Recycle Those Plastic Shopping Bags!

by Cyndi Roberts

I don't know about you, but
I can't bear to throw away those plastic bags that
we get every time we go to the store. They are so
handy for lots of things!

I keep them in a decorative tin in my kitchen. Then
they are at hand when I need one.

I have read hints about using an old tissue box to
store them. Just stuff them in the top and pull one
out at a time.

I use these bags for:

* wastebasket liners--I never buy liners for the small
wastebaskets in the bedrooms and bathrooms.

* when I travel, I put shoes in the bags, and then in
our suitcase. Nothing gets dirty!

* packing material when mailing. They
are very lightweight and fit around any item.

* they can be used to carry craft projects with you.
I always have a plastic canvas project going -- when I
want to take it with me, I just put everything in a
plastic shopping bag.

* wet bathing suits or towels can be transported in
plastic shopping bags. The larger bags can be used to
cover car seats when the kids are wearing the wet
bathing suits!

* carrying lunches to work or school or on a field
trip; there's no need to keep up with a lunch box,
just throw the bag away.

* when our boys were younger and played soccer, sometimes
they had to play in the rain or on a wet field. We just
put plastic bags on their feet, then put on their socks
and shoes and it helped keep their feet dry.

* if you're doing a messy painting technique, such as ragging,
cover your hands with a plastic bag and your hands will stay
clean. I like to cover my hands and as far up on my arms as the
bag will go when I am rolling paint with a roller, then all
those little spatters are on the bags and not on me.

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!


Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter
"1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical,
money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at
http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the
Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".