On BYOBD, shoppers here are encouraged to bring own shopping bags or purchase reusable bags available at the participating supermarkets or donate 10 cents for each plastic bag taken at the checkout counters . Proceeds from the donation will go to a registered charity to fund environmental activities.
The other day I was at the shopping center when I saw a simple foldable carrier in a mini bag selling at about USD9 similar to the one I sew in the picture. It’s really cute and the material is the sort of the ones used in umbrellas. It gave me idea to make one for myself so that I can put it in my handbag and not get caught not bringing own bag on BYOBD. Sometimes after going out I make unplanned visits to the library. That is when I wish I have a carrier with me to carry the borrowed books home.
It’s really easy to make, cutting 2 pieces of rectangle, 1 for the mini bag and 1 for the actual carrier, a small piece and 2 longer pieces for the handle of the bags. The big carrier can be rolled and fit into the mini bag which is small enough to fit in most handbags. If you can’t get the material that of the umbrella, use a sturdy material for more rugged use such as those used for cushion covers or curtains. I got my material from remnants which I bought very cheaply on clearance sale.
See how small it is next to my favorite small handbag. It measures 5.5″ by 3.5″ excluding the handle. Lets do our bit by bringing our own bags to reduce excessive use of plastic bags and in this little way we can do our part for the environment .
Happy BYOBD.
June 10th, 2008 at 10:03 am
We do bring our own bags. We started this when we began shopping at Aldi. They don’t supply bags free, you must purchase them.
They bag that you made is very cute.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Hadias -The environmental friendly activities are not as active in the East as in America and Australia.For the moment only Wednesdays are assigned as BYOBD but not all retailers take part.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
It’s difficult to come in a supermarket with own bag here in our zone. You HAVE TO buy a plastic bag (often 2 and sometimes you pay the bag but not take it). In the most cases nobody asks you if you want it or not. And when I take my old plastic bag from the hand-bag, I always have scandals.
Once I counted how much cost me these bags a year. :))) 5 cents seem to be nothing. cent 5 x365= euro 18(x2=36) And if you have to enter different times in a supermarket a day?
June 13th, 2008 at 11:38 am
That’s interesting. I was under the impression that Europe, like America and Australia, is active in promoting eco- friendly environment. And poor you got to pay each time you go to supermarket.
June 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Nothing poor. :))) It’s the life.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
That is an absolutely fantastic idea! The stores here in the U.S. need to do that! They’ll sell you cloth bags, but they never seem to do anything to encourage customers to bring their own.
By the way, I really like the one you made, very nice and I never thought of using that type of fabric.