Plastic bags are incredibly convenient for carrying groceries and other items, but they also create a lot of waste. The average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags per year, with most used only once before being tossed in the trash. This unnecessary plastic waste ends up in landfills and litters streets and oceans.
Luckily, there are many creative ways to repurpose and reuse plastic bags rather than throwing them out. With a little imagination, you can transform these free bags into useful items for your home, garden, and hobbies. Repurposing plastic bags reduces waste and saves you money on projects that would normally require you to purchase new materials.
Here are 23 genius ideas to inspire you to reuse plastic bags in crafty, practical ways:
Make DIY Trash Bags
One of the most direct ways to reuse plastic shopping bags is to convert them into small trash can liners. Sturdy plastic bags work great for small bathroom or office trash bins.
To make DIY trash bags:
- Take a clean, dry plastic shopping bag.
- Cut along the sides to open it up fully.
- Tie a knot in the handle to shorten the length.
- Place the bag in your small trash can.
This gives plastic bags a second life rather than contributing more waste to landfills. Reuse grocery bags to line as many wastebaskets at home as possible.
Craft Sturdy Tote Bags
Plastic shopping bags can be folded, cut, tied, and woven into reusable fabric tote bags. This repurposing project takes some time and skill, but the end result is a sturdy bag that can replace even more plastic bags at the store.
To make a woven tote bag, you’ll need:
- Clean, dry plastic bags (at least 15-20)
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Twine or ribbon
Follow online video tutorials for instructions on how to cut, fold, and weave the bags into a tote shape. Add length to handles with twine or ribbon. These sturdy homemade totes can carry heavy items like books and groceries.
Create Waterproof Picnic and Beach Blankets
For a quick and easy repurposing idea, collect plastic bags and use tape to attach them together into a large blanket shape. Leave the bag handles exposed along the sides to use as tie downs to secure the blanket.
Layering the plastic bags creates a soft, waterproof surface perfect for outdoor picnics, camping, or beach days. No need to worry about getting sandy or spilling food on this DIY blanket!
Fashion Durable Sleeping Mats for the Homeless
Numerous volunteer organizations collect plastic bags to weave into sleeping mats for homeless populations. Making sleeping mats gives plastic bags new life while keeping those in need off cold, damp ground.
These durable mats are waterproof and insulating. It can take 500-700 bags to make a single mat. Organize a plastic bag collection drive in your community to help support this meaningful cause.
Knit Reusable Accessories and Garments
With the right knitting technique, plastic bags can be cut into strips or “plarn” then woven into useful household items or clothing accessories. Knitting with plarn takes skill but creates super durable products.
Possible projects include:
- Purses, totes, and backpacks
- Yoga mat carriers
- Bathroom rug
- Planters and baskets
- Pet bed
- Winter accessories like hats and scarves
Knitted plastic bags can make trendy accessories with an eco-friendly repurposing touch.
Create Durable Outdoor Rugs
An easy way to reuse plastic bags is to tightly braid them into sturdy homemade rugs for outdoor use. Start by cutting bags into strips then braiding them together.
Coil the braid into a spiral shape and sew through all layers to form a durable rug shape. These water-resistant rugs are great for patios, garages, entryways or anywhere that gets muddy. Customize sizes to fit any high-traffic space.
Craft Whimsical Wreaths and Wall Decorations
Add a touch of whimsy to your walls by upcycling plastic bags into artsy wreaths, swirls, and pom poms. Simple loops and twists secured with tape create modern 3D wall art.
Use bags in multiple colors for fun patterns and designs. Line wreaths with cardboard or wire for more structure before attaching bags. These eco-friendly decorations cost mere pennies to create.
Form Sturdy Bowls, Baskets, and Buckets
With enough tightly layered plastic bags, you can form large rigid bowls, baskets, and buckets. These DIY plastic containers are sturdy enough to hold supplies, toys, laundry, and other household items.
Line bowls and buckets with an additional bag for easy cleanup. Plastic bag vessels serve as cute waste paper bins around the house too. Get creative with braiding and weaving techniques to make storage solutions in all sizes.
Upcycle into Handy Cord Organization Tools
Tired of tangled cords and headphone wires? Repurpose old plastic bags into handy holders to keep cables neatly organized.
Simply cut the side seams of a bag into one long strip. Coil headphones or a computer cord inside the plastic sleeve, then seal the ends with tape. Quick cable wraps prevent knots and kinks while repurposing plastic waste.
