How to Make a Reusable Bag from Plastic Shopping Bags

Confession time...I have three main non-green habits. Yes, I have kicked most "bad" habits, but there are three that linger on. My sins are 1) using many resealable plastic baggies, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, etc, 2) regular deodorant and 3) regular toothpaste. So, why do I still partake in these unhealthy habits? Let's take a closer look at why, and why are these considered bad habits? Today we will tackle the resealable bag obsession. Be sure to check out all of our amazing Green Living Ideas for Families.

Resealable bags have gotten a pretty bad wrap as of late. My daughters' school has introduced a "litterless lunch" program...in turn practically banning resealable bags! Recently, the issue of a school's fight against the plastic bag was debated nationally. A kindergartener, in Quebec, was excluded from a class contest because his snack was contained in a plastic bag and not in an acceptable reusable container. Read what happened in this case in this National Post article. What did these bags do that makes them so hated? The answer comes down to two simple factors...how they are made and how they are disposed of.

Clearly, resealable bags are made from plastic...specifically polyethylene. Polyethylene does not biodegrade in a landfill. In fact, some experts predict it may remain in our landfills for hundreds of years. If not disposed of properly, baggies can end up impacting our wildlife. Birds, fish, whales and small animals come into contact and ingest this plastic. Scientists have identified the Great Pacific Garbage Patch...spots in the ocean where garbage, specifically plastic, accumulates. Companies, like Ziploc, are actually working on producing recycled and recyclable options. In fact, in the US Ziploc is starting a recycling program that rewards customers for returning their bags to be recycled...pretty genius. This move to waste diversion could make a huge difference in the opinion of these bags.

However, polyethylene is made from petroleum, thus contributing to our society's dependency on crude oil. The production of these bags has a great negative impact on our environment as a whole. From the oil that is needed to create the polyethylene to a large amount of energy that is needed to make the bags themselves. Until scientists can develop an adequate alternative these bags are still doing more harm than good.

So, why do I use these baggies...when I know better? Convenience...really that simple. It is easy to reach for a bag when I need to throw something into storage. How can I kick the habit of using and throwing away baggies? I already own numerous reusable containers...no problem there.

Reuse - It is possible to reuse things like aluminum foil, parchment paper and plastic baggies. Since they are normally neatly contained on rolls, we need to create a clean and organized containment system for the folded pieces of foil and paper. This lidded box fits neatly in my kitchen drawer.

Reduce/Recycle - Reducing the number of baggies I use is the next step. What I need is an alternative...

How to Make a Reusable Bag from Plastic Shopping Bags

You will need

- plastic bags - use old shopping bags

- iron

- waxed paper

- a piece of fabric

- adhesive Velcro strip

- sewing machine - can be done by hand as well

- thread

Steps

* work in a well-ventilated area *

1. select a plastic shopping bag

2. remove the handles and bottom seam of the bag, creating a large rectangle

3. turn the plastic bag inside out to avoid melting the ink printing on the bag, and making a mess

4. fold the bag in half, and in half again - make 8 layers of plastic

5. sandwich the folded plastic between two pieces of waxed paper - make certain the waxed paper covers ALL of the plastic bag - you don't want your hot iron to touch the plastic bag

6. place a piece of fabric over the waxed paper

7. with the iron on medium-high setting, run the iron over the fabric/waxed paper - pressing firmly onto the folded plastic below

8. experiment with time and temperature - until the plastic is completely bonded together

9. if there are any bubbles in the plastic, return it to the waxed paper and iron it again - must be completely without bubbles

10. cut the bonded sheet of plastic into a rectangle measuring approximately 20cm x 10cm

11. fold the sheet of plastic 7.5cm up from one end

12. now sew around the entire perimeter of the plastic - creating a pocket

13. fold the top flap over the opening in the pocket

14. affix a strip of self-adhesive Velcro to the flap and the corresponding spot on the pocket

This simple technique will allow you to use plastic bags like fabric. Not only can I use these little bags to store snacks for my daughters, I can also make an assortment of sizes and styles.

In fact, I used the same pattern and made a few fabric baggies too! Now my storage container is filled with reused papers and reusable bags. I am so excited to give them a try.

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Comments

va_grown says

March 30, 2011 at 10:05 am

Ok, seriously, this is awesome. We were just talking about the ridiculous waste of baggies in our house. We don't use plastic shopping bags, but I bet I can get someone else's to try this and see if it helps us break the baggie cycle. Thanks for sharing!
va_grown says

March 30, 2011 at 10:07 am

BTW--I've started a little Wed creative link up and would love for you to add your post!!
Veronica Slater presents says

March 30, 2011 at 10:25 am

GENIUS, girl! As you know I love things to be tidy so ziploc is often (wayyy too often) the easy answer in our home. I think my big girls would love this project too. I'm going to print out the instructions and make a couple. Keep you posted! Thanks, Jen for another terrific post. Looking forward to reading on your next two sins (I'm equally too!)
Veronica Slater presents says

March 30, 2011 at 10:26 am

Equally 'guilty' is what I meant to say, but you already guessed that :0
Jen says

March 30, 2011 at 11:06 am

I knew what you meant Veronica! Thanks va_grown...linked up! Happy ironing!
Melissa, UnboxYourPhotos.com says

March 30, 2011 at 7:47 pm

So clever! Although I don't know that I can trust myself with the iron and the plastic... 🙁

Sounds like a good summer project for me to try. Thanks for sharing!
Jen says

March 31, 2011 at 9:57 am

Thanks Kim and Melissa - Welcome! Have no fear! My own fear of the iron and the plastic prompted me to use the barrier piece of fabric...good luck!
Jen says

April 07, 2011 at 11:46 am

That's fantastic Kim! Thanks for sharing! Jen
andie jaye says

August 30, 2011 at 12:21 am

i love it. i've always wondered how to make these! and this is an amazing tutorial! thank you for linking this up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party last week!
Anonymous says

September 02, 2012 at 9:09 pm

I am one who hates, yes hates, ziplock bags. We have purchased reusable snack bags, so I love your homemade turorial. Thanks.
Deoderant and toothpaste is way easier to change too.

How to Make a Reusable Bag from Plastic Shopping Bags

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