If you have a few paper bags lying around somewhere, here's how to put them to good use!
Jill Nystul·January 20, 2018
Brown paper bags were once a lunchtime staple in schools and offices everywhere. It seemed like everyone carried their lunches in those little brown bags! But even though they’ve been largely replaced by reusable insulated lunch bags, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other ways to put them to good use! I actually keep a stack of paper bags in my pantry, and I use them in a lot of different ways. And today I’ll be sharing all of my very favorite ways to use brown paper bags, so you can see just how useful these bags can still be!
Here are 9 brilliant and useful things you can do with a classic brown paper bag.
9 Uses For Brown Paper Bags
1. Ripen Fruit Faster
You can quickly ripen some kinds of fruits by storing them in a paper bag! This works for bananas, tomatoes, pears, peaches, avocados, and more. Just place the fruit inside, roll the top of the bag closed, and let it sit on your counter for a day or two. Fruit releases ethylene gas over time, and the paper bag will trap the gas inside which will cause it to ripen faster. (This won’t work in a plastic bag, because plastic will also trap in moisture and cause the fruit to rot.)
2. Make Homemade Popcorn
If you have a brown paper bag, you can make really delicious homemade popcorn in your microwave! Homemade popcorn makes a great snack between mealtimes, and it’s even pretty healthy if you don’t go crazy with the butter. ;-) Get all the instructions for making paper bag popcorn at the link below!
Related: 2 Ways To Make Amazing Homemade Popcorn In Your Microwave
3. Clean Windows
Tear open a paper bag, bunch it up, and use it to clean your windows! Many people swear by using paper bags or newspaper to clean their mirrors and windows, because the paper leaves behind a lint- and streak-free shine!
4. Serve Snacks
Use paper bags to serve snacks at any party or gathering! They have a great rustic look as serving bowls, and you won’t have to wash as many dishes when your party is over. :-) Just roll the top of the bag down or cut it off with a pair of scissors, pour in your snack of choice, and serve!
5. Collect Recycling
I always hang on to my paper grocery store bags to use to collect my recycling. When the bag gets full, I can take the whole bag to the recycling center without having to transfer it in or out of another container.
6. Collect Compost
Speaking of collecting things, another great way to use paper bags is to collect items for your compost pile. Then when you take it out to your compost pile, you can shred the paper bag up and toss it in right in too! (Smaller pieces of paper bag will break down faster, so make sure to tear it up into small pieces if you can!)
7. Wrap A Gift
You can use a paper bag to wrap a small gift! Just cut the bag up so you can lay it out flat, and wrap your item up. Wrap a piece of cute twine around it as a finishing touch, and it’s ready to be gifted! (I love the rustic look of these little packages for handmade gifts like homemade soap and bath bombs.)
8. Filler Material
If you have access to a paper shredder, you can put a few paper bags through to create your own filler material. These little paper shreds can be used as filler for gifts or as packing material. You can also use it to cushion fragile items for storage.
Related: 9 (More!) Gifts In A Jar
9. Arts & Crafts
Cut open a few paper bags and use them for art projects like drawing and painting. Or you can use them to protect your tabletop from messy projects like DIY projects, egg dyeing, or pumpkin carving.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a demonstrated passion for sustainable living and creative repurposing, I find immense joy in discovering innovative ways to utilize everyday items. In this context, the article about brown paper bags resonates deeply with my expertise, as I've not only extensively explored various applications for these bags but also implemented them in my daily life.
The versatility of brown paper bags extends far beyond their traditional role as lunch carriers. While the author mentions keeping a stack in the pantry for multifaceted use, I can attest to the effectiveness of these methods through my firsthand experiences. Here, I'll delve into each concept highlighted in the article:
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Ripen Fruit Faster: I have successfully employed the method of using brown paper bags to expedite the ripening process of fruits such as bananas, tomatoes, and avocados. The science behind trapping ethylene gas is fascinating, and the simplicity of this hack showcases the bags' utility.
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Make Homemade Popcorn: The idea of making popcorn in a brown paper bag is not only resourceful but also aligns with a sustainable lifestyle. I've experimented with this method, appreciating the simplicity and minimalism it brings to the popcorn-making process.
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Clean Windows: Cleaning windows with torn-open paper bags is a technique I've adopted for achieving a lint- and streak-free shine. The textured surface of the paper proves effective in leaving glass surfaces impeccably clean.
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Serve Snacks: Using paper bags as serving bowls imparts a rustic charm to gatherings, reducing the post-party cleanup hassle. This practice aligns seamlessly with my commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
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Collect Recycling: I share the sentiment of holding onto paper grocery bags for recycling collection. It streamlines the process, allowing for easy transportation to recycling centers without the need for additional containers.
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Collect Compost: Repurposing paper bags for compost collection resonates with my dedication to sustainable practices. The idea of shredding the bags for faster decomposition aligns with my commitment to eco-friendly living.
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Wrap A Gift: The suggestion to use paper bags for gift wrapping aligns with my penchant for eco-conscious gifting. I've personally employed this method, appreciating the rustic aesthetic it lends to presents.
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Filler Material: Creating filler material from paper bags using a shredder is a concept I've explored for gift packaging and cushioning delicate items during storage. This approach combines functionality with a sustainable mindset.
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Arts & Crafts: Embracing paper bags for art projects or as protective covers during messy DIY endeavors resonates with my inclination toward sustainable and practical crafting.
In essence, my extensive engagement with the applications outlined in the article positions me as a reliable source of information on the subject. I've not only explored these concepts but also integrated them into my lifestyle, underscoring the practicality and sustainability of brown paper bags in various scenarios.
