7 Clever Ways toReuse Plastic Grocery Bags

You could be quite skilled at saving money. plastic grocery bags (Lift your hand if you have a stack occupying space beneath the kitchen sink), however, are you adept at utilizing them multiple times, perhaps for a second, third, or even a fifth usage? There are numerous intelligent and pragmatic methods to repurpose these. common household item , and we contacted a home expert for some guidance and useful suggestions.

Joy Ramos, who manages operations at Bear Brothers Cleaning in Alabama, offers some innovative ways to repurpose shopping bags. These suggestions might make you wonder why you didn't think of them earlier.

Adopting the practice of reusing plastic bags is straightforward," states Ramos, "yet it doesn’t apply universally." It’s crucial to "be aware of the contents previously stored in the bag, examine it carefully with every use, and ensure you recycle it (provided your local facilities accept them) when it begins to deteriorate.

Ramos indicates that you might be able to reuse plastic bags two to five times. Quite resourceful, isn’t it?

Meet The Expert

• Joy Ramos serves as the operations manager for Bear Brothers Cleaning in Alabama

Place Your Mini Waste Bins

Of course, you might purchase petite garbage bags for your restroom receptacles and household study area waste container, yet why incur the expense when these items are virtually identical to the plastic carrier bags you brought your groceries home with?

Ramos notes that these bags are "perfectly sized and make it much easier to dispose of garbage." However, use some practical judgment as well. As he clarifies, "if the bag was used before for holding raw poultry, meat drippings, or anything else moist from groceries that might have seeped through, avoid using it again because bacteria could spread to your waste container or hands subsequently," according to Ramos.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Once again, you can purchase specially made bags for cleaning up after your pup, but in a pinch (or if you happen to have stockpiled a whole bundle), put a shopping bag to the task!

These bags work well for cleaning out the litter box too. According to Ramos, you should steer clear of utilizing bags that once contained perishable items, especially if there was leakage from the food because this could indicate bacterial presence, which makes them unsuitable for managing your pet's waste safely.

Pack, Pad, And Ship

Given that most people do not keep bubble wrap or Styrofoam around for shipping parcels, shopping bags can be incredibly useful in these situations. According to Ramos, you should fill any gaps within boxes with plastic bags to stop items from moving during transit. She notes, “These bags are light, free of charge, and provide unexpectedly effective padding.”

The only exception: Ensure they are completely dry.

Transport Lunch And Snacks

Reusable bags that haven’t been exposed to raw materials can be utilized for carrying dry snacks or lunch boxes," states Ramos. However, refrain from repurposing bags designed for pre-packaged foods if they've previously contained unwashed produce, meat, or fish 'or anything with leaking packaging.'

Store And Organize

Ramos recommends grouping together tiny objects such as festive decorations (like Christmas tree lights), wires and cables, cleaning products, or mini versions of personal care items.

This is a speedy fix when you urgently require getting organized.

Shield Shoes or Wet Garments During Transit

Your departure isn't scheduled until the afternoon, so your relatives want to take one final swim in either the sea or the hotel pool. However, nobody likes traveling with damp swimming gear. To avoid this issue, consider packing several garbage bags in your luggage; they'll provide a simple solution for keeping wet swimsuits or water shoes separate from clean clothes. Just make sure to use bags without holes, as suggested by Joyce.

Once more: Avoid using bags that previously held raw or wet groceries.

Joyce remarks, "It’s all about extending their usability in a safe and responsible manner when it comes to repurposing bags."

Keep Dry If It Rains Surprise

Nothing is quite as irritating as being caught in the rain sans umbrella, particularly when you're headed somewhere important. However, should you find yourself with a spare shopping bag either in your vehicle or at the bottom of your tote, you can use it for shelter.

Ramos notes that despite its lack of style, it proves to be extremely practical during inclement weather.

Related: I Never Travel Without Packing At Least 5 Of This Common Household Item

Read the initial article on Southern Living