jpg)
You've been meaning to gather enough re-usable grocery sacks to do away with plastic bags all together, but you just can't find the time to sew them all, and can't bring yourself to pay $8-9 for commercial products.
A better answer: purchase some cheap tote bags from the craft store. Those living in the Midwest, Southeast, Oklahoma, and Texas should note that Garden Ridge sells large tote bags in, like, 15 different colors for only $1. These beat...
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0003/8084/image002_large.jpg)
At first glance, the Bag-E-Wash seems like a great idea. Basically, it’s a nylon dishwasher accessory that holds open used plastic bags as a means to wash, dry and, of course, reuse them. The Bag-E-Wash website says that if you reuse one box of 30 gallon-sized bags 50 times each, you’ll save $150 bucks and keep 1,500 bags out of landfills. Sounds good, huh? However, the apparatus looks like it takes up a lot of room in the dishwasher, which would...
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0010/3894/whredtote1.jpg)
If the ideas on MyRecycledBags.com don’t inspire you to learn how to crochet, nothing will! Basically, the site features things made from plastic bags, cassette and VHS tapes. From totes to handbags, baby bibs to Barbie Doll clothes, MRB offers up a great collection of free patterns to reuse all that stuff we try to get rid of.
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0010/3957/baby-bib1.jpg)
To learn how to convert plastic bags into yarn, check out this post, via Craftzine. And to help you learn how to crochet...
Despite your attempts to utilize canvas grocery bags, somehow you always end up with plastic bags, and you need a place to store 'em for proper recycling. You could check out these directions for a hard-surface unit; or you can give your burgeoning sewing skills a workout with the instructions below. (Plus, the soft surfaces and light weight make it ideal for a substitute pillow, or hitting your friends upon their making ridiculous comments.)
![Make A Plastic Bag Storage Sack: Sewing for Dudes [and Ladies], No. 4.](http://images.curbly.com/9pUYnshOZlatTMXYLMHmvjLr0oE=/709x0/filters:no_upscale():format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0003/2340/completed_large.jpg)
Mate...
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0002/3494/annotated_large.JPG)
In an effort to reduce and reuse plastic bags, how about making a plastic bag keeper? Chances are you already have everything you need to make one for free. Or you can buy one at The Container Store for 4.99 plus 6.50 s & h. Your choice.
The Props
:format(jpeg)/http://assets.curbly.com/photos/0000/0002/3470/120_2084_large.JPG)
The Procedure
Mark...