I did not think of brown bagging as being a particularly green activity, until I ran across a great little book. Lunch Bags from Stashbooks features 25 different lunch bag patterns from various designers. The bags can be insulated and are a great way to have fun, save money, and go green. There is even a pattern for a reuseable sandwich bag; talk about green.

You know I love making tote bags and purses, so making a lunch bag will be a cinch.

Organic fabrics are made of fibers which are 100% organically grown. This means that no toxic chemicals (pesticides and synthetic fertilizers) have been used to grow these fibers. This not only means that no toxins will find their way into the cloth used for apparel, but that no toxins get into the food and water supply.

Organic farmers are required to meet high standards before their products are considered truly organic. The land on which organic cotton is grown must have been free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and defoliants for a minimum of three years. Organic cotton is grown with time-tested methods. Farmers use beneficial insects, natural fertilizers, crop rotation, and careful tending to produce bountiful cotton harvests which are free of toxic contaminants and ready to be spun into thread and woven or knit into luxurious, soft fabrics. Organic farming is healthier for farm workers, for the environment, and for the consumers who will use the finished products.
Organic fabrics are a beautiful, healthy choice.

Want to make some interesting felt craft projects with the kids and teach them how to go green at the same time. Use recycled felt. It is available by the yard in 72” widths and it is also available in several colors in adhesive felt squares which are great for craft projects.

Colorful napkins are easy and fun to make.
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Going Green—with Sewing

I must confess that sewing is not something I think of when I think of going green. However, sewing can be green from both an environmental standpoint and economic standpoint; it can save you a lot of “green” as well as help keep the environment greener.

Green sewing ideas:

Mend old clothes instead of throwing them away. “Recycle” old clothes by using the fabric in them for another garment.

Make cloth bags to carry your groceries and other store purchases. These can be a fun creative way to practice your sewing skills. Embellish the bags with appliqués, embroidery, or beads and see the complements you get. Burlap, canvas, and hemp fabrics are great for this purpose; they are strong and durable.

Why not make your own washable cloth napkins, instead of spending a lot on a constant supply of paper ones. You can make six 14” square napkins out of a yard of 45” wide fabric and eight 14” napkins out of 60” wide fabric. Simply cut a square the desired size and serge the edges with a 2 or 3 thread decorative edge. If you don’t have a serger, make folded hems with mitered corners. Linen makes fabulous, elegant napkins for company and calico and broadcloth are great for everyday use.