Don't Throw Out Mesh Produce Bags: Here's How To Reuse Them For Stunning Arrangements

If you've ever thrown out those stretchy bags that your citrus fruits come in, think again. Turns out, you can reuse mesh produce bags for stunning arrangements. In addition to using a mesh produce bag as a pot scrubber with clean, eco-friendly results, you can repurpose the nets for one of the trickiest parts of flower arranging: getting your stems to stand up straight. Flimsy grocery-store bouquets and wildflowers from the yard always look beautiful in theory — until you plop them in a jar and they flop to one side. Floral foam feels outdated, and unless you're hoarding floral tape or wire frogs (who is?), it's hard to get that clean, floral arrangement look without a little help.

That's where this easy, almost-too-clever hack, which is among the brilliant ways to reuse mesh produce bags around the house, comes in. All you need is a mason jar with a lid, a pair of scissors, and one of those bright mesh produce bags. In under five minutes, you'll turn the bag into a snug little floral net that holds your stems upright, and keeps your bouquet looking intentional. It works beautifully for everything from fresh tulips to dried eucalyptus, and it feels good knowing you're giving your produce packaging a second life instead of sending it to the landfill. Plus, it's functional, sustainable, and pretty dang cute. Here's exactly how to make it work with stuff you already have in your kitchen. 

You can start by grabbing a clean mesh bag — ideally one that held oranges, lemons, or avocados. Cut off the top and shake out any leftover peels or dust. Then, take a standard mason jar and lay the mesh flat over the opening. Press the metal ring down over the mesh to secure it in place, like you would when canning. You'll likely have some extra mesh sticking out around the sides, but you can just trim that off with scissors for a cleaner look.

The mesh acts as a flexible floral grid, giving each stem its own little pocket of support. Fill your jar with water, then arrange your flowers into the net holes one by one. They'll stay upright and evenly spaced, even if your bouquet is a mix of heavy blooms and wispy filler.

To take it up a notch, try spray-painting your mesh before using it (go for metallic gold or matte black for a modern vibe) or layering a ribbon around the jar's neck to match your décor. You can even use tinted mason jars. This quick DIY turns waste into a wow-worthy floral centerpiece, and all it takes is five minutes and one trip to your fruit bowl. So, next time you're taking fruit out of one of those mesh bags, don't throw it out! You can also try these clever ways you should be using mesh produce bags in the bathroom.