Fashion Durable Raincoats for Kids
Plastic shopping bags can be repurposed into a simple rain poncho or coat perfect for kids’ play clothes. Cut a head and arm hole in the bottom of a bag then use tape to seal the sides.
Decorate with markers for added fun. The plastic material forms a waterproof layer to keep kids dry in the rain. Make plastic bag coats in bigger sizes for adults too.
Create Insulating Window Panels
Want to seal out drafts and help insulate your home in winter? Upcycle plastic bags into window insulation panels. Just insert crumpled bags between two sheets of cardboard or plywood cut to fit your window frame.
Use tape to seal edges and sandwich bags inside. Install panels during cold months to add an extra barrier against icy winds and save on heating bills. Remove them easily in spring.
Craft Sturdy Plastic Bag Rope
For a super durable plastic bag repurposing project, twist and loop grocery bags into homemade rope. Just cut bags into strips, tie ends together, then keep twisting and connecting pieces.
The more bags used, the longer and stronger your plastic bag rope. Use it for hauling lumber, securing items to car roofs, hanging swings, and any other task that normally requires rope.
Make Unique Book and Magazine Covers
Jazz up old books and magazines by using plastic bags as covers. Wrap the publication in a grocery bag then use tape to neatly adhere it in place on the front, back, and spine.
Get creative with patterns, images, or words from the original plastic bag’s design. Laminating with plastic bags gives books, notebooks, and magazines a unique repurposed cover.
Craft Sturdy Handles for Tough Jobs
Don’t throw out torn plastic bags! Cut the handles off then loop and tape them together to form sturdy straps. These plastic handle straps work great for hauling firewood, moving furniture, securing unwieldy items to car roofs, and other tough tasks.
The thick layered plastic handles are super strong so you can carry heavy items without breaking traditional rope or twine.
Create Homemade Gift Wrap
Want to wrap gifts in an eco-friendly way? Save plastic bags to repurpose into custom gift wrap. Brown paper grocery bags make great neutral wrapping material.
Use colorful plastic bags cut into sheets to make bright solids or patterns. Finish with a decorative bow or recycled gift tag. Homemade plastic bag wrap reduces waste and showcases your creativity.
Form Garden Plant Labels
Gardeners can repurpose plastic bags into plant labels that withstand all weather conditions. Cut bags into strips, punch a hole, add plant name details with marker, and attach to garden stakes and plant pots with twine.
Write plant names, planting dates, or care instructions on DIY plastic labels so key details last through seasons. These labels won’t smudge or fade like paper tags.
Fashion Custom Leftover Food Storage Bags
Tired of wasting plastic baggies? Repurpose plastic shopping bags into custom food storage bags. Plastic grocery bags come in ideal sizes for storing half onions, individual chicken breasts, sliced fruit, broken crackers, and all those leftover bits.
Simply cut or fold to desired shape and seal with tape. Write dates and contents right on bags. DIY food storage eliminates waste while keeping food fresh longer.
Make Convenient Waste Pick Up Mitts
When walking dogs or cleaning up yards, carry plastic bags on hands like mittens to grab waste easily. Load a bag over each hand like a glove. Tie knot to keep secure.
Once finished, reverse bags to seal in mess then dispose. This keeps hands clean while repurposing plastic bags you’d normally recycle or toss. The thickness provides sanitary protection.
Create Durable Produce and Grocery Bags
Even plastic grocery bags can be repurposed into produce and grocery carriers. Cut off handles then use scissors to cut through both sides to form one flat, sturdy sheet.
Punch holes along the top then reinforce by threading a plastic strip cut from another bag through holes and knotting. Attach longer strap handles from multiple bag strips. These DIY reusable bags hold all your fruits, veggies, and goods.
Craft Sturdy Pet Toys
Replace store-bought pet toys with durable homemade versions using old plastic bags. Simply braid, twist, and tie shopping bags into pet tug toys. For crackling noisemakers, stuff plastic bags inside a tennis ball with a cut slit, then secure slit with tape.
Dogs love chasing and chewing reinforce plastic bag toys. The materials are harmless if ingested. Make toys in fun shapes and sizes to keep pets entertained for hours.
Form Reusable Sand and Salt Spreaders
Don’t buy plastic salt and sand spreader tools. Fashion your own from used plastic bags instead. Cut the bottom out of plastic jugs or bottles. Attach the cut-off screw top to a folded plastic bag using tape.
Fill the plastic bottle base with salt or sand. Screw on the handle and perforated bag spout then shake away ice and snow. Rinse and reuse all season long.
