7 Uses for Plastic Shopping Bags Long After They Leave the Grocery Store

Whether you're on a personal mission to curtail the use of plastic bags or you happen to live in one of the handful of states that have enforced bans on them, chances are you might still have a few floating around your house.

You could drop them off at a local grocery or department store with a plastic bag recycling program, but you could also find clever ways of repurposing or even upcycling them. Here are some ideas to get you inspired.

Decluttering Catch-All

Want to actually make progress on your springtime decluttering? Leave a plastic bag in every spot that needs sprucing up. For starters, hang one on your bathroom doorknob to capture all expired makeup and medication and one on your bedroom door for clothing or accessories you plan to donate or sell.

Admittedly, this is not the most attractive aesthetic for your home, but perhaps it will encourage you to declutter more quickly if only to send those filled bags to their next destination. You could also keep a couple in your car’s console or glove compartment to clear out any empty coffee cups or other detritus that collect in your vehicle .

Trash Can Liner

If buying garbage bags for the small trash cans in your house feels like you're literally throwing money in the garbage, it’s because you are. Instead, put those extra plastic bags to good use as bathroom garbage liners. Depending on the contents of the garbage, you might even get away with simply dumping the contents in your main garbage a few times; otherwise, the bag’s handles will make it super easy to remove and toss when it’s full.

Pet Waste Bag

Responsible dog owners are never without poop bags. While many bags are biodegradable, they are pricey. Save some money for your pet’s treat budget and put those plastic shopping bags to good use. Pet parents of large dogs will especially appreciate the roomier scoop, plus it makes it easier to tote to a garbage can. We’ll just offer a gentle reminder to inspect the bag for holes before you head out on a walk.

And not to leave our feline friends out, you can also repurpose plastic bags as scoopers for cat litter; the same reminder applies.

Thrift Store Purchases and Food Pantry Items

Thrift store shopping is very much in vogue, even in the age of fast fashion. Aside from the prospect of finding amazing deals, those who frequent thrift stores are also eager to reduce waste by giving clothing—and now your plastic bags—a second life. You could always call ahead, but thrift store associates will likely appreciate receiving a plastic bag haul for customers to carry out their purchases.

In addition to your non-perishable food donations, food pantry staff are always in need of containers, boxes, and bags to distribute their wares. Go online or make a call to locate one closest to you, then contact them to ask if you can drop off your pile of bags. Chances are, you’ll be met with a resounding “yes.”

Laundry Bag for Damp or Dirty Clothing

Moisture is a breeding ground for mold or mildew, especially when it’s on damp or sweaty clothing. If you got caught in a downpour or had an extra heavy duty session at the gym, keep a few plastic bags in your gym or work bag to keep offending items separate from everything else.

Clay Flower Pot Liners

Clay or terracotta flower pots are porous, allowing for air and excess moisture to seep out gently. This is normally a good thing anywhere except in a dry climate, where potted plants need all the help they can get. If this sounds like your neck of the woods, use those plastic bags to line clay pots to keep more of the moisture in for growing seeds or transplants. Just be sure to poke holes in the bottom of the bag and ensure they line up with the drainage holes in the pot.

Upcycled Crafts

If you're a knitter or crocheter, you might already have figured out how to turn strips of plastic bags into yarn. But even if you’re not handy with a needle, there's a boatload of other crafty things you can do by twisting and weaving plastic bags. Scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration and tutorials on how to upcycle plastic bags into “new” belts, bags, and more. 

Whether you’re feeling creative or practical, these ideas can help plastic garbage bags from being one-hit wonders.

Read Next: 6 Clever Ways to Reuse Cardboard Boxes So They Don't Pile Up in Your Home

Read the original article on The Spruce.