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:

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 "). 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

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