How to make eco friendly bags

Opting for sustainable bags instead of single-use ones is one of the easiest ways to become more environmentally friendly. Not only do they cost the same as regular bags, but last longer and have a much smaller carbon footprint. However, if you want to reach that next level, making your own sustainable bags can be a really good choice. Here’s a guide on how to make eco friendly bags and why you should start considering them for yourself.

This world is being polluted every second with the growing amount of plastic bags. The land and marine life continue to suffer and the landscapes of our planet are no longer what they used to be a few decades ago. To mitigate the devastation caused by plastic bags, developing the habit of using eco friendly bags is no longer an option, but a necessity. 

One of the main reasons why people are still using these abominations is their availability. Although today’s market is gradually turning towards sustainable alternatives, plastic bags are still available almost anywhere in the world as opposed to bags made from sustainable materials (such as bamboo). Consequently, it’s literally a piece of cake to get polythene bags whereas bags made from greener materials are much harder to find. 

Apart from this, although eco friendly bags are quite cheap and in most cases re-usable, they are still a few cents more than your average single-use bag. Consequently, people who are budget-conscious tend to save those few cents per bag (even though they are more economical in the long run). Not to worry though, making your own sustainable shopping bag is easy, fun, and can be made from materials that you’re no longer using, so quite economical as well.

DIY CANVAS BAGS

Canvas bags are a great alternative that can be reused several times. The bags are also washable and quite durable which helps them last much longer than your average shopping bag

Here are the directions to make your own canvas bag.

1. Measure and cut 4 pieces of fabric (canvas) 21 inches wide and 20 inches long. 2 for inner lining and 2 or outer fabric. Also cut 2 pieces for handles 5 inches wide and 22 inches long.
2. Line the outer pieces with the front side facing and sew from the bottom, then along the sides and fold the fabric 1 inch from the top. Box the corners measure 3½ inches from both corners, draw a line to mark, it should be a 45-degree triangle. Sew on the line and cut the excess fabric. Turn it inside out.
3. Repeat the same process with the inner lining fabric.
4. Fold the edges of the handle lengthwise and then fold it in half. Sew the handle from both sides. Repeat the same for the other handle.
5. Sew the handles to the lining 6 inches in from both sides.
6. Place the lining inside the outer fabric. Match top edges and sew them both all the way around.

That’s it! You now have a long-lasting washable alternative for your traditional plastic bags.

DIY JEANS BAG

Jeans bags are pretty easy to make and look good while carrying around. All you need is an old pair of jeans and with the given instructions you can say hello to your new jeans bag

1. Grab your old jeans and cut a length of 18 inches of both legs of your jeans.
2. Then cut one side of both pieces, you will have two square-shaped pieces.
3. Sew both of them together from 3 sides (left, right, bottom) and leave the top side open.
4. Now, cut the handles for your bag with 4 inches width and length that you desire. 
5. Fold both handles in half lengthwise and sew them.
6. Finally, sew the handles to the bag. Then turn the bag inside out.
7. In addition, you can cut the back pocket of your jeans and sew them to the front side of your bag for some extra space.

These bags are one of the best alternatives to single-use plastic bags since they can be used literally as many times as you need.

DIY PAPER BAG

The easiest and cheapest alternative for polythene bags would be a paper bag made from a newspaper. Not only are paper bags cheap, but also help recycle paper thereby reducing trash at home.  All you need is a newspaper and some glue.

1. Take 2 halves of a newspaper and paste them together.
2. Fold the bottom edge of the newspaper horizontally.
3. Fold the newspaper in half vertically and paste it to the folded edge.
4. Then open the bottom side of the bag. Fold the sides forming triangles inside, and a rectangular shape, horizontally.
5. Fold the top and bottom of the rectangular side and paste them together. 

There, you will now have your very own eco friendly bag made from the cheapest materials you can find.

DIY MESH/ DRAWSTRING BAG

Mesh bags are flexible and can hold more weight than an equivalent polythene bag. Mesh is a popular fabric often used in undergarments (check out more about mesh fabric here). Here is how you can make one at your home.

1. Find an old, used mesh fabric at your home. You can easily find some old clothes that are made from mesh such as stockings.
2. Measure and cut the mesh 32 by 12 inches and then fold it in half lengthwise.
3. Sew the sides.
4. Fold the top edge over 1 inch and sew it all the way around.
5. Take a blind cording and cut 2 30 inches pieces.
6. Thread the cording through the folded edge on top from one side with the help of a safety pin, tie them from the side. Take the other piece of cording and repeat the same process.

These bags are durable for fruit shopping or a trendy beach day alternative.

Sustainable shopping bags have a much longer shelf life and are much healthier for the planet. Although these bags can be found off the shelf at incredibly cheap prices, you can always make your own sustainable bags, personalize them however you want, and show them off to others around you.