With no ban on baggies, what to do with your plastic bags?
July 25, 2008 by Haidee
Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported on the latest city to enforce a ban on plastic bags. Beginning in 2010, shoppers in Los Angeles will have to either carry their own tote or pay a store $.25 for a paper bag. I wonder, would the City of Cville consider such a mandate?
It certainly wouldn’t be convenient, but I like the idea. The McIntire Recycling Center has several signs to remind folks that they do not accept plastic bags. So, what do you do with these little buggers? Perhaps you hoard them until you can take them to the plastic bag bins at most grocery stores. Or maybe you reuse them for doggie duty. Or maybe you have no choice but to toss them.
While Cville hasn’t yet banned plastic bags, I believe that many of us already act on our own to minimize the use (and if you are still need a tote, I’m giving away a reusable canvas tote from Blue Ridge Eco Store here). Still, plastic bags somehow end up stashed in my kitchen drawer. In celebration of the movement to minimize these annoying landfillers, I’ve found several ideas for upcycling them!
Waterproof tote or raincoat. Ironing sheets of plastic bags gives you a durable and waterproof material. Some creativity and simple sewing leads to an adorable beach tote for the summer. Or if you are really motivated, a raincoat (this was for sale here, but sold out!)
Plastic Bag Puppy Dog. While it may not be cuddly, this could be quite cute atop a shelf as a conversation piece. This particular pup is for sale at the link above, but you could use the concept to make just about anything.
Wire Hanger Cover. Perfect for avoiding the dreaded wire hanger indentation on shirts and sweaters! I will definitely put this to use in my closet.
Plantable Business Cards. OK, it isn’t plastic, but paper bags can also be upcycled. I love these DIY business cards!
While Cville is undoubtedly a green community, we are well behind other communities in terms of enforcing eco-friendly behavior. Some might argue that it isn’t the government’s place to enforce this type of consumer action. By either mandate or choice, minimizing waste is important, and that is difficult to argue. Hopefully, these ideas will get your creative juices flowing on how to reuse and recycle. I’d love to hear of more resources and ideas for upcycling plastic bags and beyond!
I heard people waiting on line for HOURS to get those Hindmarch bags at Whole Foods in NYC. I think they’re cool, but I like the little 99 cent reusable grocery bags they sell. I think it’s great that the big grocery chains have followed suit, but the Whole Foods ones fit so much more stuff! I use them for everything!
This is kind of off topic, but if the self-check out stations wouldn’t give you a *tilt* error for putting your own bag down on the bagging station, it’d be nice. I feel like a jerk when the computer says “Please wait for cashier assistance” because I put my Whole Foods bags down on the platform.
I love the plastic wrapped coat hanger. That’s a great idea.
It’s not possible for Charlottesville to enact such a ban. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that no locality can pass a law without receiving explicit permission from the state. The legislature has passed no legislation that permits localities to enforce eco-friendly behavior. Unless the General Assembly passes a ban on plastic grocery bags, which is not liable to happen ever-ish, there’s nothing that Charlottesville can do about it.
More great upcycle ideas here: http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/etsy-finds-fused-plastic-bags/1649/