DIY Reusable Shopping Bag

Contribution by Wrangler Bridget Byrne

Here's a hands-on activity for all ages: reusable shopping bags! This activity is great to keep young students engaged but also is also great for the whole family. They are eco-friendly because they reduce plastic and textile waste. Learn how to make them below!

Materials: T-Shirt (any size but preferably adult size S-M), scissors, and markers.

Step1: First, lay your shirt flat on a smooth surface like a table or floor. If your shirt has a design you want your bag to show off, flip your shirt inside out before laying it down, like mine!

 Step 2: Draw a line 1 inch down from the neckline with a marker and cut it off. Make lines on each of the seams on the sleeves and cut these off, too. You should be left with a shirt that resembles a tank top.

Step 3: Cut a straight line along the bottom of the shirt around one inch above the hem. Do not throw away the excess, we will need it in the next step.

Step 4: Make one cut on the excess fabric so it is one long piece instead of an oval.

Step Five: Gather the bottom part of the shirt in a fist. Use the excess fabric from step 4 to tie around the gathered end of the shirt. Make sure to tie it really tight!

Step 6: Flip the shirt inside out and enjoy your new reusable bag! If you have a plain shirt, you can decorate it with markers, too!

Global thinking: Where does a plastic bag go once it is thrown away? Why is it a problem when plastic bags are in the environment? What other ways can you help the environment besides using your reusable bag?

*It is important to note that many grocery stores are not allowing reusable bags to be used in stores at this time, however, they will most likely be usable in the future.*

Helpful resource:
https://www.sprep.org/attachments/Publications/FactSheet/plasticbags.pdf