Go #PlasticFree with a No-Sew T-shirt Bag

At Hotel Verde, we are passionate about protecting our planet, and we’re excited to share one of our favourite upcycling hacks: turning an old T-shirt into a reusable shopping bag. Not only is this a fun and creative way to give new life to an old garment, but it also helps reduce the staggering amount of plastic waste that ends up in our environment.

The Global Plastic Bag Problem

Did you know that around 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year? That’s nearly 160,000 bags every second! Most of these bags are used for an average of just 12 minutes before being discarded. Unfortunately, they take anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years to break down in landfills . This contributes significantly to pollution and poses a serious threat to wildlife and ecosystems.

By making small changes, like swapping plastic bags for reusable ones, we can collectively make a huge impact. Here’s how you can create your own no-sew T-shirt bag:

How to Make a No-Sew T-shirt Bag

Materials Needed:

• An old T-shirt
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut off the sleeves: Lay your T-shirt flat and cut off both sleeves along the seams.
2. Widen the neck: Cut a wider neckline to create the opening of your bag.
3. Cut the hem into strips: At the bottom of the T-shirt, cut the hem into strips about 2.5 cm wide and 7.5–10 cm long.
4. Turn the T-shirt inside out: This will hide the knots you’re about to tie.
5. Tie the strips together tightly: Tie each strip to its corresponding strip on the opposite side. Ensure the knots are secure.
6. Turn it inside out again & use: Flip your T-shirt right side out, and your no-sew bag is ready to use!
7. By transforming an old T-shirt into a reusable bag, you’re not just reducing plastic waste but also giving a new purpose to a piece of clothing that might otherwise be discarded. It’s a win-win for you and the environment!

Embrace #PlasticFreeJuly

#PlasticFreeJuly is an opportunity to celebrate the positive progress made in the fight against plastic pollution. It’s also a time to advocate for policy changes and systemic solutions to reduce plastic use and waste. By participating in initiatives like this, we can help drive the demand for more sustainable practices and products.

Join Us in the Movement

At Hotel Verde, we believe that every small action contributes to a larger, positive change. Follow along with us for more recycling ideas and eco-friendly tips to try at home. Together, we can make a difference and protect our beautiful planet for future generations.

Stay green and keep innovating!