Today, as I sat in traffic I happened to notice something.  The plastic bag full o’ stuff from Target, that I was returning had a little message on it. ‘10 Ways to Reuse Your Target Bag’. Below the title was in fact, ten ways to reuse this bag if you decided not to put it in the plastic bag recycling bin after all. Â
I was touched. Really, I was. I had not noticed this little list before and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy that Target was at least putting forth some effort to educate the public about reusing the multitudes of plastic bags we all acquire. While I already use my bags for lining tiny trash cans, picking up dog “stuff” and as a lunch bag, I would not have thought to use it as a water balloon, kitty litter liner, or ice pack like Target suggests. A toiletry tote bag? Who knew. Aww, Target and here I thought you would rather me go inside your smartly decorated store and pick out one of your own spiffy designer travel totes.
I started thinking about all the ways I do use my plastic bags and what new ways I could.Â
1. Padding in packages. This is something my other used to do in my college care packages and I still do today.
2. Holding other plastic bags.
3. Holding dirty laundry when on a trip.
4. Using as a parachute for tiny toys.
5. Covering plants in winter to protect them from frostbite. My father did this as a landscaper in our own yard.
6. Wrap up the packing materials that your raw meat comes in when you throw it away. It will reduce odor in your trashcan.
7. To carry books to and from the library.
8. As a gym bag- nicely totes those sweaty gym towels.
9. A makeshift rain hat.Â
10. Put other recyclables in the bag to put out by the curb when your neighbor steals your plastic recycling bin.Â
Once I began making this list in my head I realized something, big box stores are good for something, while what is on the inside may be mind-numbing and drool inducing, leading you to consume more and more stuff, their little plastic bags sure can make you think.Â
