Icetruck.tv News Blog

Plastic

Lifestyle

23 Incredible Ways to Recycle Plastic Bags

23 Incredible Ways to Recycle Plastic Bags


There is no denying that plastic bags are convenient. Unfortunately, a majority of them have a single-use nature, which adds to the overall pollution caused by the prevalence of single-use plastics across the world.

But don’t lose your hope or positive thinking! Although it is still tricky to altogether remove the use of all plastic bags from your life, there are ways that you can prolong their usefulness through recycling.

23 incredibly creative ways to recycle plastic bags.

Want to help save the environment? Find new life for those plastic bags that you collect as you shop.

1.    Travel Purposes

If you’re going on a trip, bring along some of your still-usable plastic bags. They’re versatile and easy to adapt to all sorts of needs while you’re on the go. Here are some things you can use recycled plastic bags as:

·         Trash Bin

When you’re eating snacks on a road trip, it’s easy to lose wrappers and packaging in the car as they scatter under the seats. This will attract bugs later on. Instead of putting trash aside to throw later, put them all into a single plastic bag. The bag fits easily into a glove compartment or hangs easily on a hook and will keep the mess contained.

·         Laundry Bags

Plastic bags can serve as quick and easy bags to hold dirty clothes, wet swimsuits, and similar items. That way, your fresh clothes won’t get soiled, and you won’t have to deal with any odor for the time being. Given the fact that research shows bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry, sealing away items that need to be washed can keep you from bringing these pesky creatures back as a souvenir from your trip.

·         Detergent Packs

If you’re traveling for a longer amount of time, you may have to do some laundry while you’re out. Having to lug detergent along with you can be a pain, so use small plastic bags to pre-measure individual detergent load amounts.

Here are 22 reasons why you should swear off plastic bags.

·         Motion Sickness Relief

If you or anyone in your traveling party have issues with motion sickness, you can use a plastic bag – but not for the reason you might be thinking! Put some cotton balls in the bottom of the bag and add a couple of lavender oil drops. When someone starts getting carsick, pass them the bag, and have them breathe in the scent of the oil to feel better. The oil will relax the person in question and leave them feeling a little more positive.

·         Keeping Things Dry

Suppose you’ll be heading out to the water and don’t want to leave your valuables behind on the shore. Put items such as your phone, keys, or wallet into a plastic bag. Blow air into the bag to inflate it, and it’ll be able to float easily next to you, keeping the items inside it nice and dry.

2.    For Packing Or Moving

Packing up, especially to move house, can be an arduous task. A surprisingly indispensable part of that process can be all the leftover plastic bags you have unwittingly collected in your home. Here’s how they can be used!

·         Packing Material

Many people make use of packing material to keep their belongings safe when moving, especially for more fragile possessions. Plastic bags can do this job well. Stuff the spaces between items with plastic bags to prevent excessive movement.

·         Protecting Fragile Items

If you have something priceless that you need to transport for any reason, and it happens to be fragile, consider using plastic bags to protect it. You can place it inside a plastic bag, blow to inflate the pack slightly, tie it up tightly, and then wrap it around with more plastic bags to give it a nice sealed cushion.

·         For Garage Sales

Need to declutter? Hosting a yard sale is a common way to get rid of extra items, especially before you move. Let customers at your garage sale cart away their items in plastic bags to encourage more purchasing and make things more convenient for them.

3.    Food and Kitchen Uses

The effortlessly adaptable nature of a plastic bag makes it very easy to use in the kitchen and for food-related purposes. Here are some ways to get the most out of them in the kitchen:

·         Cake Decoration

Not a fan of pastry bags? They can be quite hard to clean and aren’t cheap. For a simple alternative, place frosting or icing into a plastic bag, squeeze out the air, and twist the top to close it up. Your icing tool should now be in the shape of a cone. Cut off the end of the bag, at the very tip of the funnel, and squeeze the icing or frosting onto your cake as desired.

·         Oil Disposal

Many people pour their used cooking oil down the drain, but as that oil dries, it creates greasy fat that is less than positive for drainage systems and a real inconvenience for plumbers when they do need to fix clogging caused by oil residue buildup. Instead, let the oil cool, then pour it into a plastic bag. Seal the bag and throw it out with the rest of your trash, and your drains will thank you.

·         Dough Coloring

Mixing in food coloring properly can be difficult when you’re trying to evenly coat dough. Instead of getting your hands stained all the colors of the rainbow, try using a plastic bag to work the coloring in. Simply place the dough into a bag, add your food coloring, and knead the mixture through the bag until you’re happy with its appearance.

