Repurpose Plastic Bags For A Festive Wreath That Brings The Fall Vibes

The wad of plastic bags under your sink might seem destined for kitty litter or other cleanup chores, but they actually have a festive side. If you have a stack of plastic shopping bags, you can weave them into a clever, eco-friendly wreath for the holidays. Not only is making a plastic bag wreath a sustainable holiday trend, but it's also incredibly budget-friendly and it'll never wilt. This DIY wreath uses 12 to 15 plastic bags, a Dollar Tree wire wreath form, plus double-sided tape or glue. If you're on a tight budget or don't have a Dollar Tree nearby, you can use a bent coat hanger instead of a wreath form. The final touch will be a selection of foliage and a bow as an accent.

The United States uses a lot of plastic shopping bags — nearly 365 bags per person each year, according to research from Waste Management. Unfortunately, many curbside recycling programs don't accept plastic bags, making recycling them difficult. Some may end up in a landfill, while others can make their way to our waterways. Making a creative wreath with plastic bags is a great way to find beauty in unexpected places, while also repurposing would-be trash to keep it out of landfills. 

To make the wreath, first gather your plastic bags. Brown bags are great for fall and the finished design makes it look like raffia. You may also use white, swapping out leaves for snowflakes once winter hits. Start by cutting off the handles, then slicing them into strips, followed by 2 to 3-inch squares (don't waste time making them perfectly shaped or evenly sized). Once you have your stack of plastic squares, tie each one directly onto the wire form, making your way around the entire thing until it is completely covered. Next, fluff up all of the plastic to create a ruffled look. If creating your wreath with a coat hanger, simply bend it into a circle, then repeat the same steps. Leave the top of the hanger intact, because this will let you hang the completed piece.

When decorating your new stunning DIY wreath, you can use a variety of items, such as Dollar Tree's Polyester Maple Leaves. Or let your wreath shift nicely into Christmas with a set of Christmas House Decorative Berries, also from Dollar Tree. You can attach your decoration via double-sided tape or glue, choosing the method that works best. For your finishing touch, add a large bow, perhaps reflecting the colors of your home's fall or winter decor. You can then hang your wreath via a hanger over a door, or simply from a nail with a piece of picture wire. Try mounting this decoration on the inside of your front door or on the wall, and see if anyone can tell it began as a way of repurposing plastic bags. As the wreath is plastic, ensure you hang it safely away from heat sources to avoid it catching fire.