Create Convenient Trash Can Liner Dispensers
Plastic shopping bags are ideal lightweight trash can liners. Repurpose a plastic container into a dispenser to keep bags handy under sinks, next to trash cans, and in utility rooms.
Load flattened bags into a plastic jug with a slit cut partway down the side. Thread bag corners through the slit so you can easily grab one bag at a time as needed.
Sew Durable Tarps, Tents, and Ground Coverings
Don’t throw away ripped or damaged plastic tarps and drop cloths. Sew and patch holes using the bottom edge plastic from shopping bags. Cut into strips and stitch across tears using a heavy duty needle and strong thread.
Multi-layered grocery bag plastic holds up better than duct tape fixes when repairing heavy duty coverings. Use this tip for patching tents too.
Create Sturdy Emergency Survival Supplies
In an emergency situation, plastic bags have dozens of helpful survival uses. Save bags to repurpose into:
- Water collection and storage
- Fire starting tinder
- Ground cover and shelter
- Waterproofing for clothes and shoes
- Container to boil water
- Floatation device
- Signal flag
- First aid arm sling or tourniquet
Fold and pack emergency plastic bags in survival kits, bug out bags, and vehicles. The versatility provides essential preparation.
Make Convenient Paint Storage and Brush Covers
Don’t pay for plastic paint bucket covers. Simply cut the bottom from used gallon plastic bags and use the top screw cap to seal paint cans. Slide a shopping bag over wet paint brushes and roll the top to form a portable cover.
Plastic bags provide airtight sealing and leakage protection for painting supplies. Reuse them over and over to reduce one-time plastic use.
Fashion Custom Shade and Weather Protection
Plastic bags have dozens of practical uses for temporary shade and weather protection. Cut open bags and tape together over windows as makeshift storm coverings. Use bags as disposable rain hats or ponchos in a pinch.
Drape bags over plants and sensitive outdoor furnishings when frost is expected. Repurposed bag plastic shields from sun, wind, rain, and cold weather.
Create Convenient Travel Tissue Packs
Never be without tissues while traveling! Fold a small stack of tissues then insert into an empty plastic bag. Seal the open end by stapling, using tape, or a simple knot.
These DIY travel tissue packs are ideal for purses, backpacks, glove compartments, and other on-the-go uses. The plastic keeps tissues clean and dry until you need them. Make packs in multiple sizes.
Conclusion
With a little ingenuity, plastic shopping bags transform into dozens of handy DIY projects instead of ending up in the trash. Next time you return home with a pile of plastic bags, pause before mindlessly throwing them away.
Challenge yourself to repurpose them into storage solutions, pet toys, emergency kits, home decorations, and more. Reusing plastic grocery bags keeps trash out of landfills while sparking creative ideas to benefit your household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposing Plastic Bags
Here are some common questions about reusing plastic shopping bags in crafty and practical ways:
Is it safe to reuse grocery bags for food storage or cooking uses?
It’s best to only repurpose plastic food bags for non-edible uses. Bags designed for groceries may contain chemicals unsuitable for direct food contact after first use. Stick to repurposing plastic bags for non-food items. Purchase reusable bags made from food-safe materials for storing leftovers.
Can plastic bags go in the microwave or oven when repurposing?
No, never microwave or bake repurposed plastic bags. They can release toxic fumes at high heat. Only reuse plastic bags for crafts suitable at normal ambient room temperatures.
Where can I donate repurposed plastic bags to help those in need?
Many charities and shelters accept donated plastic bags to weave into sleeping mats for the homeless. Churches, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations may also accept bag donations for various crafts and projects.
What’s the best way to cut up plastic bags for crafting?
Use sharp scissors for clean cuts through thick plastic. For longer strips, cut across the fold lines on bag edges first. Unfold the cut bag to yield longer strips for weaving and braiding projects.
How should I clean plastic bags before repurposing into new items?
Use a mild soap and water solution to wash any food residue from used plastic bags. Let them air dry completely before cutting and repurposing into crafts, storage items, accessories, or other projects.
What’s the strongest knot for securing repurposed plastic bag handles and straps?
The strongest and most secure knot for plastic is the overhand knot. Make a loop in the plastic strap then pass the end through the loop and tightly pull closed. The overhand knot won’t loosen or slip.
Can I combine plastic bags with other materials when repurposing them?
Absolutely! For added durability, repurposed plastic bags can be combined with cardboard, wood, wire, rope, tape, staples, fabric and more. Get creative mixing materials to make the end product even more sturdy and functional.