·         Pan Greasing

Tired of getting your hands slippery after you use butter to grease a pan? Pick up your shortening or butter with a plastic bag and use that to hold it as you rub it away.

·         Chocolate Melting

There’s nothing wrong with using a bain-marie or a bowl in the microwave to melt chocolate, but you can also use a plastic bag. Get some warm water in a pan, making sure not to boil the water. Place chocolate into a plastic bag, preferably one you can seal or very tightly close, then put the bag into the warm water pan. Leave to melt, then seal the bag off like you do to decorate cakes, and you have a convenient way to soften and pipe chocolate all in one go.

·         Storage For Grated Cheese

Instead of busting out the grater every single time you want some cheese, grate the whole block in one batch. Then, store the rest of the cheese in a plastic bag and seal it shut. This way, you can quickly get grated cheese whenever you want.

·         Marshmallow Softening

If your marshmallows have hardened after storage, you can soften them again with this easy trick. Place marshmallows into a plastic bag, preferably one you can seal or very tightly close. In a pan, warm up some water – not too hot! – and then place the plastic bag of marshmallows inside. The warmth in the enclosed space will warm up the marshmallows, softening them up for consumption.

4.    For Pets or Animals

Have pets? Just love animals? The plastic bags you have may be useful to them in surprising ways! Here how you can use your recycled plastic bags for the animals around you:

·         Cleaning Up After A Dog

When walking your dog, likely, he or she will occasionally stop along their route to “do their business.” As a responsible pet owner, you have to clean up after them. Bring along some small plastic bags to pick their waste up with, then turn the bag inside out to keep the debris inside without ever dirtying your hands.

·         Feeding Birds

Have birds that scavenge for food during the colder months? Mix peanut butter and birdseed in a plastic bag, preferably a sealable one. Mix the contents well inside the bag. Finally, place the resulting food mixture onto a pinecone or a net bag. The birds will love this easy treat!

·         A Makeshift Water Dish

If you go out for a hike with your furry friend, consider using a sealable plastic bag as a portable water dish if you don’t have one of your own. Fill the bag with water and hold it open for your pup so they can have a nice drink.

5.    Cleanliness Uses

It’s not easy to notice the many cleanliness-related uses that plastic bags can perform. The possibilities are nearly endless. Here are some of our favorite ways to used recycled plastic bags to keep things clean:

·         Trash Can Liners

Throwing trash directly into a trash can means you have to clean that bin regularly to get rid of leftover gunk, especially from wet waste. Instead of buying specialized trash bags, just recycle plastic bags you already have. Place the plastic bag into a trash bin to line the sides, then simply tie the bag and throw it out once it’s full.

·         Hand Cleaners For Sand

Sand gets everywhere quickly. If you’re at the beach and need to clean off the grit before digging into a sandwich, you’ll want to have baby powder in a sealed plastic bag. Place your hands into the baby powder, then shake them and rub them outside to get rid of any lingering sand granules.

·         Throwing Dirty Diapers

To make sure soiled diapers don’t unfurl or reveal themselves in a trash bin, first put them into a plastic bag and tie it up tightly. This keeps the odor locked in and allows you to easily dispose of them or bring them outside to take them out directly. You can also do this for similar products, like sanitary pads.

·         Baby Wipes

Thrifty parents have found ways to save money by making effective substitutes for baby wipes that make use of recycled plastic bags. Start by putting paper towels in a sealable bag. Make sure the paper towels are soft. Add in a mix of one teaspoon of baby oil, a third of a cup of water, and one tablespoon of antibacterial soap of a gentle variety. Use the mixture to dampen – not completely soak – the paper towels, then use them to clean up your little one.

·         Stay Clean And Cool Outdoors

If you’re out on a walk or to exercise on a warm or hot day, this trick can keep you feeling fresh. Soak a washcloth in a mix of lemon juice and water, then place it in a sealable plastic bag. Whenever you need it while you’re out, simply use it to wipe yourself down. You can also freeze washcloths instead to bring along in a plastic bag to give yourself some cold relief on the road.

Final Thoughts On Trying These Creative Ways To Recycle Plastic Bags

Recycling plastic bags is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint in the world. With some thoughtfulness and positive thinking, you will slowly be able to lessen your reliance on these bags as time goes on!

Health

Top 7 Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018

Top 7 Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018


Top 7 Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018

In 2017, there was a surge in lip augmentations and fillers.

It’s a trend that began in 2015 and continued through 2016. One surgeon, Dr. Simon Ourian, claims it’s all because of Kylie Jenner.

It’s amazing considering how lip augmentations weren’t even that popular 10 years ago. When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, the top five back then were:

  • Botox
  • Chemical peel
  • Laser hair removal
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Hyaluronic acid injections

As for plastic surgery trends in 2018? Read on to find out!

