You know the look you get from your zero waste friend when you grab a produce bag at the grocery store: a mix of disappointment and disgust. You turn away, mortified.
So instead of buying a pound of apples for pie, you take only one and leave the bag.
You’ve read the stories about dead whales and turtles. All those pictures break your heart.
By the year 2020, plastic bags will be prohibited in my home state. Countries like France, India, China, and some parts of Africa have already banned them.
I’ve been doing my best to reduce plastic use. I’ve got to confess that I, too find myself grabbing a bag whenever I buy produce. Not cool, I know. It’s a terrible habit I’m trying to break.
Reusable bags are all the rage at local Zero Waste markets, yet they’re also a bit pricey. If you buy a lot of produce, you could end up spending a lot of money.
Who wants that?
You can make your own in less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee and for a fraction of the price.
What you’ll need to make your own reusable produce bags
I chose mesh fabric to keep the contents of the bag visible during checkout at the store. You can also use linen, cotton or recycle old T-Shirts.
Steps 1-3
Step 1
Cut the fabric to the desired size. I folded the mesh to a height of 10 inches, and cut it 9 inches wide.
You can choose a different size to serve your needs.
Step 2
Pin or clip both sides together.
Step 3
Sew along the sides making sure to stop before the top fold. Use a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Steps 4-6
Step 4
Backstitch 1 inch before reaching the top side.
Step 5
Fold the top over the wrong side of the fabric and pin or clip it.
Step 6
Using a 1/4″ presser foot, sew along the left side of the bag, leaving a 1/8″ seam allowance.
Steps 7-8
Step 7
Turn the bag from the inside out.
Cut the cord to double the width of the bag. Pull it through the opening and push it to the opposite side.
Step 8
Pull both ends through the cord stop and make a knot.
You did it!
With these simple instructions, you can make enough reusable produce bags for your next grocery run while reducing waste at the same time.
If you liked this tutorial, share it with your friends and make a change.
Stay weird!
