Monday, June 23, 2008

Another Contest!!

Contest is closed, th winners are:
1. Poolesd
2. Deb in Kansas
3. Kim Lincoln

Please email me at debsstuff55 at yahoo dot com with your address so I can send you your bag.


OK, I'm going to do it again. I have three more green grocery bags to give away! All you have to do is leave a comment, then come back here next Weds. (July 2nd) to see if you've won. I have only heard from one of the winners from the last contest and really want to give these away so check back to see if you've won.
Now all you have to do is comment but I would love to hear what you've done recently to go green.
In case you didn't read the comments from the last contest here is a sampling of quotes about using fabric grocery bags from my readers:
.
"my mom and I use (9) reusable bags for our groceries and use at other stores too"
" I have read a lot recently on the damage plastic bags do to our planet in the long term and was completely disgusted. I had no idea it was as horrid as it is."
"I love using cloth bags instead of plastic. I bought a bunch until I could make some of my own."
"I love using bags over paper and plastic and save all my plastic just for making bags too."
"I am making an attempt at not getting any more plastic or paper bags when I go shopping. I either ask for no bag or take my reusable one's from Trader Joe's.'

94 comments:

HilsGal said...

I grew up in Germany - many. many moons ago. Back then there was nothing than cloth bags. Now, I am always trying to have one in the car. Mind you, I get strange looks at the grocery store. When I was using public transit. I filled up my bag in the store. When the bag was full, I stopped shopping, because I couldn't carry any more. It worked for me. LOL

knitmomma said...

Oh, I would love one of your pretty bags! I have a few reusable bags I like to take with me, but often need one or two more...and would love a nicer looking one!

Denyse said...

Great bags. It is so nice that you are offering these.

Denyse

Anonymous said...

I would love a bag too...I do use bags for my trips to the grocery store and I do collect bags..

KellyJMe said...

I started using cloth bags recently because they are just sturdier than the store bags. Baby food and cheap plastic bags are NOT a good combination!

Sharon said...

Looks like they're going to start charging us for the "privilege" of hauling our own grocery bags to the market and back! I can crochet them, but I have so many WIMs on my plate, I would love to have some help! Thank you for your consideration.

A Musician by Grace

Anonymous said...

I've been using cloth bags for a while now. The grocery store I go to pays you back 5 cents for using your own bags. I would love to have another one to add to my collection.

Jeanne

Anonymous said...

I can remember growing up, Mom would shop at a warehouse store - they had really nice open-top cardboard "boxes" that you brought back each time (I think you purchased them the first time). The new fabric/yarn bags are much smaller and more convenient (those boxes took up a lot of space in the trunk!). A lot of stores around here have started selling their own bags - I figure eventually they won't offer paper/plastic; you'll have to bring your own. But I'd rather have bags without the "advertising"!

Theresa said...

Great way to share your talents and help out the environment! I won't be around when you post your winner next week as we will be camping. You know the rule

"Leave it cleaner than you found it!" I wish more people would think like this and use the reusable bags! I have a few blah ones but use them any way and always tell them to fill them up! No plastic for this girl!

Anonymous said...

Would love to add one of your bags to my stash. I have 3 now and just love using them. Thanks Vicki

Becky said...

please enter me, I love the green bags. they are so cool.

Turtle said...

I have a couple of cloth bags but not enough for that big bi weekly monday shopping i do on my day off. All other bags were lost when we did the big move. Seems so many of the affordable bags now are ugly and advertise some store or other....and they still charge a good fee for them and get the fre advertising. So if my new-ish sewing machine were being kind to me (we are currently not on speaking terms) i would make some...lol, tried knitting them, forever! smile

FibroKnits said...

I, too, would love to have one of your lovely bags. I have been intending to knit or crochet some, but as usual, it seems that life gets in the way of my wishes.

Anonymous said...

I use the cloth bags all the time. I started using them at the grocery store and now use them at all my shopping. I carry them in my car at all times and each time I get out to go shopping I put a few in one and use the one as a tote bag for the others.

