Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The impact on the environment is staggering. Each year thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die from eating discarded plastic bags.

And did you know that it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic carrier bag to break down in the environment?

Bags for life

The good news is that we can all do something about this.

Over the last few months many people throughout Suffolk have been involved with a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk and CSV initiative to make fabric bags.

These bags, made as part of this Suffolk Action Environment Campaign, are being given away to the public - free of charge.

Call in at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk studios on St Matthew's Street, Ipswich to collect your free reusable bag.

Alternatively, why not have a go at making your own bag?

They're simple to make if you follow our pattern, and you can use material left over from curtains, dress material, pillow cases, sheets, quilt covers...the list is endless.

You can make the bags by following the pattern pictured below. You can download the pattern by clicking on the PDF link:

Also take a look at our guide to recycling. People are often unsure of exactly what can be reused, so hopefully our factsheets will help.

Fabric resources

Below is a list of local retailers who are pleased to supply some material samples to make the bags if required.

If you are a local fabric retailer and would like to add your name to our list please call Suffolk Action on 01473 340740.

Barretts,
40 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.
01394 384300
Limited Stocks available.

Michael Morgan Interiors,
39 Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich.
01473 725456

Helen Hughes,
Ashe House Interiors,
Churchgate Court,
71-72 Churchgate, Bury St. Edmunds.
01284 766819

Penny Vincent,
Wren River Interiors Limited,
The Coach House,
6 High Street, Wrentham, Beccles.
01502 675525

Cathy Frost Interior Design,
72 Westerfield Road,
Ipswich.
01473 251107