Neither paper nor plastic: cute t-shirt grocery bag

To avoid using disposable bags that are thrown away after one or two uses, many eco-conscious consumers have started bringing their own reusable bags grocery shopping. Several stores, such as Kroger, Publix and Earth Fare sell sturdy reusable bags for a nominal price.

However, you don't need cash to bring your own bag. With an old t-shirt, some scissors, a needle and some thread, you can make your own reusable grocery bag. Not only is this bag sustainable because it's used over and over, but it saves a t-shirt from going in the trash!

This week at Tate Plaza, an Environmental Health Sciences class distributed t-shirt grocery bags that they had made. They gave me a pink one that says, "It's not easy being a princess." With each bag they included instructions on how to make your own, which I'm including below.

1) Turn t-shirt inside out.

2) Sew bottom together 12" below bottom of sleeves.

3) Sew a second seam close to the first one to reinforce the bottom of the bag.

4) Cut excess t-shirt off.

5) Turn t-shirt right side out.

6) Cut sleeves off just outside of seam (to prevent fraying)

7) Cut neck out in a square shape large enough to fit items in but be sure to leave enough fabric for handles.

8) Use and enjoy!