We have pretty much managed to avoid using plastic bags by using hessian and organic cloth grocery and fruit and vege bags, and baking our own bread. Despite this they still seem to enter our lives so to ensure they exit gracefully here are two suggestions; Some Councils are able to accept them for recycling. We tend to wash them and reuse them until they deteriorate prior to recycling,
Check out this link for some more creative alternative uses for them. How about starting a campaign to get rid of plastic shopping bags in your area? Check out The Bag Ladies website from Golden Bay for inspiration!