7 Clever Ways to Repurpose Paper Bags

If you suddenly find yourself with a huge stash of paper bags - whether it's because you go shopping too often or because you ordered too many takeout bags - you can recycle them, of course, but there are many ways to reuse them. Discover 7 great and easy ways today.

1. Dust your mops

Dust mops make it a breeze to get rid of dust bunnies and pet hair in your home, but how do you get the stuff off the mop? Put a large paper bag over the mop head and use a piece of string or a rubber band to keep it from slipping off. Now shake the mop vigorously several times (a few gentle jolts won't hurt either). Lay the mop on its side for a few minutes to allow the dust to settle in the bag. Then carefully remove the bag to easily dispose of the dusty dirt.

2. Cleaning artificial flowers

Real silk flowers are pretty rare these days. Most are made of nylon or some other artificial material these days. Whether they're silk or some other material, you can easily freshen them up by placing them in a paper bag with 1/4 cup (50 g) of salt. Shake the bag gently a few times and your flowers will be as clean as the first day.

3. Carry your laundry

If your laundry basket is overflowing or the plastic handle suddenly gives way, you can always use a sturdy paper bag to carry your laundry. A bag with handles will probably make your job easier, but any large bag will do in a pinch. Just make sure your laundry is completely dry before using the bag on the way back. Otherwise, your freshly washed clothes could end up under your feet.

4. Cover your children's school books

Helping your kids make book covers for their school books isn't only fun, but it's also a subtle way to teach kids to respect public property. And there are few materials that can compete with a paper bag when it comes to making a sturdy book cover. First, cut the bag along the seams to form a apartment, wide rectangle and place the book in the center. Then fold in the top and bottom edges so that the bag is just a little wider than the book. Then fold the sides over to create sleeves over the book covers. Trim off the excess fabric, leaving a few inches on each side to slip over the front and back book covers. Tape a piece of masking tape to the top and bottom of each cover (on the paper, not on the book) so that it fits tightly. Finally, have your child personalize each cover with their own design.

5. Create a table decoration

Use a small designer shopping bag with handles to create an attractive centerpiece for your dining room table or mantel. Fill a small cup with water and place it in the center of the bag. Place a few freshly cut flowers in the jar and you're done decorating.

6. Make your own wrapping paper

If you're in a hurry to wrap a gift, you don't need to buy wrapping paper. Just cut a large paper bag along the seams to make a apartment rectangle. Place the bag so the imprint is facing you, place your gift on top, and fold, cut, and tape the paper around your gift. If you like, you can decorate your homemade wrapping paper with markers, paint or stickers.

7. Line your trash can. 

This may be the most practical thing to do, but by putting a paper bag in your trash can, you can reduce plastic usage and give your bag a second chance. Of course, don't dispose of liquid garbage to avoid a future mishap on your way to the trash can.