Tips from Sticks in the Mud – January Tip #2 – Reusing “storage” bags

No Southern-fried Southern boy wants to be called a Yankee, but we share the characteristics of shrewdness and thrift.  Thus, each month we include a money-saving tip.  It’s OK if you call me “cheap.”

Speaking of reusing bags I was in a department store the other day, waiting my turn to check out, when I overheard a lady asking an employee, “Where would I find plastic bags for storing a comforter?”

I wanted to scream!  “Lady!  The comforter probably came in a plastic bag, complete with a nice zipper.”

When we purchase sheets, electric blankets and other bedding I always nab the zippered bag.  See the big one?

An electric blanket originally came in this bag, but now it holds my never-ending supply of old T-shirts used for finishing, cleaning and a kazillion other tasks.

The little one below came full of washcloths from Amazon.  I honor its heritage by storing the retired washcloths until it’s time to use them in the shop, too.

Pay for a plastic storage bag? Sorry, I just can’t make myself do it! These old washcloths and socks served me well, but the boss said they had to go.

Jim Randolph is a veterinarian in Long Beach, Mississippi. His earlier careers as lawn mower, dairy farmer, automobile mechanic, microwave communications electronics instructor and journeyman carpenter all influence his approach to woodworking. His favorite projects are furniture built for his wife, Brenda, and for their children and grandchildren. His and Brenda’s home, nicknamed Sticks-In-The-Mud, is built on pilings (sticks) near the wetlands (mud) on a bayou off Jourdan River. His shop is in the lower level of their home. Questions and comments on woodworking may be written below in the comments section. Questions about pet care should be directed to his blog on pet care, www.MyPetsDoctor.com. We regret that, because of high volume, not all inquiries can be answered personally.