Barbara said...

I sure could use another green bag, have made a few for myself but a family of 5 goes through alot of groceries.
Just printed out directions for crocheting plastic bags into totes, will give that a try.

Luann said...

I moved recently and this community has these recycling bins available all the time. I am learning to recycle and would love to have a cloth bag to put my groceries in. I would feel good every time I used it! I hope I am the one to get one!! Luann

Anonymous said...

I have one bag so far, I really need to start sewing also, I really want to use only reusable bags when shopping. Too much plastic around us now, it's really great that you are helping so much with the "green". Thanks for your contest!

Sandy said...

I'm working very hard to build up a collection of cloth bags so I can quit using plastic when we make our grocery runs. I would love to have one of your wonderful bags.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful thing you are doing, Deb! Think I'll mention this to my Girl Scouts and see if any want to make green bags for a community service project. My family has been recycling for ages, including kids' crafts like you recently posted. We are all taking shorter showers now, too.

Sandy said...

I'm trying to build up a collection of cloth bags so I can avoid the plastic at the grocery store. I would love to have one of yours.

Anonymous said...

I live in New England on the east coast and would love to have one of your bags i have a couple that i use now that i use in many a store but could realy use another as i go to different stores on the same day

Anonymous said...

I have made it a priority to reuse my old paper shopping bags until they are no longer usable and then transition to all "green" bags. I would love to have one of your bags to transition into!

SandyQuilts said...

Enter me please ... I've been meaning to make some.

Anonymous said...

I use cloth bags all the time, when I shop, I really hope they do away with the plastic ones. Great job Deb and everyone that uses these type of bags...
Good luck everyone who enters..
Hugs...Suzy

Anonymous said...

I want to start going green at the grocery store but I need to get bags-I have one ex-large canvas which works for heavy canned foods. I would love one of your bags and thanks for giving them away.

JanglesfromJo said...

I do not have a Reusable bag yet, would love to have one. I have just been reusing the plastic ones over and over.

Zipperhead said...

Kudos to you for changing the world a few bags at a time. It encourages others to do the same--and it does make a difference!

Keesha
http://chiarian.blogspot.com
http://crochetingkeesha.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Since I am mostly shopping for one, I am starting to use something other than plastic and paper bags.

Anonymous said...

I was given a large terra cotta pot
for flowers recently. They get heavy once you fill them with soil so, I plan on taking some plastic bottles I found and filling up half the large pot with them. Then I'll fill up the rest of the pot with soil. This is a good way to reuse those plastic bottles and will make it easier on the back when moving that pot around.
Linda Edwards

Miss Theresa said...

