How to Make the Most of Reusable Bags

Green Crafts, Gifts, and More

Y! Lyn
So, you have made the switch to reusable bags, but need some pointers on making them last? Make the most out of your reusable bags by doing small things that make a big difference. The whole point of reusable bags is reducing waste. Drive that point home by using your bags to their fullest potential and also by extending their usage time.

Only buy as many reusable bags as you need to. When you buy your reusable bags, don't buy 20 bags if you never buy enough items at once to fit inside them. If you want to take advantage of a sale on them, give the excess ones to a friend or even better, to a homeless shelter. If you buy bags you don't need, then you are still wasting resources and defeating the purpose.

Give reusable bags to everyone you know. One example of this is Right Bag at Ya! They're on a mission to get everyone using reusable bags with a generous and simple concept. They want people to purchase or make gift bags for family and friends that need to learn more about reusable bags. On their facebook page, in the photo section, you can find gift tags to print for the bags. Those tags explain how important it is to do away with plastic bags - and let the bag recipients know that their gift comes with a mission to keep spreading the knowledge.

Use worn ones for craft projects. Have you used your reusable bags so much that you can't possibly use them anymore? Think again. Cut them up and use the scraps as filler for cloth craft iems. Make cloth dolls from them. My family once made our Easter baskets from them. Click here for instructions on that. There are all sorts of things you can make with your used and worn reusable grocery bags.

Don't over-pack the bags. When purchasing your groceries and other items, don't overstuff the bags. You can make full use of the space, but think about weight limits and distribute items more evenly. This helps to avoid putting too much weight on the straps or other areas. Your bags will last longer if you think about the weight you are putting inside them.

Use reusable bags for all shopping - not just groceries. Sure, many people remember to take reusable bags when getting groceries. But what about other shopping trips? Use those bags when shopping for clothing, household items, baby items, pet items, and so much more. Eliminate plastic from your life altogether by getting the most out of your reusable bags.

Published by Y! Lyn - Community Advocate

Lyn Lomasi is the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Email her with community issues & ideas (contributor-lyn@yahoo-inc.com). Read her tips for success on the official Yahoo! Contributor Netwo...  View profile

25 Comments

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  • Coral Levang9/30/2010

    Great article and advice, Lyn. :-) I loved this.

  • joan marie leverone9/8/2010

    Excellent tips. It hadn't occurred to me to use at another store beside the name on the bag. I will definitely pass this along. joan marie

  • Amie Warren9/5/2010

    I have a favorite local "junk shop" where I just found 6 strong canvas tote bags for 25 cents each. I carry them everywhere with me, and am always looking for more. My friend decorates them and gives them as gifts.

  • yonca k9/4/2010

    Wonderful ideas!

  • Dina Quirion9/3/2010

    Excellent advice.. :o)

  • Tara M. Clapper9/3/2010

    Great tips! JoAnn Fabrics has some 12 x 12 bags for sale--they're great for scrapbooking since they are big enough for the albums.

  • Angela Tague9/2/2010

    Good Tips! I use my cloth bags for groceries & small shopping trips.

  • Rachel B.9/2/2010

    Using old bags for crafts, rather than throwing them away, is a great way to extend their life. Excellent article!

  • Sherri Granato9/2/2010

    Wonderful ideas!

  • Michele Starkey9/1/2010

    Nicely done, cheers :)

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