How to Make Your Own Reusable Food Bags

All the seems to focus on grocery bags.

But some of the less publicized sources of single-use plastic waste are the sandwich and snack bags we use daily. The amount of waste they generate is astounding. And though some people choose to reuse their snack bags once or even twice, most research warns of that there are health risks associated with plastic reuse.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Many new companies have started manufacturing reusable food bags, most of which retail between $7 and $10. But chances are, with little or no money, you have the materials at home to make your own.

Any gently used fabric will work great—this is a perfect time to use up an old dishcloth, tablecloth or fabric scraps. To keep the construction simple you can skip the sewing machine and hand sew with big needles and needlepoint thread. Throw in a piece or two of Velcro and you are ready to get started (iron-on Velcro seems to be the easiest to work with).

Below are instructions for both a sandwich wrap and a snack bag.

How to Make a Sandwich Wrap
:

• Cut an 18 x 18 inch square of a gently used fabric.
• Cut off the corners (approximately 8 inch diagonals) to make an octagon. The original sides of the square will now be about 6 inches each.
• Fold the sides in, the bottom up and the top down to make a square the size of a sandwich.
• Use a hot iron to secure the folds.
• Iron on a piece of Velcro so that the top flap will adhere to the bottom flap.
• Decorate! Use the embroidery thread to make it unique.

How to Make a Snack Bag
:

• Cut a 14 x 7-inch piece of your favorite fabric.
• Fold the bottom up, leaving a 1.5-inch flap for the top. Fold the top down and secure the folds with a hot iron.
• Decorate! Use the embroidery thread to make it unique.
• Sew up the sides using the embroidery thread.
• Iron on a 5-inch piece of Velcro along the top flap.