Ideas for re-using packaging too nice to throw out

  • By Mary Beth Breckenridge Akron Beacon Journal
  • Friday, February 28, 2014 1:08pm
  • Life

A few weeks ago, I bought a new set of sheets. Now I can’t bring myself to get rid of the bag.

It’s one of those zippered, clear plastic bags that seems like it would be perfect for storing sheets in the linen closet, except I’m sure I’d never be able to fold the fitted sheet neatly enough to cram the whole set back into the bag.

Still, that bag was much too nice to throw away. But what to do with it?

I turned to Pinterest, one of my favorite time-wasters, for ideas.

I came up with some pretty clever uses, so I thought I’d share them with you.

I’ll start with my favorite: Create a portable greenhouse to germinate seeds.

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I’ve seen this done with food storage bags, and this allows the concept to be taken to a slightly larger scale. Ingenious.

I also liked the idea of making an indoor camping kit for kids. You could pack the bag with an old bed sheet, a flashlight, a glow stick, some clothespins or plastic clamps for holding the sheeting to chairs or other pieces of furniture, and anything else that would be useful for building a tent in the living room. Wouldn’t that be handy on a snow day?

Some other ideas I liked:

  • Use the bag to hold craft or hobby supplies — yarn, sewing notions, fabric scraps, whatever.
  • Store cookie cutters in it.
  • Use multiple bags to containerize a suitcase. That way you can fit more into your luggage without everything springing out when you open your suitcase. One person even suggested using the bags to pack individual outfits for children.
  • Store stationery or greeting cards in it.
  • Use it to store toys, games or puzzles with small pieces.
  • Turn it into a toiletry case when you’re traveling. You could even add an old hanger so you can hang the bag from a shower head.
  • Store seasonal table linens, decorations or fake floral arrangements in it.
  • Stash accessory scarves in it.
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