Using plastic bags does not need to be a drag on the environment. In fact, just as more and more plastic bag manufacturers are finding ways to make their products more “green” – so too are end users beginning to pitch in by reusing their bags and reinventing their purpose in everyday life.

The following represent a series of tips from environmentally conscious individuals who are on the front lines of the battle to save the planet – and how they incorporate these helpful products in safe, constructive ways.

· Use plastic bags again on return trips to the grocery. Here’s a tip that people around the country have already begun to adopt. When you get home from the grocery store, simply find a convenient location around the house to store your plastic grocery bags – then bring them with you the next time you shop!

· Use the bags as packing or storage materials. Balled up plastic bags are a great way to provide extra cushioning in a package you need to send in the mail. And if you are storing valuable items in a musty, damp place, wrap your possessions in the bags before you seal up the box for an extra layer of protection against the elements.

· Turn them into shelf liners. Cut the plastic bag into rectangular strips and affix them tightly to the bottom of your shelves for a shelf liner that protects wood or other construction materials over time.

· Use them as garbage bags around the house. Plastic handle bags rest easily on any doorknob or hook and can be used as small, temporary garbage bags for areas that produce a higher-than-average amount of waste.

· Use them to pick up pet waste. When traveling about town with your dog, you don’t want to be caught without a way to cleanly and conveniently pick up their waste. Slip a plastic bag over your hand and you’ve got a hygienic way to handle this rather unavoidable part of being a dog owner.

· Use plastic bags to thaw frozen meat. Thawing beef or chicken can make a mess and may even become a health hazard if left on countertops. Instead, place the frozen food inside a plastic bag and put it in a safe place to thaw. This will make cleanup a breeze and keep your kitchen safe from bacteria.

· Keep plastic bags in your car. Ask anyone with kids or a long commute (or both!) and they’ll tell you that their car gets messy fast. Keeping a few plastic shopping bags in the car will help make quick clean up chores easy – and make the ride that much more pleasant. Store them in the glove box or in your trunk for convenience.

Plastic bags can be a useful part of daily life. And if we all pitch in to find innovative ways to help them last longer, it will minimize their impact on the environment (while making our lives easier to boot!).

Excellent Poly is one of the country’s premier manufacturers of plastic bags. At Excellent Poly, businesses of all sizes and from all industries can choose between a variety of custom-made and non-printed bags to meet their specific needs. For more information, visit www.excellentpoly.com today!

About the Author:

Mark Etinger is a business strategist at Ajax Union Marketing Ajax Union specializes in Business Development and Internet Marketing

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Making your life easier by reusing plastic shopping bags

De La Soul

Everest Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag – Black $11.99 Everest-Design Pattern Shopping Tote Bag

SEE by Chloe See By Heart Medium Shopping Bag – Shoulder Bag $95 SEE by Chloe See By Heart Medium Shopping Bag

Fendi 8BN168 Zucchino Shopping Bag – Zucca $450 The Fendi 8BN168 Zucchino Shopping Bag is a stunning stylish fashionable handbag. The 8BN168 features Zucca fabric with brown leather trim and brass hardware. The main compartment contains a lot of space and it includes zippered pocket to

Prada BT1738 Tessuto Shopping Bag – Black $249.99 The Prada BT1738 Tessuto/Nylon Shopping Bag is a convenient fashionable bag made out of tessuto fine textured nylon. The BT1738 features a large main compartment with a flapover buckle closure an internal zip pocket as well as two external front zip po

Leatherbay Leather Shopping Tote – Dark Brown $119.96 Leatherbay-High quality leather shopping bag.