wow, are you kidding? handmade bags are much easier to tote, stronger, and you can launder them in most cases. Only problem is, I haven't found time to make myself any yet!!

~~~Theresa
OKC OK

Anonymous said...

We have a small shopping bag/cart with wheels that we use when we go shopping. We also have a giant blue shopping bag that we tote inside the cart, in case we need it. here, in Italy, we are required to purchase most of the plastic shopping bags in supermarkes if we don't have our own bags.

Julie said...

I would really love one of your bags...Please add me to your draw! Love reading your posts too.

Anonymous said...

I am beginning to use the fabric bags. I had one grocery store cashier say that she wishes more people use those bags, so many people still use plastic.
My personal "green" thing is using vinegar instead of chemical weed killer. It's wonderful especially on a hot sunny day, cooks those weeds!!!
Thanks for making the bags.
Quiltmac1678 from AC4C

Jen said...

My steps to going green have been using cloth bags for grocery shopping. I stopped buying bottled water in bottles, now buying it in the Gallon size and using a sports thermos for my water all day. Not only am I going green, but I'm saving a little bit of money too.

Anonymous said...

Hi there
Its me again.... trying to win
your beautifully created bags.
Can not dance or sing, but I can
beg. LOL
Please I would love to have one.

Margaret

Anonymous said...

Deb you are doing such a great thing by making and giving away your lovely green bags. I use my one that I have every time I go shopping. It stays in the car so I'll always have it ready. The straps are a lot more comfortable than the plastic ones that tend to stretch or break. Uf I'm lucky enough to win I won't be home until after the 10th of July. Having a little camping holiday.
Sylvia K

Anonymous said...

I have crocheted bags for my groceries. I would love to have one of your green bags. I think it is wonderful of you to offer to give away these bags. I have given several crocheted bags away to others.

Anonymous said...

Hey Deb,

This is an awesome idea. I've never looked at your blog site but will go through it thoroughly. Your a woman after my own heart. Deb in Kansas

sheep#100 said...

I like knitting or crocheting string bags for my shopping. They live in the map pocket of the car.

Karen said...

Please enter into your drawing. I would love to have one of your green bags. I bought my first green bag yesterday. One bag will never be enough for a shopping trip. Karen

Karen said...

I would love to have one of your green bags. I purchased my first green bag yesterday. One bag will never be enough for a shopping trip.

Karen said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I grew up in mexico I too had to take my own bag/ basquet to do the morning ( every day) shoping, when I learn how to 'handle" money my Mom aways send me, she hated it. Now going green I have to remmenber to put the bags back in the car or else I feel guilty all week.
Carmen
http://itseams.blogspot.com/

JoAnn K. said...

I'd love to have one of your going green grocery totes. I'm a firm believer in recycling. If we don't do something now, there won't be anything left for our grandchildren. Thanks for offering your bags!

Anonymous said...

my family is just starting out green movement. even my 7yo is getting into it. we are reusing plastic chinese food containers for leftovers ( better than tupperware) we are also using the last bottled water case we bought over and over. we have them labeled for each of us. we freeze 1/2 full of water fille the rest with cold water and take them to the park, beach ect rather than buying more bottles. we want to start the reusable bags but so far are just reusing the plastic ones we have in the house.

tammy said...

Recently, in my endeavor to go green I made a batch of natural household cleaners, laundry detergent, and knitted some cotton dishcloths. I hope I win a bag!!

Tammy

Unknown said...

hi, yeah another contest!!
just got 2 more reuseable bag-now using 12! we alos recyle, pop cans, cardborrd, newsparwe, etc. we put food veggies scraps in compost pile for his garden-he had great onions, radishes and broclloi so far. can't wait till the tomaotes get RED!!!!
bye for now, maryLynn

Joyce Wright said...

I love the craft box. We have had one for years. I keep all kinds of things in it. One of the things that the kids love are the flower heads that come off the stems. I get them from a store for a small donation to their charities. I keep all of their stuff in a huge Rubbermaid tote, the kids call it the Barney Box. I also have a fabric bag in the car with small things to craft with while we are on the go.

Unknown said...

Wow, 44 comments (45 now) and just 3 bags. Oh well! I'd use a fabric grocery bag if my name was picked. I do reuse the plastic ones (usually more than once, unless they rip or get spilled on). Teresa

Stephanie Pettengell said...

I'm a cloth bag person as well, you can never have too many bags for shopping! I always have a couple in the car in case we come upon a shop by mistake !!!!

Anonymous said...

