I have spent the past 2 days looking at every possible way to store plastic bags on the Internet. Pinterest, for example, has about 10 really cool looking ways to store them that are linked to over and over again.
You know the types of bags I'm talking about. Those plastic grocery bags you have to use when you run into the grocery store without your reusable cloth bags, because you left them sitting in your trunk.
The people of Pinterest, for some reason, believe I want to iron, fold, flatten out or roll my plastic bags. I do not. I want to shove them. I don't care if they look particularly cute while sitting under my sink. I don't care if they impress people with how cleverly they're arranged. I want to shove them under my sink so they're easy to get at and don't float around the entire cupboard when I want to grab one.
Why, after bashing around the grocery store with a cart that alternates between only going right and skidding to a stop every few feet, coming home putting away the groceries, realizing I forgot the mandarin oranges and the inevitable cleaning out the fridge to make room for the peppertettes I was again compelled to buy … would I want to sit down on the floor, flatten and fold all my plastic bags into thirds, lay them on top of each other and roll them into a tube? I would not.
The intention of course was to find a brilliant way for storing plastic bags, which I would then introduce to you. I could picture it immediately. Me finding the ultimate plastic bag storage idea, implementing and photographing it under flattering light, you my adoring readers gasping and holding your hands to your hearts. This was exactly how Nobel Prizes were won.
But all of the ideas were … O.K., if I'm being my true self … they were ridiculous. If I'm being "hey I'm a blogger and every idea has at least some good in it …, they were ridiculous.
The worst thing about these storage ideas and in fact, dare I say it, Pinterest in general, is it's often based around super-cute photos. I love Pinterest for inspiration but when it comes to some of the DIYS, they excel more at highlighting the overuse of chalkboard lettering than actual usability.
The biggest problem with all of the plastic bag storage solutions was they took too much time to do and … they didn't work. One suggestion was to stuff all your plastic bags in a can with a plastic lid, cut a slit in the lid and pull the bags you've shoved into the can out. Great. Paint the can all pretty and stuff.
The problem with this solution is it's only the first bag that will pull out of the can and the rest just stay shoved in there until you pop the lid off to pull one out and 5 or 6 randomly assert their freedom at the same time.
The other big one on Pinterest was the flag fold. Laying out any garbage/plastic bag and folding it up into a triangle like a tiny flag to be presented to a family of freedom fighting mice.
I've done it before. I'll admit it. I've done the flag bag. It's the kind of thing you'd sit and do while watching television. But it isn't a solution for a quick way to stash plastic bags.
Then there's the roll er up solution. This involves laying out you plastic bags, bag by bag, flattening them out and then folding them in half. Then you place bag after bag after bag on top of each other until you've run out of room or bags or sanity and then you roll them up. This creates a neat little roll of plastic bags that you're supposed to be able to pull out from the centre with the next bag following in succession.
The first problem with this is the fact that when you come home with more plastic bags in a day or two you can't just add them to the roll. You have to save the bags up and wait until you have enough saved to make another roll. Which means you shove them under your sink like you always did and never, ever make another roll again.
The rest of the suggestions were too ridiculous to even consider. Like sewing an old shirt up and filling it with plastic bags. Huh? People are even reupholstering boxes and crates complete with trim, piping and batting. omg. I just wanna find a place to shove my grocery bags and it's looking more and more like that place is going to be up Pinterest's ass.
Don't misunderstand. I will spend an inordinate amount of time on ridiculous things. This Sparkle wipe dispenser for instance. But some things are worth my time and other things aren't. YOU may think an upholstered, piped crate specifically for your bags that will take up more room than just shoving them inside themselves in your cupboard is a great way to spend your time because you love reupholstering and you just ran out of solid white, 2,000 piece jigsaw puzzles to do. But I do not.
To each his or her own. (I'm just saying that to at least appear somewhat accommodating on the subject)
So what was my solution? How did I solve the great grocery bag dilemma?
I didn't.
You're up.
[shareaholic app="share_buttons" id="5342563"]
Marna
Wow so many comments! I have tried other things on and off, but I still like using an empty tissue box. If I don't use the bags often I use a small box, if I need a lot, I use the largest tissue box. They are free, well sort of, and if they tear or get too worn out, I just use another one. I like the fact that I can take the box with me if necessary. I store very large bags from clothing stores, rolled up (doesn't have to be neat) in a sturdy plastic bag that has strings, like some shoe stores have, it is easy to store, I can flatten it if I need to also. I try to reuse everything.
Another1
I am using one of those bathroom things that supposed to store toilet paper rolls, it is spiral-y, I keep it under kitchen sink and just shove bags in there, and then pull them out from any opening. Works pretty well.
Something like this:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2b/e1/04/2be104bfcb3f0cc4cee03a1000661b3a.jpg
Becky
I stash all my plastic bags (including used dry Ziplocs and produce bags) in a cute tote bag on a coat hook in my kitchen. When it starts getting full, I combine all the bags into one bag and take them back to Wal-Mart or Kroger where they have plastic bag recycle bins inside the front doors. Then I start a new collection.
