Single-use plastic bags from grocery stores and retail outlets litter our entire planet. Worldwide, we use about 3 trillion plastic bags each year but their usage lifespan average is only about 10 minutes long. After they've been thrown away, it can take years for them to decompose. We need to do something about this. But what? We need bags of some description - but we need to be more mindful about what we're consuming and how we're doing it. Each little action we contribute to caring for the environment is not only important, it counts.
So, please stop using plastic bags. And please don't add more rubbish to landfills by throwing out those old jeans you no longer wear. Instead, solve both problems cleanly by sending me your old, forgotten denim jeans and I'll create a strong, washable denim bag for you. With no extra materials involved, no felling of trees, no dumping of toxic chemicals, no sweatshop factories, no human rights violations, and no obnoxious corporate logos on the outside (or inside). I'll incorporate nearly 99% of the jeans you provide into your bag, so there's almost no waste.
So, how does it work? Simple. Post your old jeans to me, wait just a few days (I have a day job so it may take a few days to make!), then I post your recycled denim bag back to you.
How much does it cost? Not much. It costs you £15 and an old pair of jeans. Include a cheque or postal order with your jeans. Or, you can pay by PayPal.
Why do I have to pay? Thread, replacing broken needles (denim can be tough!) and Time all cost something. Every recycled denim bag is made by me - not a sweatshop of workers - and this takes time to do.
Can the bag be customised? Yes and no; there's only so much you can do with a pair of jeans. I make these bags because I care about the environment and curbing our bad habits as the collective human footprint becomes heavier each year - not about winning awards in Milan. However, if you would like a shallow bag, or one with more depth to carry more items -or - if you'd like a longer/shorter shoulder strap, please let me know. Also, if you have extra items (ribbon, patches, etc.) you'd like sewn to it, you can send these along, as well.
Each pair of jeans is different - in size, shape, colour, texture. So, the style of bag you receive is reflected by the style of jeans you provide. If your jeans have rips and tears in them, so will your bag! And because the jeans are unique, so is the bag. You get a one-of-kind carry-all. I don't use a standard pattern, every bag is rather like a work of art and has its own personality.
Use your bag to carry groceries. But that's not all. Denim is strong, lightweight and washable - use it to carry your gym stuff. Carry your homework. Carry your dog. And reduce your use of plastic bags!
Bag displayed was made from mens size 32x32 G-Star Raw jeans. Sizes and shapes will vary.