jynI just found your blog, what a great idea. I use reusable bags as much as possible. As a family we have been recycling for over 15 years. I'm looking forward to reading your older posts. Thanks

Anonymous said...

I've started to not use plastic bags. Made some net (tulle) fruit/veggie bags. For just 1 or 2items I just carry the items if I've forgotten my shopping bags. Now I'm looking for patterns to sew sturdy yet pretty shopping bags. May I try yours?

Anonymous said...

Would love to win your grocery bag! I always carry out whatever I can without taking those miserable plastic bags. I will be in the hospital after total knee replacement surgery on the 1st. Not sure when I will be back online, but your blog will be tops on my priority list.
Blessings,
Marilyn

bunbear said...

i keep several cloth totes in the car to use at the grocery store and discount stores. i have also been replacing my regular lightbulbs with the compact flourescent bulbs. AND we have not turned our air conditioning on at home yet. that last part may be more of a matter of saving $$ than saving the earth, but it works for both causes! :)
tammy k. in illinois

Anonymous said...

I use cloth bags, crocheted bags and I use any plastic bags either in my mini trash cans at home or I make plarn with them. So I have some Plarn bags too!

Fran Ford said...

I would LOVE to receive one of your bags!! Please let me know what I have to do to get one. Thanks!

Knitting Rose said...

This is so important. I know people think that "going green" is a phase - but it is more. It is responsibility for our planet and our children. I have a compost heap, have recycled for years and do NOT believe in plastic. I know that sounds extreme - but it isn't. It is honest and if you look on the sides of highways - you can see the waste and pollution from plastic bags, cups, plates, etc that people toss. Efficiency and convenience shouldn't take the place of caring for our world.

Knitting Rose said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I reuse and recycle all my plastic bags. I've even cut them into strips to crochet into rugs!

Ann said...

I love cloth bags, not just for groceries, but for returning library books, the farmer's market, toting misc. stuff back and forth between home and work, etc. I'd love to have another, especially hand-made!

Unknown said...

I have started to buy and use cloth bags for shopping. I've only been able to buy a few so far, but i figure that's a few less plastic bags everytime i shop! I also bought a inexpensive filter for my faucet, so i can stop buying bottled water

Kenyetta said...

I have stopped buying bottled water and I have started filling my reusable bottle from the fountain at work. I also have some plastic bags saved to make plarn!

Anonymous said...

This is such a great idea, I am slowly acquiring my green bags, the hardest part is remembering to take them to the store

Kim Lincoln said...

I love the green bags! What a great way to get people to go green. I've seen them in the store and thought about buying some but if I can make or win them it is even better. Thank for turning people "green"!

butterflycrochet said...

I think the cloth bags make a lot of sense and I'm sure yours are much better and surely look better.

Wanda

Anonymous said...

I am crocheting bags for the openong day of our local farmers market! Only 2 days to go they open on the 26th! Hope to be able to offer them the whole season. They run from now through the end of Oct. or first killing frost.
I would love one of your bags they look great! I have a couple from the local stores but have not had time to make one for myself(LOL)
crazycraftmama@yahoo.com

teakaycee said...

I have been trying to recycle lately... and its working pretty good.
1) a tank top into a tote bag
2) a t-shirt cut to use in crocheting a basket
3) cutting plastic bags and crocheting them into fun usable items
4) veggie bags cut and crocheted into scrubbers.
Its fun to create from things you already have... but neat that you can save from creating more trash.
God Bless
Tam

Anonymous said...

We have done minor things, but hopefully they will start to add up. Switching to energy efficient bulbs, a toilet that uses less water, growing our own veggies and trying to recycle whatever we can.

Sonya said...

I like to stuff the toys I knit with plastic bags. It gives them a great crinkly sound. I does make them surface washable only.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for generosity to us and to charities. If there were more people like you in the world, it would be a better place. Keep up the great work!

Marie said...

I tried to think of something to crochet with cassette tape. I just can't come up with anything. any suggestions?

Marie

Sarah said...

I love using cloth bags!

rainberry said...

I love using my market bag to shop!

Anonymous said...

In addition to using my own bags, my daughter and I now walk to the grocery store. (It's only a mile away.)

Wendy said...

I try to limit the amount of bags the cashier packs my stuff in if I didn't remember to bring a reusable bag. I have plans on making bags out of those bags. I've seen knitting patterns that use plastic bags as yarn. We also do a lot of recycling around here. As a teacher, I'm always finding ways to reuse everything I can. I find many uses for items most would throw away.

