Wednesday 30 September 2009

In the Spotlight - Morsbags

Several weeks ago we received a lovely email from a lady called Tracy who is involved in the Morsbags movement, and who asked if we would like to get involved. We think this is a fantastic idea so, of course, we wanted to try and help spread the word. Many of you may have already heard of Morsbags but, for those that haven't, here's a little bit about them.

Morsbags was founded by Claire Morsman who lives in London, when she was shocked by the devastating effect plastic bags have on marine wildlife. She created Morsbags.com, a non-profit project aimed at eliminating the use of plastic bags by making and distributing reusable fabric bags - for free.

People are encouraged to get together in sociable sewing groups, or "pods" to make the bags and to then go out into the community and distribute them to the general public - ideally in places like shopping malls, supermarkets & train stations etc when people may be on the verge of accepting yet another plastic bag, but they can of course also be given out to friends, family, neighbours, popped through letterboxes or even used to wrap gifts. They call this approach "social guerilla bagging" and it is making an impact. To date, Morsbaggers in more than 400 pods worldwide have made and distributed over 50,000 fabric bags, potentially replacing more than 25 million plastic bags! Each bag is labelled with an iron-on patch with the project's web address printed on it, so the project self-perpetuates.

The bags themselves are very simple, unlined tote bags, made with French seams for strength and they can be made from cast off fabric such as sheets, duvets and pillow cases, old shirts or dresses etc. There is a great tutorial on the website together with loads of information about the project, hints and tips on making and distributing the bags and, of course, info about the pods. You can create your own pod with your friends, you could join an existing pod, or you could even do it on your own - just by making a few bags and giving them out to your friends or neighbours could still make a big difference.

Here at TLBG we wholeheartedly support this project so, in order to try and help spread the word even further, we would like to make next week's TLBG Wednesday topic - Morsbags! We'd love you to write a post about the project and maybe you might also consider creating or joining a pod and making a few bags. Perhaps you could even do a little giveaway or P.I.F. for your blog readers? Maybe you're already a pod member - let us know how you have been involved or how many bags you've donated so far.

Don't forget to have a look at the website at http://www.morsbags.com/

Emma & Rachel x

6 comments:

ginny farquhar said...

fantastic idea... i am a little beind as i have not posted on the 'green grooming' yet ... so will need to play catchup. i shall link to the morsbags next week and if there is time will make one up. i have just read guerilla art by keri smith and love the whole guerilla idea of connecting and putting work out into the world for non profit but for social benefit.
ginny x

Pink Feather Paradise said...

I too am a little behind as I haven't yet posted about green grooming... its been very hectic here but I have been following a moresbag maker and I will look forward to introducing her to you all...

x Alex

Things Hand Made said...

Have just found you and read through. Thought provoking without being preachy. Thanks

. said...

Wow. I've just spent half an hour over at the morsbags site reading the info over there. Eye opening stuff indeed. The college I work at has a "people and planet" group and I'm going to pitch this idea to them next week as something they could look to getting involved in. In the meantime I think some old duvet cover shopping and a sewing spree might be in order!

xMx

Bagladee said...

Hi Guys,
Dont worry if you're a little behind. We are posting a little MrLinky widget at the bottom of posts so dont forget to pop back and link to your post.

Thanks thingshandmade hope you'll sign up and join us...

Great Alex, we'd love to meet them.

Awesome Marie!! Maybe we can do a link posting photos of your morsebags.

thanks Emma & Rachel via bagladee xx

Alice and Ginny said...

i just added my link.. the second one (no.3) is the link to the morsbags giveaway.. made a mistake on the first linking but not sure how to remove it.
sweetmyrtle ginny