- Jessica Turner
- 14th January 2018
Every year approximately 16,000 tonnes of plastic bags go to landfill. A further 8 million tonnes of plastic goes into our oceans each year causing huge problems for sea life. We cannot carry on with this wastage of plastic, so BIDBI have found 10 useful ways for you to upcycle.
1.
Making reusable shopping bags from plastic bags is a great idea to make a unique product the has a practical use. People use their old plastic bags to knit and crochet the plastic into a bag with simple stitches. You could also knot, weave or sew them together. You can then use these bags as a hand bag or shopping carrier.
2.
Crafting your own rug is also a very popular use for all that plastic! By braiding and wrapping the plastic into a circle you can create a fashionable rug, cheaply and easily. You can make it as big, small or colourful as you want.
3.
Making a basket from plastic bags is a great idea for storage. You could also make baskets to pot flowers or plants. In an example, we found someone created hanging baskets for flowers and hung them off a tree. A new fun idea for people with green fingers.
4.
Smaller crafts can be done with plastic bags to entertain children. Creating bracelets, necklaces or beads that are simple for them to make or put together can be a fun cost-free way of giving them something to do.
5.
Plastic bag shoes are a very fashionable trend for people who enjoy plastic upcycling. Everything from flip flops to sneakers have been made. Some make ‘plarn’ or plastic yarn from the plastic bags and then construct the shoes through various tying and wrapping methods.
6.
Another way to keep the kids entertained would be to braid them a plastic skipping rope. You can make single person ropes or big ones to be used by three or more. Its guaranteed to keep them busy for hours!!
7.
Stuffed floor cushions are a perfect way to make something usable out of recycled plastic bags. These comfortable seats are made by knitting or crocheting plastic together to make a cover. You then insert a stuffing to puff the seat up. So why not use more old plastic bags to make it even more comfortable and waterproof. Seating can be used for both inside and outside your home.
8.
Plastic clothing is the biggest area for recycling plastic bags. There is nothing you can’t make. Waterproof jackets, dresses, t-shirts, trousers anything can be made if you have the time and old plastic bags!
9.
Who wouldn't love to create a plastic bag hammock? Instead of paying all that money for one why don’t you make your own with your old bags. This is a great summer project for when you want to lay outside and catch some rays.
10.
Plastic decorations. As it's the Christmas season making some lovely plastic Christmas decorations will be a wonderful activity for all the family to get involved with. You could make a plastic wreath, baubles, tinsel, a Christmas tree or a lamp shade amongst many more festive creations. The possibilities are endless!!
We hope you have enjoyed reading our useful ways to upcycle plastic bags blog. Happy Crafting!
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