Creative re-purposing and recycling what you have is a cornerstone of frugal living. If you subscribe to the daily paper and it comes in a plastic bag, how do you re-use it? We've got some creative uses for plastic newspaper bags here:
- Keep plastic newspaper bags in the glove compartment of your car to dispose of trash
- Use them to dispose of clumping kitty litter
- Use for storing homemade rolls or bread
- Use to cover a cast on your arm while showering
- When you walk your dog, put one in your pocket for doggy-poo pickup
- Use it to cover an umbrella before putting it in your tote bag, purse, or car
- Tuck one in your beach bag for shells or wet bathing suits
- Make a jump rope for your kids by tying bags end to end
- Use plastic newspaper bags to dispose of dirty diapers
- Tie with a pretty ribbon and use as an inexpensive gift bag
- Cut them into strips for braiding rugs
- Use to cover a wet paint roller when you want to take a break
- Pack shoes in plastic bags when you travel so the rest of the clothing in your suitcase doesn't get dirty
- Pack hair gel, lotion, medication or other liquids in plastic newspaper bags when you travel to avoid spills in your luggage
- Use it to cover plants from frost in the spring or fall
- In rain or snow, put them on over your child's socks as a moisture barrier between their socks and their boots
- Return the bags to your paper carrier to re-use (many delivery people are charged for their supplies, so he/she may thank you!)
What creative ideas for recycling plastic newspaper bags have we missed? Let us know! For more great recycling and repurposing ideas, visit our Simple + Green Living Forum.
We used ours for poopy diapers. It was much easier than the diaper genie and you could just tie the diaper in the bag and throw it in the regular trash.
I am a paper carrier, and I do re-use them;) I also used them to cover my son’s arm cast in the tub, worked great!
Like Amy, I used mine in my diaper bag for the times I had to change a diaper and didn’t have a trash can nearby.
I use them for the poopy diapers from the child I babysit. Much nicer than having that stinky diaper champ/genie around the house smelling things up. This way the dirty diapers go out with the regular daily trash.
You can cut them into loops and string them together and crochet a nice veggie basket..strong and waterproof!!
I use the used plastic bags to cover my windshield wipers when its going to sleet or ice. The work great because they slip right on and come right off and you can get in and go.
I started getting the paper this year and I cringe every time I have to throw away a bag cause I know how much the paperboy has to pay to get them! Great idea to give them back!
I use them to pick up my chocolate labs poop, works well.
I used a lot of them to store all my Mom’s Christmas decorations and ornaments. Some of the items I would tie a loose knot between them to prevent scratching.
Great idea, Karen!
i drive a school bus and they work great for puke bags
My bags are green and I take a wire hanger, bend it into a circle and cut each bag in half. I tie them in on the hanger and I create a nice water proof wreath to hang outside at Christmas time. All I need is a red bow and they look so nice!