I’ve had a recent goal to start making some eco-friendly changes to my lifestyle and one of them has been remembering to use my reusable grocery bags, and purchasing reusable produce bags ! I found myself getting annoyed by how many produce bags I was grabbing at the store and was really starting to feel the guilt and the needlessness of it all. I know making the whole switch to waste free living is difficult, but I’m glad I’m finally starting somewhere. That being said, I unfortunately had a sad amount of disorganized plastic bags from prior shopping trips that were driving me crazy, and I didn’t know what to do with them. I felt guilty to just throw them out, but I knew it was impossible to use them all up. The first thing I’d recommend is finding a drop off place. A lot of grocery stores will take back the bags and reuse them, and that’s at least better than dumping them in the trash. Secondly, for the little amount I had left, I decided to make this plastic bag organizer. It’s compact and practical, and a good storage place for your slip ups. Big enough to hold them, small and organized enough for you to not be tempted to want to take many home. At the start of an eco-friendly lifestyle, we’re bound to have at least a few. Let me show you how easy this DIY was.
First find an old container. I used a protein powder jar, but any container will do, I even made one with an old oatmeal container.
Next grab your scissors and cut an X shape into the lid. The idea is that we will be able to pull the plastic bags out like wipes from a Clorox jar, and the X shape really allows you to pull out one bag at a time, just like the wipes. Set aside.
Wrap the jar in kraft paper. You could use any type of paper or pattern your heart desires. I like the simplicity of Kraft paper in many DIYs. Optional, but gives the container a nicer look. I just used scotch tape, but you can use hot glue for more longevity.
Label it! I even added some floral stickers just for looks.
Now all you have to do is add the plastic bags. In order to be able to pull the bags out one at a time, you need to fold your bags a specific way.
Start by folding inwards a quarter in on each side. Next, fold inwards again. It should look like one thin strand.
Now just line them up horizontally, and then roll all of them together.
Stick them in your jar of choice so that the top handles of the last bag are facing up, and pull it through the X on the lid. Secure the lid back on, and you’re done!
Let me know if you’d try this DIY! It’s truly so easy and is a great way to organize all those plastic bags. I would definitely also recommend finding a drop off place for the leftover bags that do not fit in the jar. It is definitely a better alternative to trashing them!
Hope everyone has a great week!
With Love,
Jenna