SeattleAmy said...

I now have 2 coffee cups...I use them to get my coffee's each day. One for hot and one for cold!

I have about 20 cloth bags...but I keep forgetting to put them in the CARs so I can actually use them. I never PLAN the trip to the store. They are always last minute decisions. So they gotta be in the car for me to grab. However, leaving them in the car takes up quite a bit of room, SOOOOO I'm getting small, compact bags that I can utilize!

I've also started buying compostable garbage liner bags and doggie poop bags. I can't live without them, but once I found out they decompose in less than a year! It was a no brainer to make the switch!!!

Anonymous said...

I have just started knitting with "plarn". For some things I use the plastic sleeves that my newspapers are wrapped in. Since that plastic is very thin, I cut the strips 1" or more; use 2 or 3 thicknesses; or combine with really horrible(cheap) yarn. Julianne in Tacoma WA

Awesome Mom said...

We have a push mower for our yard. It uses no gas and does not pollute the air. I love that I feel safe having the kids out with me in the yard when I mow. We have also stopped using so many cleaning chemicals and replaced the ones we were using with more environmentally friendly ones.

Anonymous said...

I would love a green bag, one more way to help the environment. The more bags I have the less I use the store bags.

Lori in South Dakota said...

I would love a green bag! I even wore one out I had, I loved him and used him for YEARS!! (He had "Ziggy" on him, and I love Ziggy!)

Anonymous said...

I cut up those plastic bags into a long strips and crochet or knit shopping bags from them. When someone in line says they wish they could make their own bag, I give them away and make more for myself. I also offer to teach people to knit or crochet.
I've switched to compact flourescent bulbs. I knit my own dishcloths & kitchen towels, instead of using paper. And I have a water bottle that I keep refilling/reusing over and over. I'd love to have one of your cloth bags.

MamaMay said...

Well, I am helping out by cloth diapering. The really good thing is that it is also cheaper to cloth diaper than use disposable so that is an added bonus!

Anonymous said...

I like to use the plastic insulated bags, even for items that do not need refrigeration. They have sturdy handles are quite large without being bulky. Plus your cold stuff stays cold!

-DDDnFL

Bea said...

I usually bring my cloth bags or totes made from the recycled plastic ones. Colorful and fun. I've noticed that some stores don't like them even though the city passed an ordinance that is about to ban plastic bags completely.

Anonymous said...

Wish I sewed and could make some bags also. Your ideas are terrific. Many years ago I crocheted using strips of plastic bags -- made items such as baskets and water bottle covers. This was way before any interest in recycling by people and communities. Keep up your good work.

Unknown said...

I walk to my parents house daily instead of drivivng. It is a odd site to see when we walk. I have a 4yo and a 2yo who both like to ride bikes while I push my 9month old twins and managing a dog on a leash. I also dont use my air-co. It would not be such a big deal but I live where it is in the 120's in the summer. I have my celing fans going but it is nice to know I am not killing Mama Earth

Montreal Mama said...

I started out by changing to re-usable cloth bags and also implementing recycling into my house. I also recently started trying out eco products for cleaning the house, etc.

Thanks for hosting the contest!

Shirley said...

I haven't started anything new recently as I've been doing stuff for years. I should try harder not to buy things that are double or triple packed but I don't always think about it!

Grace said...

wow you have lots of comments, but I had to try entering

Erin said...

We're running our air conditioner a lot less this year, recycling more, buying things with less packaging, and using cloth bags a lot. We also got chickens and are growing some of our own food (tomatoes!) in the backyard. erinknitnotquit on Ravelry

KSee said...

I have one of the first reusable bags that I got at Giant Foods. I also reuse the great paper bags that Trader Joe uses. I keep these along with some bags from trade shows. If I cooked I would compost. I installed a programable thermostat also many years ago. It was easy to install and I know it has cut down on my all electric house. I would love to add one of your bags to my collection as the trader joe bags last long but not forever.

Kristen said...

I've started taking the bus to work instead of driving. An extra bonus is the time to knit!

Barbara said...

I just found this blog today and you can bet it is going on my list to check daily. I have been trying to make some bags out of the crochet plastic bags so maybe reading this will help me to get better motivated. Have a great day!

Katie O said...

I am crocheting market bags to use at the grocery store... I have 4 already and am working on more! It feels really good to help out. Overseas everybody uses recyclable shopping bags... we need to do that more in the US.