Step into any household and you’ll be sure to find a paper bag lying around somewhere. But did you know that they can be reused in a variety of creative and practical ways? Instead of immediately throwing your paper bags in the recycling bin, consider giving paper bags a second life with these five clever ways you can reuse them.
- Wrap your gifts and get crafting
One of the most obvious ways you can breathe more life into an old plastic bag is by using it as gift wrapping. Their sturdiness and neutral colour make them perfect for adding a rustic touch to a present. Decorate them with stamps or markers and tie a ribbon to complete the look. You could also use a plastic bag as a unique blank canvas. Get creative with craft projects and turn your paper bags into handmade cards, scrapbooking materials or even custom envelopes to send letters in.
- Compostable plant pots
If you’re an avid gardener or enjoy growing plants at home, paper bags can be transformed into compostable plant pots. Simply cut your bags into desired sizes, fold the edge to create a sturdy base and fill them with soil. You can plant seeds or transplant small plants directly into the pots. When you’re ready to put your healthy plants into a permanent pot, the paper bags will naturally decompose. What’s more, you’ll eliminate the need for plastic pots and reduce waste in the process.
- Use them for kids’ activities
Reuse your paper bags by using them as a resource for entertaining and educating children. Encourage their creativity by turning paper bags into puppets, masks or hats and let them decorate them with paints, stickers or googly eyes. Engaging children in reusing paper bags will not only encourage their artistic imagination but also teaches them about reusing and repurposing materials.
- Storage solution
Paper bags can come in handy for organising and storing items around your home. Cut open the top of the bag to create an open box or leave it intact for a makeshift lid. They’re great for storing shoes, seasonal clothes, toys or even just bits and bobs. Make funky labels for the bags so they’re easy to identify and stack them neatly in your wardrobe or garage. This is a practical way to reuse your paper bags and will also keep your belongings organised.
- Homemade party decorations
Planning a party can be expensive, but by using paper bags you can create charming decorations that don’t cost you anything. Craft decorative bunting by cutting your paper bags into triangles and stringing them together with colourful string. Customise the bunting with paint, stickers or pens to match your party theme and you’ll have one-of-a-kind party decorations.