I came across this article that I thought others might find interesting. One of the mind boggling facts in this article is that America uses about 1 billion plastic bags a year. We recycle only a small fraction. I know that our curbside recycling only started to take plastic bags 3 or 4 years ago. I imagine most cities do not have the capability to recycle plastic bags.
I already use my plastic bags for the pooper scooper, so I guess I can check that one off the list. But, there are some really creative projects like placemats, wreaths, jump ropes, and garland.
You can even make your own Plarn. I don't think I have the patience for this one!
http://www.myrecycle...d-plastic-yarn/
Here is the article:
http://www.care2.com...ses.html?page=2
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8
16 Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags
Started by FamilyTreeClimber, Oct 31 2012 11:34 PM
12 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 01 November 2012 - 04:19 AM
I'm not a fan of bans but charging people 2-3 cents a bag extra for them would encourage more people
to use their own.
And not to give kudo's to wm-but they have recycling boxes by their front doors just for plastic bags-
if the people would use them.
I've been using reusable bags for years now, and I know years ago when I brought them into the stores,
cashiers would start to put my bags into the store's plastic bags; until I pointed out the error of their ways. (And not always
nicely either.)
The percentage of people using them has gone up but I still see customers with their stuff in plastic bags.
to use their own.
And not to give kudo's to wm-but they have recycling boxes by their front doors just for plastic bags-
if the people would use them.
I've been using reusable bags for years now, and I know years ago when I brought them into the stores,
cashiers would start to put my bags into the store's plastic bags; until I pointed out the error of their ways. (And not always
nicely either.)
The percentage of people using them has gone up but I still see customers with their stuff in plastic bags.
#4
Posted 01 November 2012 - 01:04 PM
There are times when a plastic bag comes in handy. I reuse all the ones I get either for garbage, for cleaning up messes that you need a bag that won't leak (doggie puke, anyone?), and for the pooper scooper. If I didn't have them, I would have to buy them. So, I don't see where I would be saving any bags. I'd actually be making Glad and Hefty more profits though.
I would rather have the 2-3 cent fee than the ban. What I'd like to see is that fee then put into research that would create a truly biodegradable bag that people could use for the things they need and then they would dissolve--kind of like the packaging peanuts they came out with about 5 years ago that dissolve when put in water.
Still, people have bags and these are nice projects ideas for using them.
I would rather have the 2-3 cent fee than the ban. What I'd like to see is that fee then put into research that would create a truly biodegradable bag that people could use for the things they need and then they would dissolve--kind of like the packaging peanuts they came out with about 5 years ago that dissolve when put in water.
Still, people have bags and these are nice projects ideas for using them.
#5
Posted 01 November 2012 - 02:03 PM
FamilyTreeClimber, on 01 November 2012 - 01:04 PM, said:
There are times when a plastic bag comes in handy. I reuse all the ones I get either for garbage, for cleaning up messes that you need a bag that won't leak (doggie puke, anyone?), and for the pooper scooper. If I didn't have them, I would have to buy them. So, I don't see where I would be saving any bags. I'd actually be making Glad and Hefty more profits though.
I would rather have the 2-3 cent fee than the ban. What I'd like to see is that fee then put into research that would create a truly biodegradable bag that people could use for the things they need and then they would dissolve--kind of like the packaging peanuts they came out with about 5 years ago that dissolve when put in water.
Still, people have bags and these are nice projects ideas for using them.
I would rather have the 2-3 cent fee than the ban. What I'd like to see is that fee then put into research that would create a truly biodegradable bag that people could use for the things they need and then they would dissolve--kind of like the packaging peanuts they came out with about 5 years ago that dissolve when put in water.
Still, people have bags and these are nice projects ideas for using them.
#6
Posted 07 December 2012 - 08:04 AM
FamilyTreeClimber, on 01 November 2012 - 01:04 PM, said:
I would rather have the 2-3 cent fee than the ban. What I'd like to see is that fee then put into research that would create a truly biodegradable bag that people could use for the things they need and then they would dissolve--kind of like the packaging peanuts they came out with about 5 years ago that dissolve when put in water.
You know, I don't think that is necessarily that far off. I know there are drinking straws now made out of, I believe, corn. I'm sure that could be developed into plastic bags. Of course, then we'd still have to deal with issues of making our food supply into consumer products and of course allergies.
#7
Posted 08 December 2012 - 06:12 PM
If you have a dog or a friend with a dog you can think of one use for these bags, no sense buying something to then put dog poop into. I think they are also making the larger tote style bags out of this type of recycled plastic. The library system where I work has this type of bag and we only sell them for a buck but they cost lest than that (I hope) and have our logo on them. They seem to last a long time from what the patrons say.
#8
Posted 12 December 2012 - 11:45 AM
Whole Foods stopped carrying plastic shopping bags a while ago and Sav a Lot and Sam's Club don't have any bags at all. I like the reusable bags, but not all of those are created equal.
I have made and used plarn before and have plans to make more stuff in the very near future. Plastic is convenient and it will probably be a long time before people can cut that particular cord, if at all.
I have made and used plarn before and have plans to make more stuff in the very near future. Plastic is convenient and it will probably be a long time before people can cut that particular cord, if at all.
#10
Posted 09 May 2013 - 11:13 PM
Great discussion going on here!
Really plastic bags have become a very big problem for our world, they not only pollute our environment but they also look dirty when littered here and there. The stray animals like dogs, cats, cows, pigs, etc. also help in increasing this problem(littering here and there) specially here in India.
Source links mentioned above give really very informative informations on the poly bags scenario in the world.
I also try to recycle plastic bags at my own level like:
Like beautiful arts and crafts, decorative articles, useful products can be made from the used poly bags.
Really plastic bags have become a very big problem for our world, they not only pollute our environment but they also look dirty when littered here and there. The stray animals like dogs, cats, cows, pigs, etc. also help in increasing this problem(littering here and there) specially here in India.
Source links mentioned above give really very informative informations on the poly bags scenario in the world.
I also try to recycle plastic bags at my own level like:
- I never throw clean plastic bags in dustbin but I store them in a drawer which I have allotted for poly bags only. So whenever we need poly bags next time we take from there only.
- Most of the time I take a carry bag made from jute or cotton to grocery store or vegetable vendors so that use of poly bags could be minimized.
Like beautiful arts and crafts, decorative articles, useful products can be made from the used poly bags.
#11
Posted 10 May 2013 - 06:37 AM
johnygreen, on 09 May 2013 - 11:13 PM, said:
Great discussion going on here!
Really plastic bags have become a very big problem for our world, they not only pollute our environment but they also look dirty when littered here and there.
Really plastic bags have become a very big problem for our world, they not only pollute our environment but they also look dirty when littered here and there.
Not good...
#13
Posted 06 May 2014 - 08:57 PM
It is a great idea to recycle old plastic gags as it reduce the air pollution and lots of other benefits as well. You can find some more interesting ideas here: http://www.wikihow.c...ld-Plastic-Bags
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