The DIY Hack That Turns A Shopping Bag Into A Versatile Storage Box

In recent years, many people have started to examine their personal carbon footprint more intensely, and have sought simple changes in their homes to reduce their impact on climate change. This can include simple eco-friendly changes like opting for all-natural cleaning products or watering the grass less often, but one of our favorite ways is through upcycling everyday objects into something useful (bonus points if it's cute!), preventing it from ending up in a landfill. That's why we fell in love with this simple craft that transforms paper shopping bags into storage or gift boxes, and that doesn't require any special skills or equipment. 

Although you may store reusable shopping bags to take to the grocery store in order to avoid using disposable plastic ones, you may not be as consistent when it comes to a shopping spree at the mall. Paper is recyclable, compostable, and degradable, but still takes several weeks to decompose. Plus, those bags from your favorite stores are typically made from high quality paper, and might even have a cute pattern, so why not turn it into something useful and long lasting? These upcycled storage containers can be used to organize your drawers, or even as a darling gift bag — perfect if you don't want to spend money on yet another paper bag that will end up in the recycling bin. 

To make this paper bag storage box, you'll just need a sturdy paper bag, pair of scissors, and glue or tape. First, lay the bag down flat and try to work out any creases with your hands or a credit card. In order to fold the bag into a box, you'll need to remove the handles and a few inches from the top of the bag. Simply fold the top down 3-5 inches, use your hands to make a crisp crease, then cut along the folded seam. Don't discard this portion, as you can reattach them later on. 

After this, fold the bag 2 to 3 more times, each a couple of inches apart — this will be your folding guide. Now, stand the bag up and start folding the top downward. The fold lines should make it easier to coax the paper down, but do this step slowly and gently so as to not crumple or tear the paper. Fold the seams down until the folded panel is parallel with the bottom of the bag, and you should have a box shape. From here, you can reattach the handles on the interior sides with glue or tape, and there you have an upcycled storage box. 

You can use the box-bag as is, but feel free to also customize them a bit. Use an ink stamp or some acrylic paint to dress up a plain brown paper bag into a stylish DIY storage container, or spray paint over a brand name if you want to give it as a gift bag.