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Bag Lady project moves forward at Unitarian kick-off
Published 06:00 a.m., February 23, 2008
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Bonnie Ewert and Linda Reese sew “green” bags.
How will the use of plastic bags be eliminated in Otter Tail County? Fergus Falls and vicinity imports 500 tons of this hazardous material every year and dumps it in local landfills. A groundswell of public consciousness around the country is becoming aware and, in some cases outlawing their use.
The Underwood Unitarian Women's Alliance (UUWA) wants to get a jump on the problem. Recently they held a sew-in for an afternoon together making cloth shopping bags.
“We invited people from other groups and hope they'll pick up on the idea and carry it back to their own faith communities,” said Sandy Barnhouse, who hosted the event at Barnhard Arts, north of Underwood. She was inspired by the sewing group that meets next door at Tingvold Lutheran Church, which exports its products to the needy.
“What is needed right now is for our area churches and other groups to focus on our local needs for cloth bags,” said Bert Whitcombe, who also sewed several bags at the event.
Fergus Falls will need approximately 150,000 bags in order for every household to have the 10 minimum.
“We know we can't make that many ourselves, but there's a lot to be said for raising consciousness by sewing,” said UUWA member Bonnie Ewert, one of the Bag Lady project's avid promoters.
One way to get cloth bags is to give to a wildlife organization that sends bags for a membership donation, a win-win for the planet in two ways.
“The real issue,” Barnhouse said, “is behavior change. We all have to change our shopping routines — and not just with groceries — by developing new habits and carrying bags wherever we go. You know you're 'in the bag' when you return to the parking lot in the driving rain and retrieve your bags before going through the check-out.”
The Bag Lady sweatshop is now officially open for sewing. Call 218-826-7412 to make arrangements. Tools and materials are available on site.
“Watch for more events,” Ewert said. “We've got a lot of plans to create incentives for everyone in the area to give up plastic bags.”
The Bag Lady project is supported through a grant from the Unitarian Church, and with assistance from West Central Initiative.
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