Plastic bags – they’re strewn all over your kitchen counter and seem to multiply by the day. Here are different ways you can put these plastic bags to good use instead of simply throwing them away.

〉 Hand protectors: Plastic bags can serve as makeshift gloves. From bagging chicken carcasses after cooking to picking up after your dog, plastic bags can be a lifesaver when things get dirty.

〉 Easy kitchen cleanups: Instead of using a cutting board and creating more dishes to wash, cut your carrots or peel your apple over a plastic bag. It’s a fast and clean way to chop those vegetables without creating a mess.

〉 Wrapping solutions: If you have no time to shop for wrapping paper (or you simply forgot about someone’s birthday), clean and colorful plastic bags might do the trick. Triple-bag the gift, use the bags’ handles to tie a knot and cut off the tops of the loops. Note: be sure to use plastic bags without writing.

〉 Wet umbrella holders: Sticking your wet umbrella in a plastic bag will prevent water from getting inside your backpack or all over the floor.

〉 Multi-purpose use: You simply never know when you’ll need a plastic bag. It’s a good idea to keep one in your purse or backpack, just in case you need to throw away unfinished food or return a borrowed book.

For more ways on reusing plastic bags, visit Real Simple’s web site.