Gucci handbag GG Medium Bucket Shopping Bag Pink (GG1667) $795 Gucci handbag GG Medium Bucket Shopping Bag Pink (GG1667) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Gucci handbag GG Medium Bucket Shopping Bag Pink (GG1667) for $449.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Tods leather handbag, Happy Shopping Piccola bag, Beige TD1721 $1050 Tods leather handbag, Happy Shopping Piccola bag, Beige TD1721 is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Tods leather handbag, Happy Shopping Piccola bag, Beige TD1721 for $479.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Gucci GG Silver Metallic Large Tote shopping Bag (GG1666) $850 Gucci GG Silver Metallic Large Tote shopping Bag (GG1666) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Gucci GG Silver Metallic Large Tote shopping Bag (GG1666) for $649.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Fendi handbag "Roll" Shopping Bag Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1522) $895 Fendi handbag “Roll” Shopping Bag Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1522) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Fendi handbag “Roll” Shopping Bag Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1522) for $626.50 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Fendi Roll handbag Shopping Bag Large Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1523) $895 Fendi Roll handbag Shopping Bag Large Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1523) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Fendi Roll handbag Shopping Bag Large Large Zucca 8BH199 (FF1523) for $626.50 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Prada handbag large suede & leather Piccolo Shopping bag BR2995 (PR331) $995 Prada handbag large suede & leather Piccolo Shopping bag BR2995 (PR331) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Prada handbag large suede & leather Piccolo Shopping bag BR2995 (PR331) for $575.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag – Brown $269 The Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of soft nylon. The BR4001 features  large main compartment  an internal zip pocket and a Silver scripted logo up front. It also has drawstrin

Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag – Black $269 The Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of soft nylon. The BR4001 features  large main compartment  an internal zip pocket and a Silver scripted logo up front. It also has drawstrings at

Chanel White Quilted Calfskin Shopping Tote Bag $3000 This stunning Chanel White Quilted Leather Shoulder Tote Bag is the perfect everyday bag to fit all of your daily essentials in style. This spacious tote is made of soft and smooth calfskin leather . A perfect everyday for handbag collector.The exterior leather show light signs of wear to the bottom and top corners. There is a very faint scratch on the back of the bag. . The interior has light signs of wear but is very clean as seen in pictures./ Overall this is a very gently used Chanel handbag in ready to wear condition.12 x 9.5 x 4FINAL SALE

Chanel Black Patent Large Vintage CC Shopping Tote Shoulder Bag $3160 Chanel Black Patent Large Vintage CC Shopping Tote Shoulder Bag Authentic. Measures 12 x 10 x 4 with a drop of 14. Shoulder straps are a gold toned bijoux woven with patent leather resting straps. Exterior gold toned CC closure with leather lined pocket inside. Interior of bag has gold toned grommets for shoulder straps an interior zipper pocket on each wall as well. Bag exterior has some marks not to bad nice corners good shine to all hardware no oxidation interior has minimal handling use wear nothing in particular to notate that damages the bag. 1 week return for this item. VERY GOOD condition.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Shopping Tote – Black $149 Briggs and Riley’s large shopping tote is a great travel companion or the perfect bag for shopping or business use. This piece features Briggs & Riley’s “simple as that” lifetime warranty.

Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag – Fumo Green $249.99 The Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of soft nylon. The BR4001 features  large main compartment  an internal zip pocket and a silver scripted logo up front. It also has drawstrings at

Prada BR4253 Leather Large Shopping Tote Bag – Brown $450 The Prada BR4253 Leather Large Shopping Black Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of textured leather.  The BR4253 features  large main compartment with zip closure  an internal zip pocket and a logo up front and Gold engraved hardware

Prada BR4253 Leather Large Shopping Tote Bag – Black $549 The Prada BR4253 Leather Large Shopping Black Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of textured leather.  The BR4253 features  large main compartment with zip closure  an internal zip pocket and a logo up front and Gold engraved hardware

Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag – Light Purple $269 The Prada BR4001 Tessuto Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of soft nylon. The BR4001 features  large main compartment  an internal zip pocket and a silver scripted logo up front. It also has drawstrings at the sides for added

Prada BR4252 Tessuto Medium Shopping Tote Bag – Apricot $279 The Prada BR4252 Tessuto Medium Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of soft nylon. The BR4252 features  large main compartment  an internal zip pocket and a gold scripted logo up front. It also has drawstrings at the sides for

Prada BR4257 Tessuto Large Shopping Tote Bag – White $349 The Prada BR4257 Tessuto Large Shopping White Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of tessuto and trimmed in leather.  The BR4257 features  large main compartment with zip closure  an internal zip pocket and a logo up front and Gold eng

