Plastic bags are a grave concern of this era, not just to environmentalists, but for every human being. Each year, about 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are being used worldwide. They are constantly posing threat to nature and human life. According to estimates, over 100,000 marine animals die due to consumption of plastic bags left in the sea each year. Manufacturing of plastics cause carbon emission that is hazardous to human health. This threat has ushered ideas to reuse the existing plastic bags to create new things while curtailing the production of fresh plastics.
Today, all environment conscious people worldwide are trying ways to cut down use of hazardous plastics and generate schemes to reuse plastic bags. Letâs peep into designs of such creative inspirations and find out how to reuse the existing harmful plastic bags.
1. Reuse the same bag
The best way to restrict further production of plastic bags is to increase its usage. Store and carry your old grocery bag next time you have to collect grocery from the store till the bag gives up. This will not just reduce the use of plastic but also reduce demand for a fresh bag. Do not ask for new bag each time you collect your grocery items.
2. Recycle the plastic bag and make money
If you are really interested in making some money out of environmentally friendly means, then open a recycling plant. A recycling drop box can be placed at all public centers and shopping malls to collect used plastic bags which are recyclable. Else recyclable bags can be bought from stores that collect such bags and recycled to be made into fresh ones or other long term utility items. This will not just make you earn money but will also help in reduction of addition of new plastics.
3. Stitch lining for your cloth grocery shop to induce longevity
Have you already been using environmentally friendly cloth bags instead of plastic ones? It is admirable though, but you can add more strength and life to cloth bag by stitching lining of plastic to them. This will save the cloth from stains; life of bag will increase and it can hold heavier items as well.
4. Create handy grocery bags from plastic bags
Plastic bags can be made into plastic yarns and by crocheting them, a reusable sturdy grocery bag can be created. Used plastic bags are cut into stripes and made into yarns for knitting bags, purses and even display outfits in different designs. Many craft programs are run in different countries to turn old plastic bags into reusable grocery bags.
5. Make that awesome raincoat for you and your kids out of plastic bags
Plastic fulfill the entire requirement to save you from downpour. Designers are creating trendy raincoats from waste plastic bags collected from plastic trash bins. One such designer LeBrie Rich of Penfelt has created a rain coat design by ironing layers of plastic bags into durable, thick fabric. She further stitched it with polyester thread and Velcro zipper to create unisex rain cover. What could be better reuse of the waste plastic?
6. Use the plastic for creating fashionable jewellery
Get inspired by designer Anna Roebuck, she has created entire jewelry range from discarded plastic bags. She has created jewelry by layering plastic with other materials. They are further collaged and bonded together by fusing method. She has created earrings, headband and other accessories.The outcome is artistic and chic.
7. Make old plastic bags as artistic tool
Either after recycling or without it, plastic bags can be transformed into different craft items like pen holders, kids’ purses and figures. Many craft books and sites like Etsy offer such product designs. Plastic strips can be made into ropes and given different crafty shapes of utility and fun.
8. Create high flying Kites for your kids
Want to entertain your kids? Used poly bags can be turned into great kite, which flies easily due to its light weight. Colorful plastic bags can be cut and glued into a shape of kite and will be fun to fly them on a windy afternoon.
9. Use them to carry dirty linen
While traveling or at home, the plastic bags can be better reused to carry dirty linen to laundry. During short tours, old plastic bags can be utilized to store used clothes. This way you need not buy separate storing bags for dirty linen.
10. Table mats out of trash grocery bags
You can make long ropes out of strips cut from colorful plastic bags. Ones the ropes are ready, they can be turned into any shape mats by turning and sewing together with polyester thread. These mats can have multi purpose use. Another interesting shape can be given like a bowl, similar to bamboo bowls.
