I don't use a lot of plastic disposable sandwich bags. Actually, I don't use them at all.
But on a recent visit to my local Goodwill, I saw a bunch of toothbrush holders---and when I say "a bunch," I mean an entire shelf of them---and thought "plastic bag dryer!" So, I'm sharing this idea with all of you.
If you like to reuse your plastic bags, here's a simple way to dry them out. Repurpose a toothbrush holder by sticking wooden dowels where you'd put toothbrushes. Place bags on dowels, let them dry out, and you're good to go. TIP: Don't go to the store and buy a new toothbrush holder; that would defeat the purpose of being green. Instead, raid your basement or thrift shop for one.
So simple and so easy!
Ohhhhhh very cool idea. I have recently (year or less) gotten very actively involved in my own life in regards to reusing plastic bags as much as possible. Meaning produce bags, this is a fabu idea! Today the grocery clerk at a store noticed for the first time (since Ive been doing this) that the produce bag I had some mustard greens in was from a TOTALLY different store. I just complimented her on her attention to detail. hee hee Now that I've started reusing plastic bags I'm continually shocked at how much garbage I've avoided by reusing the ones I have. My garbage bag is lighter every week and I am thrilled. Thank you for a blog that inspires me to do more and more. I don't think it's crazy to hope for a zero trash producing household some day.
Posted by: TACE | October 15, 2007 at 05:58 AM
Great idea!
I tend to just hang the bags on the end of a wooden spoon drying in my rack or just propped open standing up on the rack if there's nothing else needing drying.
Just don't reuse plastic bags that have come in contact with meats or cheeses. I've heard that even cleaning them really well may not rid them entirely of pathogens, so better be safe than sorry.
Posted by: jenni s-g | October 15, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Great idea about the toothbrush holders. I would use chop sticks to hold the plastic bags open.
This would be much better than making a teepee with chopsticks (which is how I am managing until I can get to Church rummage sale next weekend!)
Posted by: Jacki Hollywood Brown | October 15, 2007 at 02:45 PM
why didn't i think of this.
Soooo smart.
i don't use many plastic bags, but when i do i like to re-use them.
much thanks...
Posted by: karla | October 15, 2007 at 04:51 PM
well, that beats the stick (he he) out of buying one of those nice $30 official recycler models or sticking (he he) them to my kitchen windows to dry! Thanks! I'm going to go do this one now.
Posted by: melissa | October 15, 2007 at 05:06 PM
What another great idea!! I just love your blog.
Posted by: Jodie | October 15, 2007 at 09:20 PM
This is a horrible idea.
Reusing these plastic bags is VERY unsanitary!!!! Be careful about which ones you keep-
- John
Posted by: John Trosko | October 16, 2007 at 02:43 AM
I recycle these plastic bags too. I scald and disinfect each bag so they are clean to reuse. I do NOT reuse those bags that had meat or any products that could cause a health issue. I also crochet plastic grocery bags into tote bags, purses, and other useful things.
Posted by: RecycleCindy | October 16, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I'm sure people know not to use nasty meat bags or things like that. I personally don't see how reusing the plastic veggie bags if they're cleaned is any more unsanitary then reusing underwear...so to speak. Ultimately it would be nice if we could avoid unnecessary plastic that isn't biodegradable etc but until that can happen its nice to lengthen the life span of these things. I'd love to switch to no bags when buying veggies and fruit but often times they're wet and delicate and I dont wanna mess up the conveyor belts at the store or have them mess up my food. Might look into those cotton mesh bags though I hear they're hard for the checker to see through.
Posted by: TACE | October 17, 2007 at 12:03 AM
if after washing bags for reuse maybe you can use over for storage of non food items cosmetics,craft supplies, etc etc especially if you dont like the idea of using them for food again
Posted by: deana | March 05, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I don't think there is anything wrong with reusing a ziploc bag over and over if it just has crackers or hard stuff in it. I don't reuse meat bags.
I do need a solution for storing them though. Unlike plastic grocery bags which compact into anything. Sandwich bags are not so tidy. Any ideas. Google isn't helping
Posted by: adrienna | July 27, 2008 at 05:20 PM