Helene
I, hmmm, have an actual garbage bin for them (this kind: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/610GJCJfktL.jpg). Yes it takes up a lot of space (I bet no one ever notices it here: I'm not a Zen-type decorator, and with a toddler, a teen and 6 pets, that's a good thing; the bin is squeezed between a cupboard and a sideboard) and I had to write clearly on it "Bags ONLY" lest visitors throw their crap in my precious plastic bags, but it stores a LOT of bags (no folding, just stuffing!) and I can easily rummage through to find the kind I need. Why that many bags? Cats. Four cats. That means at least one plastic bag per day to put used litter into. It's not pretty but it works. And once in a while when it's overpacked in there, I recycle all the useless bags I've kept for some obscure reason (y'never know, right...).
Sissy
Maybe someone already shared this, but I am too lazy to read all the comments. I have a cloth thingy that has elastic sphincter openings at each end. You feed the bags in the top and eventually they are defecated out the bottom. It's actually more charming then I have described. I took a photo, but can't figure out how to share it here. You could make one, but because of the laziness that I have already spoken about, I instead bought mine at a crap show for $7.
Patti
Wow so many comments for plastic bags! but that makes sense because everybody has a plastic bag problem. Anyway I'm also looking for a better storage solution. I have the cloth thingy many have mentioned with elastic on the bottom, loop at the top, but it's unsightly and doesn't hold that many bags. I like things that serve a purpose to be pretty or at least look nice. I'm breathlessly awaiting your fix Karen!
P.S. I'm totally over Pinterest. After changing my password umpteen times and still being locked out, I've given up. I don't even miss it!
Sean
Previous homeowners left one of these bolted inside the door under our sink. Even if several bags pop out you quickly shove them back in the top and go about your day. Definitely a big fan.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/simplehuman-stainless-steel-bag-holder/1012977425?mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenaccessories_&adpos=1o1&creative=39230282629&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiA0aemBRC8p87zv_mc5qYBEiQAiEEMQV2u1LSS4HbNgjW6x3k5eTLZ4EZsb4w0FfsV35VJex8aAjB58P8HAQ
Tina
I use the fabric tubes too, one for sturdier bags, one for flimsy stuff. Haven't bought a trash bag in years. I use big snap hooks to corral the canvas bags, just loop the handles through. One hangs behind the door from a key hook, one hangs from the headrest behind the driver seat - so I remember to bring them. When I leave the car I attach the snap hook to my purse straps or a belt loop or the grocery cart.
Nancy Blue Moon
I use one of the handmade fabric bag holders..bought it on eBay..I hear they are going to start charging for those bags at the store here too..
Candy Legedza
Remember the 80's when we stuffed them into the valences to make them puffy. - maybe we were just out of places to store them. I used to have a plastic holder for tin foil and plastic wrap that had a slot in the back to hold paper bags ,however it stored a amazing number of plastic bags . I don't know if you can still get them . I think they were Rubbermaid. It wouldn't go in my current kitchen.
Laura Bee
I have the fabric bag you can shove them in the top & pull them out the bottom. Super easy, I "try" to fold them or twist them up before shoving them in.
Jody
Well you've got a bee in your plastic bag bonnet. RECYCLE. Jam all the bags into one bag and then drop kick them to the blue box. You'll feel great. I promise.
Karen
Ha! I know. I've done it before. Problem is I need those bags the odd time. Bleh. ~ karen!
Shannon H
I second the Simple Human dispenser. We use that one and it's brilliant, hidden in the side of the pantry.
Tanya H.
I saved those bags for years...always seemed to bring home more than I used, but it seemed wasteful to throw them away. There were so many bags full of smushed up bags that I eventually stuffed them all into a bean bag chair cover. The kids like it, even though -- or maybe because -- it crinkles, and I can always grab a bag easily when I need it.
Lindsay
I've been using empty tissue boxes and love it. I've tried a couple other things but it was too complicated. I have a tissue box near all the little trash cans in the house that I can easily refill when they're low. I keep them close by so I never have an excuse to not put a new bag in. When the box gets too destroyed looking, I pitch it and use a newly emptied one. Once all the tissue boxes are filled I don't save the grocery bags until they're needed again. Otherwise it just gets outa hand!
Nelda Suhm
I just wad the sacks up and shove them in one of the sacks that I just brought home, then hang them on a hook that is on the back of my laundry room door.
Sherri
Dollar store pop up laundry basket. Keep it in cleaning closet. When full I take it to the local thrift store for reuse. I have the reusable bags, they are always in my closet. I remember they are there
when I get to the store. Thus more plastic.
Deb
Pt. 2... at the library I created what looks like a giant's tissue box to hold the donated plastic bags. Then covered it with lovely gift wrap so it's not just a dull brown box sitting at our circulation desk.
Deb
I work at a public library. We love it when patron give us their bags. Kids use 'em for books. Seniors use 'em for books. And on a rainy day we push for everyone to use 'em for books. That said, not all thrift stop provide their own bags. They welcome paper and plastic bags along with newspaper to wrap up your precious breakable finds.
Zoe
I'm a roller. My grandma (she's pre-depression era- so it explains a lot) showed me how to do it. The difference from the rolling you talked about is that we pull the bags from the outside of the roll. Think clingwrap or tinfoil dispenser rather than clorox wipes. This way you can keep adding as much as you want. I keep the roll corralled in an open box under the sink.