Have you ever gotten to the grocery store and suddenly realized you forgot your reusable shopping bags? It's okay to accept plastic grocery bags as long as you don't do it too often, and when you do, find ways to recycle them later. If the store has a bag recycle bin, bring them back. If they don't, resist the urge to toss the plastic bags into the garbage after emptying them. Bring them back to the grocery store to reuse, or roll them up and store them for later use.
Around the House
Plastic grocery bags may come in handy around the house. Instead of purchasing trash and garbage can liners, use the plastic bags. Put soiled disposable diapers in plastic bags to prevent odor from permeating your house. When peeling vegetables, Living a Better Life recommends lining a container with a plastic bag for easy cleanup and disposal. Place meats in plastic bags before defrosting in the refrigerator to prevent messy leaks. Double-bag chicken bones and skin before disposing to prevent leaks and odors.
Packing
Pack almost anything more efficiently with plastic bags. Instead of purchasing packing peanuts, wad up some plastic bags to protect items you're mailing. When you travel, toss a few plastic bags into your suitcase for dirty clothes, wet swimsuits and liquid items that may leak. Wrap your shoes in plastic bags to prevent the soles from touching your clean clothes. Before putting your food in a lunch box, wrap it in plastic to prevent spills. Wrap breakable Christmas decorations in plastic bags to protect them.
Children
Plastic grocery bags can come in handy for people with children. Stuff a couple of plastic bags in your diaper bag for soiled diapers and dirty clothes. Have a stash of bags in your car in case someone has motion sickness. Organize small pieces of toys and games in plastic bags. Use a Sharpie to label the bags for easy identification. Give each child over the age of three a plastic bag to fill with things to do on car, train or plane trips. Before putting bottles or sippy cups into your diaper bag, put them in plastic grocery bags. If your children go out and play in the snow or mud, cover their boots and shoes with plastic grocery bags, and secure them with string or rubber bands. Before they come indoors, remove them, and you won't have to worry about them tracking snow and mud into the house.
Pets
If you have pets, you'll find quite a few uses for plastic bags. Scoop soiled cat litter into the plastic bags before tossing into the trash can. Carry a couple of empty plastic bags while walking the dog so you won't leave a mess for someone else to step in. Use the bags for cleaning out bird and hamster cages.
Donate
Many nonprofit and charitable organizations have needs for plastic bags. Ask your local library, pet shelter and thrift shops if they can use them. Food banks and shelters may be able to use bags to organize items for needy families. You may even want to fill a few bags with items to bring to families in need due to sickness or financial hard times.
Crafts
If you like crafts, you may find several uses for plastic bags. Cut the bags open and spread over the table to protect it from paint, glitter and glue. The website I Am Green recommends adding texture to your walls by crumpling the bags and dabbing another color of paint over the base coat. Another idea for the bags is to turn them into a craft project. Cut them into strips and weave them into items such as totes, hats, place mats and outdoor table runners.
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