Prada BR4253 Tessuto Large Shopping Tote Bag – White $425 The Prada BR4253 Tessuto Large Shopping White Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of tessuto and trimmed in leather.  The BR4253 features  large main compartment with zip closure  an internal zip pocket and a logo up front and Gold eng

Prada VA0830 Nylon Logo Large Shopping Tote Bag – Brown $279 The Prada BV0830 Nylon Large Shopping Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of Nylon fabric and trimmed in brown leather. The  BRVA830 features  large main compartment with zip closure  an internal zip pocket and a logo up front.  This BR

Piel Small Shopping Bag – Saddle $123.5 Piel-Opens to main inside pockets, outside pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Piel Small Shopping Bag – Chocolate $123.5 Piel-Opens to main inside pockets, outside pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Piel Small Shopping Bag – Black $123.5 Piel-Opens to main inside pockets, outside pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Piel Small Shopping Bag – Red $115.19 Piel-Opens to main inside pockets, outside pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Chanel Vintage Patent GST Grand Shopping Tote Bag $3300 This exquisite patent leather shopping bag is a must-have for any Chanel collector. This bag is classic elegant and very charming. Its striking black color and stunning gold details give it a very refined look. This bag is over 20 years old and is in very good condition. It doesnt have any major wear or damage however it is a vintage bag and shows some sign of normal usage. This flashy statement bag has been worn by Nicole Ritchie and other celebrities. Its shiny black look is sure to match any outfit from your favorite pair of jeans to your little black dress. Dont miss the chance to own this stunning vintage piece that will never go out of style! Exclusively available here on Potrero dont let this opportunity pass you by! Intention to return and shipment of return must be indicated to the Portero Customer Care Department within 7 Days of merchandise receipt

Chanel Pink Caviar PTT Petite 2.55 Timeless Shopping Tote Bag $2800 CHANEL pink caviar petite timeless PTT 2.55 shopping tote bag purse. Caviar leather is very durable hence there are no marks or scratches on the exterior leather. Matte gold chains and hardware are in very good condition with no chips or dings. Interior is clean and odorless. Features 1 inner zippered pocket & 1 inner slot pocket. Light scuffs/dirt present on some corners. Serial number is intact and matches the authenticity card. Please note this item is shipping from SINGAPORE.Any applicable taxes customs and/or import duties are the direct responsibility of the buyer.Shipping takes approximately 7-10 working days.FINAL SALE. NO RETURNS.

Chanel Black Caviar Leather Jumbo Shopping Tote Bag $2500 This chic everyday-handbag by Chanel is the perfect for carrying all over town during the day. It features a classic structured style with gorgeous black soft Caviar leather and an oversized CC logo on the front. The interior lined in leather is roomy enough to hold all of your essentials in sophisticated style. Great for work shopping or travel! You wont want to leave home without this fabulous bag!Retail price $2500.Made in France.Hologram sticker serial #5218094.Comes with Chanel dust bag. This bag is in Excellent condition. Gently used. The bag is overall very clean with very little signs of usage. Only a few light surface scratches; visible upon close examination. The bottom and corners are in great condition. The interior is very clean Please review photos for visual details. FINAL SALEPlease note: this item is being shipped from TAIWAN. Any applicable taxes customs and/or import duties are the direct responsibility of the buyer. Shipping takes approximately 3-5 business days.

Tods Leather Foka G-Line Medium Shopping Tote Bag $1395 The new leather smell wont stay forever but youll still appreciate Tods Foka G-Line Medium Shopping Tote! Coming with a dustbag and cards there is a little wear on the bottom and a mark on the inside. Open the magnetic top to the brown fabric lining with a zipped pocket and slide pocket inside. From a newer collection this slouchy bag has buckle detailing on the sides adjustable handles shown here with a drop of seven and a half inches and it comes with a detachable shoulder strap too. With the shiny distressed leather in sealskin (the color not the leather!) its not metallic but it does shine!Please contact Portero Customer Care Department for a return authorization and ship back item within 7 days of receipt. Items must be properly packaged in comparable box and in unworn condition.

