Don't Throw Out That Plastic Bag

Plastic grocery bags may be the bane of the modern kitchen - what to do with them? Recycle? You have to remember to take them with you! Throw them out? And suffer the twangs of guilt. Reuse them? But, really... there are only so many you can use.

Does it seem like they multiply silently every night? Do they crawl out of their storage area and explore strange corners? Here's help. You can use every last one of them and be looking for more. (Don't go shopping just to get them, though!)

Use plastic bags for containers

Containers for what? Dirty laundry, wet diapers, produce from the garden, weeds from the lawn. Books from the library, litter from the litter box, things to give away, things to throw away, things to hide away until Christmas. Use them to store small, alike items and hang them from hooks or nails. Use them to keep bigger items clean, like teddy bears and sweaters. Use them to haul food in containers for parties or when giving away leftovers after a family dinner. Set the food in the bottom tie up the handles and you have a carrier-to-go.

Plastic bags are perfect to protect from dirt and grime

Put some in the trunk of the car in case you have to change a tire. You can kneel on them and keep your good clothes clean. Use them also to protect the floor mats when it's rainy or muddy.

Plastic bags make great knee protectors when pulling weeds or working otherwise in the garden. Use the handles to tie them around your knees.

Put one on the counter or table when you're peeling potatoes or other vegetables to catch the peelings. When you're through, gather up the whole thing and toss it - no guilt.

Cover your shoes with them when you weed-eat, or have to walk through wet grass or muddy areas. Use plastic bags to keep your feet dry when your shoes or boots leak. Put one on each foot over your socks.

Still have plastic bags? Make something with them! Plastic bags can be crocheted or knitted into rugs for doorways, kitchens, bathrooms or wherever you need one. Use any pattern and substitute plastic bag strips for the yarn. It's sturdier than it seems and wears well.