Packaging - my pet subject :-)

[Sabine]

I am a bit of a plastic bag nutter, meaning I hate the things. I can't understand why anybody would want to stuff their shopping into these. They pull your arms out, lengthening them in the process, the handles dig into your fingers and they have a tendency to split when you don't need it. And they are such a killer of wildlife and a general drain on our oil resources.......
Why can't the supermarkets at least give away biodegradable and compostable plastic bags? I did some research and they are not that much more expensive than the oil based ones. They are sturdy and carry your goods home. They take around 6 weeks to fall apart when you put them into your compost or in a landfill site.

Is it laziness, ignorance, stupidity....? Personally I use a trolley and a rather chic one at that. I don't think I look silly and even if I did, I don't care as my posture and health are more important to me than looks. Plus they are environmentally friendlier than plastic bags...

Anyway, I am now looking for compostable bubble wrap and biodegradable jars. Do you think I can find any? Nope! Scrolled through page after page on the web, read loads about what could be done and how easy it is to produce the things (especially the jars) but I can't find a supplier that sell small quantities. And there is not one producer here in the UK, they're based in USA.

What's wrong with the British? Why don't we care about our environment and our future? Is it because we live on a small island? Can't we get the bigger picture? Are we so self absorbed that we just don't care?

There will be a time when our landfill sites are full and we HAVE to think about alternatives. Better start now as in 2 years it will be too late....

Anyway, enough ranting and raving. Does anybody know where I can buy my jars? 1/2 oz or 1 oz. size...

[Sheila]

I finished crocheting my "string" bag, although it's a bit small as I only had a smaller crochet hook and thinner yarn! But I have found a free pattern on the net which some of the members might like to have a go at. The details are http://www.artofangle.com/free_patterns.htm. This is not the pattern I used but seems to make a larger bag more suitable for shopping. Hope it's of some use.

[Stephanie]

Hi the website is www.biodegradablebag.co.uk they are in Bradford West Yorkshire so close to me so less fuel used in delivery! A lot of bags can be made in China

[Sabine]

Hi Stephanie
Where did you get these biodegradable bags from please?

[Stephanie]

Hi I have had Bio degradable bags printed for my shop and we have started asking if a customer needs a bag, it does annoy me when you do put it in a plastic carrier and then they screw the package up and stuff it into another bag!

[Nikki - Web Mums]

I think we may get a Web Mums production line going....

[Karen]

Well done Sheila, I have a kit to make a string bag from hemp but it looks mighty tricky......

[Sheila]

Well my "prototype" is actually made from rainbow coloured merino wool which I had lying around...... It's almost half done so I'm getting there slowly.

[Sabine]

If you are pleased with them then I'd be interested in taking some and sell them on my website as well....I just published something in the ethical group about a similar "joint venture" with a local woman here....her bags are made from linen though and sown together.

[Sheila]

Let me finish it and road test it myself first! If it's any good I'll let you know.

[Nikki - Web Mums]

Why don't you make them and sell them on here Sheila? I'm sure you'll get some takers. If they road test well - you could branch out to auction sites :o)