Chanel Black Patent Leather Large CC Shopping Tote Bag $2950 Step out in the iconic classic style of Chanel with this smart Black Patent Leather Large CC Tote Bag. This is a great everyday bag. The drawstrings on the sides towards the top of the bag allow you can cinch as you like. This is not your average tote as it is lined in red leather. Straps are woven leather and silver chain. Bag is in very good condition; exterior is in very good condition with some general signs of wear to the black patent leather. The interior is in very good condition with some signs of wear and some pressmarks.Final Sale – No Returns

Chanel Brown Caviar Leather Classic PST Petite Shopping Tote Bag $2000 This is an authentic Chanel bag. Done in signature brown quilted caviar leather with silver-toned hardware this beauty features a large CC logo on the front exterior dual leather-chain link handles an exterior back flat pocket and a partial snap closure. The interior is done in coordinating brown textile and includes two side compartments for additional organization. Dont miss out on this timeless Chanel bag!Condition Specifics:This item is in very good pre owned condition. The structure of the bag remains in good condition. The exterior shows some minor wear at the bags corners. The hardware remains clean throughout. The interior is clean throughout. Please review all photos.Additional items: Original dust bag and authenticity card.Measurements: 9.5L x 3.25W x 9.5H -9.25 handle dropIntention to return and shipment of return must be indicated to the Portero Customer Care Department within 7 days of merchandise receipt.

Detours Town & County Juicy Handlebar Bag – Assorted $60 Detours-Recycled shopping bike bag

Soapbox Bags GoGo Green Shopping Bag Kit: Orange Circle $19.2 Soapbox Bags-Stylish and sturdy case with wrist strap, comes with two reusable ripstop nylon shopping bags. (Case can also hold sunglasses or a baby bottle)

Soapbox Bags GoGo Green Shopping Bag Kit: Alligator $19.2 Soapbox Bags-Stylish and sturdy case with wrist strap, comes with two reusable rip stop nylon shopping bags. (Case can also hold sunglasses or a baby bottle)

Soapbox Bags GoGo Green Shopping Bag Kit: Patent $19.2 Soapbox Bags-Stylish and sturdy case with wrist strap, comes with two reusable ripstop nylon shopping bags. (Case can also hold sunglasses or a baby bottle)

Soapbox Bags GoGo Green Shopping Bag Kit: Metallic $19.2 Soapbox Bags-Stylish and sturdy case with wrist strap, comes with two reusable ripstop nylon shopping bags. (Case can also hold sunglasses or a baby bottle)

Victorinox WerksTraveler 4.0 WT Shopping Tote – Purple $99 Victorinox-Zippered Shoulder Bag

Victorinox WerksTraveler 4.0 WT Shopping Tote – Black $99 Victorinox-Zippered Shoulder Bag

Victorinox WerksTraveler 4.0 WT Shopping Tote – Red $99 Victorinox-Zippered Shoulder Bag

Victorinox WerksTraveler 4.0 WT Shopping Tote – Emerald $99 Victorinox-Zippered Shoulder Bag

Piel Small Shopping Bag – Pastel Blue $115.19 Piel-Opens to main inside pockets, outside pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Prada BR3924 Tessuto Large Shopping Tote Bag – White $395 The Prada BR3924 Tessuto Large Shopping White Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of tessuto and trimmed in leather.  The BR3924 features  large main compartment with snap closure  an interna

Prada BR3924 Tessuto Large Shopping Tote Bag – Brown $329.99 The Prada BR3924 Tessuto Large Shopping Brown Tote Bag is a beautiful fashionable tote made out of tessuto and trimmed in leather.  The BR3924 features  large main compartment with snap closure  an interna

