Reduce Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are one of the biggest contributors to global warming. It is not surprising then that communities all over the world are launching a major drive to either replace them or to simple recycle them. In fact, plastic bags can be recycled into many different things. Much of it is recycled to form composite lumber as also post-consumer resin. Post-consumer resin is the main source for making new containers, crates, bags and pipes.

While reducing the use of plastic bags is probably the best solution, there are many ways in which you can recycle your old plastic shopping bags and help reduce global warming. Here is a quick guide to recycling your plastic bags.

* Plastic bags can offer adequate protection against bugs like moths. Pack clothes that stay unused for long periods in plastic bags.

* Just line the litter tray with a plastic bag. When we need to change it, all we have to do is just remove the bags.

* We can keep our expensive shoes in shape by using old plastic bags. Since we wear these shoes only on occasions, chances are that if we leave them unused, they will lose their shape. Crumple up old plastic bags and stuff the shoes with them when you are not wearing them. You could do the same thing with expensive handbags that you take out only occasionally.

* When you go to the grocery store the next time, take your old shopping bags with you instead of using new ones. Many stores also contain a container wherein you can drop unused or old grocery bags for recycling.

* You can use old plastic bags to line various trash cans in your bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, even in your office.

* If you have some perishable trash and there is going to be a long wait before the trash is picked up from in front of your house, you might want to store it in plastic bags and keep them in the refrigerator. This is particularly helpful in summer when trash decomposes very quickly and starts to attract flies. However, you should bear in mind that decomposing trash does produce heat and your refrigerator may have to work over-time to keep the trash cool! Further, the decomposing trash may end up contaminating the rest of the good food in the refrigerator if kept inside for a long time. If you plan on storing the trash inside the refrigerator, make sure that it is for the shortest time possible.

* You can donate plastic bags to animal shelters that will find them very useful while cleaning and while walking dogs. Similarly, you could donate them to the local thrift store library, where members will find them very useful to carry their books home.

* You can very easily use old plastic bags as packing materials. If you have to mail or store any item that is a little smaller than the container it is in, stuff the remaining area with plastic bags to keep it securely in place.