According to studies by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, we use 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags worldwide each year. Did you know it takes hundreds of years for these plastic bags to decompose? Studies have shown that 80% of consumers use plastic bags instead of paper. The average cost for a plastic bag is 1 cent and a paper bag costs about 4 cents each. Stores prefer to use the plastic for this reason. These plastic bags are clogging roadside drains, polluting our soil and water, and being swallowed by fish and wildlife. What can we do?
Reusable bags are durable and eco-friendly. They are the same size as a regular plastic bag, or any size or style you like. These bags are also useful as book bags, shoe bags, and anything else you frequently carry. Take your lunch to work in it, and then on the way home, stop and get your groceries in it.
I would like to help do my part; therefore, I am putting down instructions for you to make your very own carry-bags.
The fabric you use should be something durable and washable. Denim or canvas would make strong bags. If you are unsure, ask at the sales desk of your fabric shop and the clerk will help you find a suitable fabric. There are also some durable lightweight fabrics like nylon. These will fold up small enough to store in your purse or pocket.
To make our reusable grocery bag, we will start with purchasing the fabric or making it out of used clothing such as a pair of old jeans. We will need approximately 1 yard of fabric.
Scissors, or rotary cutter and mat
Ruler or tape measure
Pins
Thread to match fabric
1 yard of 2 inch webbing
Begin by cutting out a piece of fabric 18 x 36 inches. Fold with right sides together. Sew up both side seams. On the bottom of the bag, we will make a gusset to make a flatter base. At the bottom of the bag, measure 2 inches up from the bottom and make a mark. Measure 2 inches across the bottom and make a mark. Draw a line from the first mark to the second mark. Sew along this line. Repeat this step on the other corner.
To hem the rim of your bag, turn under ¼ inch and then fold under another ¼ to ½ inch toward the inside of the bag, and sew around the entire top of the bag. To add your handles, start with a 36 inch piece of webbing, cut your webbing in half, so each piece is 18 inches. On the inside top of your bag front, measure 2 inches from the left side of the bag and make a mark. Repeat from the right side of the bag and make a mark. Repeat these steps on the back of the bag. I would pin these pieces before you sew to make sure they are in the right position. To attach your webbing, place one end of one piece on the first mark on the front of the bag, inside and sew down. Be sure to attach well, as these will take a lot of use. On the same side of the bag, attach the other end of the strap to the inside front. Sew down. Repeat this step on the back of the bag.
After you have finished your bag, you may want to decorate it. There are many embellishments available. You could add ribbon, bows, buttons, paint, glitter, iron-on transfers, or any combination. Enjoy your reusable grocery bag and do your part to save the Earth.
