Environmentally Friendly Shopping Bags

Today, more and more people are opting for the cloth or canvas shopping bag, as opposed to using the plastic bags that stores offer for your purchased goods. This is a very good thing for the environment. As we all know, the plastic bags can be extremely harmful to the environment (as plastic takes decades to break down in our landfills). They are also very detrimental to the health and well being of our wildlife. These plastic bags don't always "stay" buried in the landfills amongst all the other trash and debris. The wind can so easily pick them up and carry them to far reaching places where wildlife can then try to feed on them. Some animals will try to consume anything, especially if it isn't fighting back for survival. This plastic then gets trapped in either their throats or digestive tracts, choking their systems until they die.

Fortunately, the public IS becoming more aware of the dangers of plastic shopping bags, and are now bringing their own "green" bags with them into the stores. Many are even making their own shopping bags. This helps to save them money instead of purchasing the green bags at every store they enter. Here is a quick and easy method for making your own shopping bags:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC:

It is best to use a good and sturdy fabric, such as a canvas or light denim material. This way, your bags can be washed again and again, if need be, without falling apart. As well, they will be strong and durable enough for all those heavier items when shopping for groceries. You will be able to fill each bag with more items.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN "GREEN" SHOPPING BAGS:

Cut out one long rectangular piece of fabric (approximately 33 1/2" x 12 1/2")

For the side panels, cut 2 pieces (approximately 13 1/2" x 8 1/2")

Then, sew each side panel to each side of the longer rectangular piece.

To help make your shopping bag more durable, you can use either one of these methods for finishing off the bag.

1) After sewing the pieces together, turn the bag inside out and re-sew along the edges (inward approximately 1/4"). This gives extra reinforcement to the seams so that your seams won't break with the weight of your groceries or other purchases.

2) After you have your sides sewn on, turn the bag inside out and then sew seam binding along all the outer edges. This too will help to reinforce your seams, making the bag stronger and more durable.

To finish off the bag, you can either fold over the top edge, sewing a hem, OR, you can add seam binding along the top for a neat, clean looking finish.

Next, you will need some handles for carrying your shopping bag:

Cut 2 long strips, approximately 24" x 2 ". Fold each strip over and sew along the long open edge. Then turn inside out (tip: pin a safety pin onto one end, then push and slide the safety pin through the inside of the strip until it appears out the bottom. Pull the pin through).

Now, tuck the top and bottom ends in (hiding the raw edges) and sew them. You can now sew your handles onto the bag.

Measure in about 3" from both sides and 2" down from the top (do this for both front and back of the bag). Pin your handles (straps) onto these points. Now you can sew the handles on.

A good way to do this is to sew a little square box (about an inch by an inch) at the bottoms of each handle. Then inside that box, sew an "X". This gives your handle a lot of extra durability, when carrying heavy items, preventing the seams from breaking and your handles from falling off.

*NOTE: If you find this bag is not big enough, you can adjust the measurements to suit your needs. However, this is generally a good size, especially if you need to take more than one bag shopping with you. These are easy to carry and won't load you down.

* Also remember, that these bags aren't just for grocery items. Get into the habit of taking your own bags with you to department stores, bakeries, or wherever you plan to shop. This way, the clerks won't have to put your items into their plastic bags. Eventually, stores everywhere might not have to purchase and supply their own bags to the customers, which lessens their overhead costs. They may someday be able to hand these savings down to the purchasing public!