PAPER BAG DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- July 12th, 1859 patent issued
- WHO
- Francis Wolle in 1852
- ORIGIN
- 1859 US patent commemorated
- FOUNDED
- By William Goodale in 1859
PAPER BAG DAY
On July 12, we recognize the significance of an invention we take for granted--the paper bag. Not only do we carry our groceries or our lunches in a paper bag, but Paper Bag Day reminds us about a highly functional item comes in handy in a surprising number of ways.
#PaperBagDay
Millions of people use paper bags every day. Readily recyclable, paper bags have been around for many years. American inventor, Francis Wolle, receives credit for his patent of the first paper bag machine in 1852. William Goodale, another paper bag inventor, received his patent on July 12th, 1859. Goodale's design cut the paper such that it was ready for folding. Margaret E. Knight became known as "the mother of the grocery bag" after she designed the square, flat-bottomed bag, and the machine that would fold and paste them in 1870. Over the years, other inventors have received recognition and patents for their inventions of devices that improve the paper bag or its production.
5 Random Uses of a Paper Bag
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Helps reduce anxiety:
If you're hyperventilating, cover your nose and mouth with the open end of the paper sack and fill the bag with your breath. Breath in and out until breathing becomes normal again.
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Serve popcorn:
Serve popcorn - When making a large amount of popcorn for a group, serve popcorn in small size paper bags. The paper bags also absorb any oil used to season the popcorn so the snack will be less messy.
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Arts and crafts:
Paper bags make great puppets, masks, and windsocks. Get decorating with your kids and have fun while doing it, too!
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Gift bags:
Recycle a paper bag by making bags with them. Whether you give home baked goodies or another thoughtful gift, your gift bag may steal the show.
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Ripen fruit:
Don't wait for green fruit to ripen. Put it in a paper bag and fold the top. This traps the ethylene gas given off by the fruit, which helps it to mature. Want them to ripen even faster? Put an apple in there, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE PAPER BAG DAY
Consider the convenience of the paper bag or sack. How many other ways can you use paper bags? Check out these 7 Different Uses For Paper Bags to find out!
Share your favorite uses for the paper bag and post on social media using #PaperBagDay.
PAPER BAG DAY HISTORY
While we've not determined the founder of the day, it does commemorate the date one U.S. patent was issued for a paper bag machine; William Goodale's 1859 patent was received on July 12th.
