There are all kinds of bags out there, grocery bags, sandwich bags, bread bags, fertilizer bags and the list goes on. It just seems a shame to toss them into the trash without getting another use out of them - since we'll all be dead before they decompose.

Send me your ideas and I'll add them. Here are a few to start things off:

::Store homemade soup. Fill up bags, then lay them flat in the freezer. When the bags of soup freeze flat, you’ll be able to pile them up like stacked books for easy, space-saving storage.

::Protect precious cargo. No bubble wrap? Slip a straw into the top of a nearly closed Ziploc bag and inflate. Remove the straw and seal to make a cushion.

::Store panty hose. Tear off the corner of the package listing the brand, size, and color, then slip it into a bag. Store each pair in its own bag to keep hose organized and prevent snags

 flickr/cc - Blues Belle
-Other Uses-
::For overnight trips, fill bags with single portions of shampoo and conditioner - then cut a corner for use in the shower
::Keep moisture away from Q-tips and cotton balls.
::Stash powder compacts in bags to prevent spills in your purse.
::Collect stamps, paper, and pens in one place for writing notes or paying bills.
::Stow markers to prevent ink stains.

::Keep paintbrushes moist during do-it-yourself projects
::Reduce food-preparation time by storing prechopped ingredients. (Tip: Pat freshly washed fruits and vegetables completely dry before bagging them for storage. Damp items spoil more quickly)
::Refrigerate marinating meats.
::Fill with frosting, snip a corner, and decorate cupcakes
::Retire the old coin jar — a bag takes up less space.

::Organize camera batteries and memory cards.
::Separate nuts, bolts, and drill bits.
::Keep receipts handy and wrinkle-free.
::Corral keys, your phone, and loose change before hitting airport security.
::Store your car's insurance card and registration in the glove compartment.

::Snack-size bags are perfect for packing a weekend's worth of jewelry.
::Store silver jewelry to reduce tarnishing.
::Dedicate a bag to extra earring backs.
::Protect appliances from dust and grease.
::After the holidays, seal decorations before retiring them to the basement.

::Put instructions in bags and tape them to the backs of appliances.
::Bag coupons for quick reference.
::Place over feet to keep socks dry if you don’t have galoshes to throw on
 flickr/cc - thedaisychick
 
Cook an omelet? You add 2 eggs per bag plus whatever other ingredients you want (mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, grated cheese, etc.). Close the bag, removing all the air and drop into a pot of boiling water. Let boil exactly 13 minutes. Open the bag and the omelette rolls out cleanly.

4 Comments

  1. Jill // Friday, July 30, 2010 8:50:00 AM  

    Good ideas! I hope to make a crocheted shopping bag one day (after I learn to crochet). My main thing to do with poly bags is to avoid acquiring them. They really build up around the house.

  2. Anonymous // Friday, July 30, 2010 5:26:00 PM  

    Good to avoid them Jill! It takes petroleum to make them and the USA uses enough to power 9 million automobiles :0

  3. Kara // Saturday, July 31, 2010 10:59:00 PM  

    Ha! My grandmother makes things like these out of plastic bags. I'll have to link her to this article for more ideas... last I saw, she was making cell phone cases and cup holders out of them. :)

  4. Kathryn // Saturday, August 14, 2010 11:38:00 AM  

    If you have a sewing machine, you could wash them out and sew them together between two dollar store placemats and make a portable craft keeper.

    I used mine to store pipecleaners, markers, googly eyes, spools of thread, paint brushes, etc. to take to work to work on small craft projects over my lunch hour when I worked 3rd shift.