Reducing Waste – Net Bags

Rhonda over at Down to Earth recently blogged about reducing throw away waste and it motivated me to continue trying to reduce the stuff that we regularly dispose of.

I was especially inspired by the net bags she has made for holding vegetables, fruit and nuts in shops instead of using the clear plastic, or paper bags.

We generally get recyclable paper bags when we go shopping, but reusable ones are even better!

I don’t do a lot of sewing so I really enjoyed making them, and although I know it’s very simple sewing I had a sense of achievement as I rarely make anything from scratch like this. It’s something I want to work on in the future and this has inspired me to continue learning to sew and create my own things.

 

You can find Rhonda’s details for making the bags here…

 

Most people probably know how to make a drawstring, but as I am an ignoramus and had to ask my mum I thought I would pass on the information here for those who don’t…!

 

How to make a drawstring

 

 

Like Rhonda says, you can use string or ribbon. I used wool because I didn’t want to buy anything new.

 

• Measure what you think would be the length and double it or treble it depending how thick you want it, and give a bit more for luck!
• Fold it in half, or in three.
• Get someone to hold the end tightly, or tie/hook it to a door or chair, while you hold the other end and twist it.
• Keep twisting until when you release it a bit the wool starts to double back on itself and twist together.  Pull it straight again and if you think it is twisted enough carefully fold it in half making sure you keep the string taut.
• Clip a paper clip or safety pin to one end and feed it through the drawstring channel, and tie it together.
• Voila!