Chanel Black Lambskin CC Logo Jumbo XL Shopping Tote Bag with Gold Chain $2900 This chic and sophisticated Chanel Black Lamb Leather Jumbo XL Shopper Tote Bag is made for everyday elegance. This black lambskin leather features a sleek design with comfortable shoulder straps with leather interlaced gold chunky chain. It also has a large embossed CC logo on the bag . This XL size means youll have no problems fitting all of your essentials and then some! Perfect for shopping everyday use work in style this bag is an elegant and timeless piece to add to any collection. Current retail price over $2900.Made in France.Comes with Chanel dust bag and authenticity card. Item is in Very Good condition with a few minor signs of wear. The exterior is clean and beautiful with light signs of wear to the bottom and top corners. There are a few light crease marks on the bag. Light distress marks on the soft lambskin. And some small marks on the backside of the bag caused by the chunky chains. The gold Chain straps are not as shiny with minor gold plating loss. The interior is overall clean with some light fingernail scratches. The hologram sticker serial # has been partially rubbed off so the serial # is not visible. Please see picture for details.FINAL SALEPlease note: this item is being shipped from TAIWAN. Any applicable taxes customs and/or import duties are the direct responsibility of the buyer. Shipping takes approximately 3-5 business days.

Everest Deluxe Utility Tote Bag – Teal Blue $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag with Laptop Compartment

Everest Deluxe Utility Tote Bag – Lavender/Purple $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag with Laptop Compartment

Everest Deluxe Utility Tote Bag – Magenta Plum $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag with Laptop Compartment

Earth Axxessories Reusable Shopping Tote/Pocketbook – Tote $13.2 Earth Axxessories-Convenient, eco-friendly case opens to spacious grocery bag

baggallini Zip Out Shopping Tote Bagg Large Rip Stop $27.99 baggallini-Carry gifts and souvenirs home in this handy packable tote bag. Lightweight and easily packable

baggallini Zip Out Shopping Tote.Bagg Medium Rip Stop $23.99 baggallini-Carry gifts and souvenirs home in this handy packable tote bag. Lightweight and easily packable

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Royal Blue/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Khaki/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Burgundy/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Dark Purple $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Pink/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Yellow/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Hot Pink $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Deluxe Sporting Tote – Lime/Black $14.39 Everest-Deluxe Shopping Tote Bag

Everest Shopping Tote – Black $14.39 Everest-Shopping Tote

cn Travel Collection Tote Bag – Black/Green $360 cn Travel Collection-A large tote that does it all – it’s an overnight bag, laptop bag and shopping bag all in one. The simple, classic shape is perfect for work and day-today wear as it is convenient to carry on board a flight.

Everest Crinkle Shopping Tote – Black $18.39 Everest-Crinkle Shopping Tote

Everest Shopping Tote – Purple/Black $11.99 Everest-Shopping Tote

Everest Shopping Tote – Hot Pink $11.99 Everest-Shopping Tote

Everest Shopping Tote – White/Navy $11.99 Everest-Shopping Tote

Lambertson Truex Orange Tote Bag $2150 Made in Italy this designer Lambertson Truex Limited Edition lightweight multi-purpose tote/purse will hold a lot. It measures 17 wide x 13 high x 6 with two handles that allow a 10 hang length from your shoulder to the top of the bag. It is orange/creamsicle color with very tiny star cutouts and features a zippered top; an adorable coordinated removable pull-out zippered compartment with an outside cell phone pocket that can be used separately as a pouchette wristlet; a removable pull-out sturdy key ring; color coordinated patent leather and canvas handles; and Lambertson Truex signed silver-tone hardware. Great as a book bag models bag diaper bag shopping bag beach bag or just to go around town. A perfect happy bag with designer panache. This is a special bag by a great Italian maker. It is clean in really excellent to pristine condition comes with the Lambertson Truex sleeper bag (pictured. Postscript: Richard Lambertson and John Truex are now designers for Tiffanys first ever leather goods collection.3 DAY RETURN POLICY. RETURNS MUST BE CALLED IN WITHIN 3 DAYS OF RECEIPT

Puma Ferrari LS Shopper – Tote $63.99 Puma-This snazzy bag is great for a day out shopping.

Travelon Stow-Away Tote Bag – Black $11.99 Travelon-Did you ever find when you’re on a trip, that you need another travel bag? One that didn’t take a lot of room when not in use, yet opened to a full-size bag? If you’re going to the beach, shopping, or sightseeing and you need a lightweight bag to take along, this is it!