I need ideas of things I can do with plastic bags from the grocery store

I knew a lady years ago who used to collect the coloured ones and the plastic bread bags cut them into strips and crochet coat hangers and doilies with them, she used to collect the purpley ones and made a few things for me, they were very nice..

I've seen them used to make "rag rugs". I'm sure you've seen the braided ones made out of fabric scraps, these are made the same way, except with plastic bags. I've even seen breadbags used to make them. One of the things I really liked about the idea is that you can just spray them with the waterhose to clean them. If you're into craft work, consider using the plastic bags as "stuffing" instead of using fiberfill products.

no way! that's also my problem...

Yes, the two things I make from clean used grocery store bags are knit bags and rugs. What do I store in the the bags? All sorts of things, including bags! I fold the bags as soon as we take the groceries out, both to keep them nice and also because they take up less space that way, and then sort them according to color. Then I cut them into strips and use circle looms to knit the bags. For rugs or mats, I use a large crochet hook to finish off the edges. I like to put the mats under flower pots on the porch and that sort of thing. Here is a photo of one of my bag-bags, as I call them.

We have always used the plastic bags as garbage bags. I also use them as bags to carry things other than groceries. I guess the most creative use I have for them is using them as dye caps. When I dye my hair I put one on top of my head while I am waiting for the dye to set. It helps keep all the hair up and off of things so I don't get dye everywhere. We recycle plastic as well. Safeway's up here have a plastic bag recycle bin. Our local recylcing depot also recycles them. Now we have those cloth reusable bags that we use for grocery shopping. they are made with recycled material and are stronger than the plastic bags.

I use them as packing material for shipping through the mail, as well as many of the things mentioned above.

You can use them to make a great paint effect on your walls at home. Just wad them up and use them like you would to sponge paint. You can also carry them to the store with you and use the bags you have already gotten so you dont get more new bags. It isnt convienent but saves us all a bit here and there.

This is a good tip from http://lifestyle.msn.com/green/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=4400069&page=2 Reuse plastic bags. Instead of chucking 100 billion plastic sacks a year (wow!), try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Tote your lunch to work or your groceries home, or at least use them as garbage bags. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag. Learn how at ReusableBags.com. The payoff: You're reducing pollution. The amount of oil it would take to make just 14 plastic bags would run your car for one mile.

I purchased some fabric bags so I don't have so many plastic ones to begin with.