Bring Your Own Bags!

Just last night a mom from the dance studio and I were talking about how we were both "bringing our own bags" to the grocery store to reduce our use of plastic. We both commented on the strange looks we get but both know it was so worth the effort. The other mom even admitted that the whole "bring your own bag" thing was her new year's resolution and if she "forgets" her bags she will take her entire grocery purchase to the car BAGLESS! OK, I am not that dedicated yet, but with a family of 11, any trips I remember them on saves an average of 20 or so plastic bags.

Then I log onto one of the local homeschooling lists that I am part of and found this wonderful link posted by the list owner!

http://igotmybag.org/home.htm

From the web site:"Why Bring Your Own Bag?

Start a habit you'll be proud to flaunt: remember your own bags everytime you go to the store. It's one simple way to go green in your
daily life. And when people see you're making the right choice,they're likely to do it too.

Some paper & plastic statistics:

* Each year the United States consumes 30 billion plastic and 10billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees and 12 millionbarrels of oil.

* The pulp and paper industry is the 2nd largest industrial user of energy in the U.S.

* More than 46,000 pieces of plastic contaminate each square mileof our oceans.

* Over 100,000 marine animals die every year from plasticentanglement.

* Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled annually.

Did you know that in alaska 30 communities have instituted bans on the distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bag?

In my area (Cincinnati) most stores sell reusable bags for anywhere from $.99 to about $4. Some stores like Kroger's and Whole Foods even give you a bag discount (about $.05). Here is a wonderful idea , why not make your own tote bags (for yourself, for gifts, or a fundraiser!)? Two of my teens just joined the Clermont County Teen Board, I am thinking I will have them really look into this as a service project! Wouldn't it be great to "give away" some resuable bags and then see them out and about in the community?

She even included some great pattern links:

Here is a simple pattern for a tote :http://www.pieandcoffee.org/2005/11/12/canvas-bag/ you could even use webbing for straps instead of fabric if you were so inclined.

Here's Martha Stewart's beach tote version: http://doiop.com/totebag can't see me digging out a vintage tablecloth, but I could certainly find some cute fabric on clearance to use!

Another beach bag : http://besewstylish.taunton.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?nav=main&web\tag=besewstylish&entry=127

Basic, simple tote with animated directions!:http://www.morsbags.com/

a pretty knit tote?:http://www.purlbee.com/elisa-nest-tote/

Save trees, save oil, save the environment......make some bags!