Plastic shopping bags often end up in a pile under the sink, but professional organizers say there are numerous ways to give them a second life. From lining small trash cans to protecting shoes during travel, these everyday items can be repurposed to save money and reduce waste.
Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantae-ize Your Space, and Jill Moore, founder of Organized Jill, shared their favorite strategies for reusing plastic bags in an interview with The Spruce. Their advice highlights how a simple bag can solve common household challenges.
Reuse at the Grocery Store
Duckworth suggests keeping a few plastic bags inside a larger reusable tote for grocery trips. "I always leave a couple within my big reusable bag so that way if I have meats or liquids or things that nature, I can wrap it in the plastic bag," she explains. This prevents spills from ruining nicer bags and keeps groceries contained.
For those with an excess of bags, Moore points out that many local grocery stores have recycling bins near their entrances. She recommends stashing used bags in the car so they can be dropped off on the next shopping trip.
Household and Travel Uses
Plastic bags work well as liners for small trash cans in bathrooms or bedrooms, according to Duckworth. This keeps the bin clean and makes disposal easy.
When packing for a trip, Moore advises wrapping shoes in plastic bags before placing them in a suitcase. "Traveling can be dirty," she says. "Walking around airports, bathrooms, and amusement parks, your shoes pick up a lot of dirt and debris that you don't want to get on your clothes and souvenirs." The bags act as a barrier to keep clothing and other items clean.
For pool outings, Moore suggests tossing a plastic bag into a beach tote to store a wet swimsuit. This avoids soaking the bag and is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a dedicated pouch. If the bag gets smelly or torn, it can simply be thrown away.
Parents shuttling kids around can place a plastic bag in the car to collect wrappers and juice boxes, making cleanup easier at the end of the week. Moore also recommends using plastic bags to pack lunches for camp or school. This allows children to carry their food easily and eliminates the need to bring home an empty lunchbox. Older kids may also prefer the simple look of a plastic bag over a juvenile lunch tote.
These tips not only extend the life of plastic bags but also contribute to reducing single-use waste. By finding new purposes for these bags, households can keep them out of landfills and make a small but meaningful environmental impact.
