Columnists > Kelly Ann Butterbaugh > ArticlesJune 17, 2008

By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

While global warming and resource depletion is justifiably concerning, so is the cost of fixing it. There are so many energy efficient ideas, but the average family isn't replacing their car or changing their heating system just yet. While many of us want to "go green", we simply can't afford the green products right now. With a little creativity, there can many ways to go green affordably. Look at these ideas.

What Do I Need?

All it takes is a good bolt of heavy fabric in the $1/yard bin, and the planet can be saved. You don't have to be a seamstress to do it, either. Start by clearance bins for sturdy fabric. If that's not successful, look in the bins for solid fabric tablecloths, heavy weight curtains, or even a cheap shower curtain or two. You need heavier fabric that isn't transparent (so that it can hold weight) and a natural linen texture rather than a plastic coated one or fleece.

Now that you have the fabric, what are you going to do with it? First, you're going to help to lessen the 80 million tons of discarded paper a year. Then, you're going to do your part to save animals, resources, and landfills by putting a stop to the 100 billion plastic grocery bags used in America each year.

What Am I Going to Do?

Save on paper napkins and use linen instead. Cut a table cloth into fourteen inch squares of fabric. Sew a hem on each side, making linen napkins for your family. (If you picked up an extra table cloth, you have a matched setting for dinner.)

Eliminate paper towels. Buy a pack of cloth baby diapers to use as spill cleaners. Two diapers can pick up almost as much as a roll of paper towels, and they can be washed over and over and over again for reuse.

Make reusable grocery bags. Cut fabric so that it can be sewn into a large tote bag. Use a paper grocery bag as a pattern by disassembling it and pinning it to your fabric. With a few quick seams a bag can be made. For the handles, cut two strips of fabric three inches wide and long enough to make a looping handle for the bag. Fold it in half lengthwise and sew it together to make a long tube. Using a wooden spoon handle, turn the fabric "snake" right side out. Sew the rough ends to the inside of your bag at the appropriate places. These make a great rainy day activity for the kids who can decorate them.

If making a bag is too much, buy them. Many chain grocery stores are now selling reusable bags for as little as $1 a piece. Tote bags from craft stores work as well, but they tend to be a bit smaller. Part of being eco-friendly is reusing and recycling. By using fabrics from one item to create another, you're being a part of this. Plus, you're feeling better about yourself and your impact on the environment all without going broke.

About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com

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