Small Steps to Going Green in 2011

James Jacques Joseph Tissot, HolyDay (orThe Picnic), 1876
 No plastic sandwich bags in sight!

Posted by Carrie K.

Every day, more than 20 million sandwich bags from school lunches wind up in landfills in the U.S.  Let’s do a little math…that is 100 million per week. Amazing! Frightening!  A few bags too many, no? So, you may be thinking, “What can I do about it?” Let me share. Say “No!” to plastic sandwich bags and invest in reusable bags! 

Just as many of us have made the switch from plastic shopping bags to reusable cloth bags, let’s do the same with sandwich bags.  There are many online sources available where bags can be purchased. If, however, you are so inspired you can make your own bags out of recycled fabrics.  The possibilities for fun & unique bags are endless. 

Not sure what to do? Follow this tutorial & help keep bags out of landfills! 
http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/03/tutorial-recycled-reusable-sandwich-bag.html

For more ideas on upcycling and recycling clothing at home, try these books:

Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed and Organic Materials by Betz White

Quilting for Peace by Katherine Bell

Little Green Dresses: 50 Orginal Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts and More by Tina Sparkles

Hand-Me-Ups: Recrafting Kids' Clothes With Easy Techniques and Fun Designs by Lorine Mason


For tasty lunch ideas for your new cloth bags, try these books:

The School Lunchbox Cookbook by Miriam Jacobs

Vegan Lunch Box by Jennifer McCann

The Brown Bag Lunch Cookbook by Miriam Jacobs