Newsletter

Topic:  PLASTIC TRASH BAGS

Plastic Trash bags should be considered a must have, and should be included in all survival kits. I personally consider the large heavy-duty 55-gallon size to be the best choice. These large bags are adequate for many survival related applications. The simple trash bag can make a survival stay not only much safer, but they can be used in a variety of ways to make your stay more comfortable. Only a fool stays uncomfortable when they do not need to be. Listed in this newsletter will be only a few of the many uses for he trash bag. Use your imagination; you will be amazed at the number of ways you can think of to use the trash bag. Remember; listed here are only a few ideas for trash bag use.

Cut a hole in bottom of bag to be used as a face hole, pull bag over and use as a rain garment. This configuration also works well as a wind proof garment. You can also set inside and sit in wet areas to prevent pants from becoming wet or muddy. Tie to a pole and use the bag as a flag, or even for food storage. Stuff full with cattail down or dry leaves and use as a blanket. Overfill and use as a mattress. They even work well for water storage. Fill with air and tie closed the open end for use as a river float. When cut open to full size they may be used as waterproof roofing material for debris shelter. They may also be filled with snow and left in the sun to heat and melt snow into drinking water. The plastic can be cut into large pieces and used to make vapor barrier socks to keep feet warm. Cut open to full size then lay in ground depression to catch and hold rainwater for drinking. Cut them open to increase size and use catch and channel rainwater into a container. They make great sunshades for protection from the hot sun. Use as a ground cloth for sitting on as a protective barrier from damp grass or ground moisture. Insert rocks inside bag with food, tightly seal open end and set in moving creek for a makeshift cooler. Cut into wide strips and use as leggings to prevent injury to shins and protection from moisture. Stretch out in open snowfield as a SOS marker. Use as a bowl for soups and foods. You can even cook foods in them, by digging a hole six to eight inches in diameter and approximately 10 inches deep, line with plastic and cook soups using the hot rock method.

Wrap loosely around body and let the dark color absorb solar radiation to warm yourself. They can be used to hang foods from tree branches using cord, to prevent food loss to animals.

There are many other uses for the trash bag, try to think of a few. Email your suggestions to tony@wildernessadventures.net, I will consider adding them to message board.