Hasta La Ideas

Reader Robert submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:

When I get back from shopping I keep getting plastic bags for every little thing I buy … I know, I know, I should be bring my own bag, but I tend to forget to take one with me when I go out.

The problem now is that I’ve got a nice collection of plastic bags and I’m wondering what to with them. Throwing them away in the trash seems the obvious answer, but I was hoping you might come up with alternatives.

I’m like you — I have a vast collection of reusable bags, yet I often forget to take them with me to the grocery store. I doubt we’re alone in our forgetfulness.

I keep the plastic bags and reuse them in numerous ways — to line small wastebaskets, as gloves when I have to pick up something yucky, to line the kitty litter box, to wrap around shoes in luggage, and to use as, well, bags. The point of recycling is to use a product more than once, so I definitely recommend going that route.

To store plastic bags before you reuse them, you can store them in a manufactured bag holder. You can also make your own holder, if you feel inclined. Storing them in an organized manner can help to keep your frustrations to a minimum about your growing collection.

In addition to the small handful of re-use suggestions I listed above, be sure to check the comments for even more ideas from our readers. If we’re lucky, all of us working together will find ways to help you reuse your plastic bags — and ours.

Thank you, Robert, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column.

Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as “Ask Unclutterer.” If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.

Like this site? Buy Erin Rooney Doland’s Unclutter Your Life in One Week from Amazon.com today.