Go Green With Make-It-Yourself Market Bags!

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion amongst the members of several Internet crochet lists I belong to regarding the making and use of market bags. It seems that some retailers are considering cutting down on the number of bags they distribute when you make a purchase or possibly discontinuing them altogether. Instead, they are encouraging customers to make or purchase their own reusable bags.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea! It gives those of us who crochet, knit, weave, sew, etc., the opportunity to express ourselves with our own unique bags. But the biggest bonus is that it keeps the plastic bags out of our landfills and will no longer pose a threat to wildlife.

With today's prices spiraling upwards at an alarming rate, you can be kind to the environment while also being kind to your budget by making your market bags from scrap or recycled materials. One idea that particularly intrigues me is Marlo's market bag at Marlo's Crochet Corner. It is made from the same plastic bags that the retailers want to discontinue, but it can also be made from bread wrappers, trash bags and most other types of plastic bags. Search Marlo's free pattern index to find the bag pattern and a tutorial to show you how to cut the bags and assemble the plastic "yarn."

There are many other patterns available as well, or you can wing it and create your own. You could use leftover scraps of yarn or thread. (I like to make mine from three strands of crochet thread held together with a G crochet hook.) You might also use strips of fabric and a large hook or needles to stitch up an extra-sturdy bag in a jiffy.

But, don't stop there! Help your friends and family go green, too, by making extra bags as gifts. These bags are fun to make and use and work up fairly quickly. And, when you're not shopping, you can use them to carry needlework or your books to the library, or just about anything else you can think of. The possibilities are endless!