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Celebrate Paper Bag Day with a bang: make eco-friendly bags, create crafts, and find new ways to reuse paper bags to reduce waste!
Get ready to celebrate Paper Bag Day on July 12! This day marks the invention of the first machine-made paper bag by Charles Stilwell in 1852, who created what would later become a staple item in almost every American household. Paper bags are not only useful for carrying groceries and other items around, but they can also be used as decorations and even fashion accessories. You may not have realized it, but you probably use paper bags more than you think - so why not take this day to appreciate them?
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Craft Paper Bags</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the early 1800s, paper bags were handcrafted and typically used to carry groceries or lunch items.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1852</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stilwell's Machine-Made Paper Bag</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1852, Charles Stilwell invented the first machine-made paper bag which he called the "S.O.S.," meaning "Self-Opening Sack."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1870</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Margaret Knight's Improved Paper Bag</div><div class='timeline-text'>Margaret Knight invented a machine in 1870 that made flat-bottomed paper bags, still widely in use for many purposes today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Arrival of Paper Grocery Bags</div><div class='timeline-text'>Walter Deubener invented the "Deubener Shopping Bag," a paper shopping bag with handles in 1912, forever changing how we carry groceries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Renewed Interest in Paper Bags</div><div class='timeline-text'>With rising environmental concerns over plastic waste, many countries started to encourage the use of paper bags again in retail and food industries.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a paper bag puppet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Making a paper bag puppet is a fun and easy craft to do with kids. With some construction paper, googly eyes, and a few other items from around the house, you can make an array of puppets that can be used for storytelling activities or just for fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a paper bag scrapbook</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up all of your old photos and mementos, and create a scrapbook out of brown paper bags. Decorate the outside with markers or paint, then fill the pages with pictures, stories and memories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a picnic in a paper bag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack your lunch in a paper bag and take it out to your favorite park or outdoor spot. Not only will you save on packaging but you'll have an excuse to spend time outdoors.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate paper bags</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Grab some white paper bags and get creative! Use paints, markers, stamps and stickers to decorate the bags in whatever way you want. You could even give them away as gifts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a paper bag garland</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Fill several paper bags with colorful tissue paper and tie each one closed with decorative ribbon or string. Then hang them from the ceiling for an extra special celebration!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Paper bags are recyclable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unlike plastic bags, paper bags can be easily recycled. This means they won't end up in landfills or pollute our oceans and rivers. And if you're looking to save money, many stores offer reusable paper shopping bags that can last for years!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Paper bags are strong and durable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Paper bags are surprisingly strong and can carry quite a bit of weight. This makes them perfect for carrying large items like groceries or books. Plus, they won't tear or rip even if you stuff them full - unlike some plastic options!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Paper bags are versatile</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Paper bags aren't just great for shopping. They can also be used for crafts, decorations and even as an eco-friendly option for packing lunches. So don't let their plain exterior fool you – these little brown sacks are incredibly useful and have so much potential!</p></div></div>
Paper Bag Day is celebrated on July 12th every year. In 2024 Paper Bag Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Jul 12
Wednesday
2024
Jul 12
Friday
2025
Jul 12
Saturday
2026
Jul 12
Sunday
2027
Jul 12
Monday
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