Learn how to make these gorgeous paper bag stars

Images, video, and craft via https://babbledabbledo.com/make-paper-stars-lunch-bags/

These stunning paper bag stars are easier to make than they look. We promise!* They can be made with white or natural kraft paper bags in a variety of sizes - the larger the bags the larger the star. The bags do need to be the same size relative to each other to achieve this look.

SUPPLIES:
12 Ross & Wallace paper grocery bags
1 large glue stick
Scissors
Hole Punch
String

STEP ONE:
Completely coat the back of the bag with glue (the side without the bottom fold).

STEP TWO:
Place the front of another bag (the side with the bottom fold) on top of the bag you’ve just applied glue to and press down firmly.

STEP THREE:
Repeat step one and two until all twelve bags are glued and pressed in a stack.

STEP FOUR (ADULTS ONLY):
Cut diagonally across each top edge of the stack of bags. Center cuts can also be added to vary the design.

Image via babbledabbledo.com

STEP FIVE:
Add glue to the back of the top bag in your stack and open the stack of bags, so that you can press the top bag firmly to the bottom bag in the stack forming your star. Hold until the glue sets.

STEP SIX:
Decorate! You can decorate the bags before or after you’ve created your star. To hang the star simply punch a hole and attach your string.

Click here to link to the original post where you can find decorating ideas and templates for other star patterns.

Plastic bags are a nuisance to many recycling facilities.

Did you know that many recycling facilities do not accept plastic bags?  Though it seems counterintuitive, one of the best ways to help your municipality’s recycling efforts is to know what NOT to put into your recycling bin. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS3Gm-K1GO4

Recyclables entering a single stream recycling process are sorted by automated equipment.  When plastic bags become wrapped around sorting disks, the equipment can no longer sort efficiently.  This results in staff having to routinely halt production  to clear the bags away from the sorting disks. 

Lisa Disbrow, Director of Public Affairs for Waste Management's CID Recycling Center in Chicago, cites that the problems arising from plastic bags account for tens of thousands of dollars in added costs to the recycling process.  In addition to the incease in processing costs, clogs in the recycling equipment can cause mixed bales, which cannot be used by manufacturers and must be re-processed.

The moral of the story is to keep those plastic bags out of your recycling bin.  You can rest at ease that your plastic bags will do more harm than good in the recycling bin.  On the other hand, please DO make sure that your paper grocery bags go into the recycling bin as they are widely accepted and easily recycled.

SOURCE:
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161219/lincoln-square/plastic-bag-recycling-blue-cart-waste-management
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS3Gm-K1GO4