1. Fat Transfer

If you’ve ever wished you can transfer the fat from your hips and thighs into other parts of your body such as your breasts or your butt, this is the answer. Also known as fat grafting, fat transfer surgery involves removal of fat from one part of the body through liposuction and injecting it someplace else.

Aside from enhancing breasts or butts, fat transfer surgery can be used to enhance cheeks, as well as plump up lower eyelids. Since it uses your own fat, you can say that it’s a more “natural” option compared to using silicone gel-filled implants or synthetic wrinkle fillers.

Of course, it’s not a perfect solution. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you can’t get fat transfer surgery. That’s because the newly injected cells can interfere with certain breast cancer screenings.

Also, if you’re looking for a big increase in breast size, you’ll need multiple injection sessions. Fat transfer surgery is best for women who are only looking to have a relatively small increase in breast size and already have a good lift and contour.

2. Rhinoplasty

As far as plastic surgery trends in 2018 go, rhinoplasty is one of those procedures that dips and soars in popularity. This year, it’s on the up again.

Also known as nose reshaping surgery, rhinoplasty isn’t just about making the nose smaller. Rhinoplasty may involve correction of bumps, indentations, or other nose defects. And it may also mean changing the nose’s angle or its tip.

Most of the time it’s an outpatient procedure. But there are cases where a patient may need to stay for a night in the hospital or surgery clinic. Like other surgical procedures, rhinoplasty comes with risks.

For example, the procedure can cause a serious nasal blockage due to swelling inside the nose. Infections are also possible. This is why preventive antibiotics are usually given after surgery to minimize the occurrence of infections.

3. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is more commonly known as an eyelid lift. But it’s a misnomer.

During surgery, the eyelid isn’t really lifted. What actually happens is the surgery makes a number of incisions so he or she can remove skin and fat, creating a crease. There’s also lower eyelid surgery, which when combined with laser resurfacing, help reduce lines and wrinkles.

Sometimes, insurance carriers will cover the cost of blepharoplasty, especially when the procedure is being done so that the patient can see better. In this case, it becomes a medically indicated procedure. But of course, you must submit supporting documents for your coverage to kick in.

4. Vaginal Rejuvenation

Here’s one of the biggest plastic surgery trends in 2018.

Some of the benefits aside from improved aesthetics include increased pleasure during sex, decreased pain, and menopausal relief. Non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation has also been used to ease vaginal dryness, solve urinary leaking and atrophy, as well as organic dysfunction.

If you’re keen on getting vaginal rejuvenation, look for a clinic that specializes in it. You can learn more about vaginal rejuvenation here.

5. Ultherapy

If you’re scared of getting a traditional facelift, you might want to try this nonsurgical option using ultrasound technology.

Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared procedure that helps stimulate collagen production. The best candidates for Ultherapy are those who have sagging skin and superficial wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. It also works well for those who are experiencing droopiness in the brow area.

Since it’s a nonsurgical procedure, there is zero to minimal downtime. You can resume regular activities after treatment. Results become visible within a few days and can last for up to three months.

6. Laser Bra Lift

There’s a new rival to breast reductions and it’s called “The Laser Bra Lift.” It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses a CO2 laser to create a full, perky look.

Perfect candidates for this procedure are women who have drooping breasts due to aging, childbearing, and weight loss. It was pioneered by Dr. Grant Stevens, a surgeon who practices in Southern California.

The Laser Bra Lift promises breasts that look lifted in a natural position. Other benefits include a more beautiful contour, nipple preservation, and longlasting results.

7. Eye Fillers

For people who want to get rid of their dark circles, eye fillers are a good option. The most common type is an injectable of hyaluronic acid, which a naturally occurring sugar in the body.

It’s a quick procedure. You can be in and out of the clinic in under an hour. But the results could last up to 9 months.

Some side effects you could have after the procedure include bruising, swelling, and some mild discomfort at the site of the injection. If you want to try eye fillers, make sure you get them from a licensed dermatologist.

There have been cases where a blood vessel has been wrongly injected with a filler. When unrecognized, this can cause scarring, tissue scarring, or worse, blindness. This is one procedure you shouldn’t get from a back alley surgeon, even if you find the $800 to $1,000 cost prohibitive.

Which Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018 Will You Go For?

Now that you know plastic surgery trends in 2018, it’s time to decide. Will you jump on the trends or will you give yourself more time to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure?

Whatever you decide, just make sure you do your research. And if you decide to go for it, get the best surgeon you can find.

For more articles about health and beauty, don’t forget to browse our blog.