Caring for Others:
In the spirit of sustainability, caring for others, and caring for our planet, this little idea is going to have you grinning from ear to ear. Let me start out by admitting that I am proudly patting myself on the back at the moment. Some of my ideas fall short – very short. They feel brilliant at the time, but in reality…. not so much. And then there are moments of brilliance and glory that shine like stars in the night sky. But this one is going to have you asking yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” So today, let’s chat for a moment about product packaging and how you, too, can be mindful of sustainability.
01. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Do you remember that slogan? I learned it when I was in grade school. I’m not entirely sure it’s still in use these days. I think the more modern terms is sustainability.
I am all about recycling whenever possible. I donate items to charity shops if they still have life left in them. I try to throw away as little as possible, and I like to repurpose items any time I can.
And that’s where this story takes its shape: Bedding. That’s right. Bedding. Specifically the packaging it frequently comes in.
02. Think outside the box
Recently, I found myself in need of new bedding. You know how it is. Sometimes we need to replace a household item or two. Hems come out, elastic gives up, sheets become threadbare from years of dedicated service.
As I went on the search for the perfect replacement sheet sets, I noticed something curious. A lot of bedding comes in a matching fabric bag. Now, I suppose if you’re especially talented at refolding bedding after it’s been washed, it would be handy to store said bedding in that bag. Alas, I am not that talented. Nor do I have the patience I imagine it would take to get the bedding back into the bag.
Which left me looking curiously at these beautiful fabric bags thinking, “What can I possibly do with these?” I wanted to repurpose them in some way. First I thought about reusing them as gift bags. But after a couple of failed attempts, I realized that wasn’t the path.
Keeping sustainability in mind, I committed myself to finding a solution. And just at the right time, the solution presented itself to me. Life is fun like that. Sometimes the perfect idea just falls right into your lap.
03. Rinse & Repeat
And now, here’s what I used them for! I have repurposed these beauties as dust bags for my purses. Yes, you heard that right. They are amazing dust bags for handbags. Several of my handbags get stored away seasonally. Instead of placing them in a tote, basket, or fabric bin and running the risk of marring them with buckles, straps, or clasps, I place my bags inside of these bedding bags. Talk about sustainability! That’s an upcycle if I do say so myself.
In fact, I recently traveled for a quick weekend getaway and needed to take an additional handbag for an evening out. I placed my purse inside the little bedding bag and closed my suitcase. I didn’t have to worry about marks or scuffs and when I arrived, my purse was in pristine condition.
In that same vein, I have also used these little bedding bags as shoes bags. What I love about this option is that even if the bags get soiled, you can easily toss them in the wash as soon as you arrive home.
04. Caring for Others
While this may seem more like caring for yourself, I mean, it will make your life both easier and prettier. It really is a small step toward sustainability. Every time we can repurpose or reuse something in a new way, it helps the environment and our planet. So if you’re in the market for new bedding and find yourself with one of these little bags, simply remove the paper label, wash it up, and start using your new dust bag or shoe bag!
Tell me, what would you use these little treasures for?
