One of the most successful plastic reduction campaigns in the UK in recent years has been the introduction of the single use plastic carrier bag charge.  Sadly the UK was one of the last European countries to introduce it in 2015 (Ireland and Denmark being the earliest in 2003).   However, already the introduction has reduced single use plastic carrier bags from major UK retailers by 85% on previous levels and appears to have had a significant reduction (some estimates at 30%) on plastic bags on the seabed.

Long before the charge was introduced I was using reusable bags of many types – including hessian, fabric and crocheted.  Some of my bags are over 15 years old and they will last for many years to come.  So I do not often need a new shopping bag but when I do I always turn to crochet.  I find the best types of crochet shopping bags are those that can expand easily – so anything with a loose or netting structure works best.    This one is a favourite:

It is called the Cheshire Bag and is made using granny stitches.  You can make it any size you like but mine is big enough to take 2 blankets, try out lots of colours (even do some Stashbusting) and I can guarantee it will not be mistaken for anyone else’s bag!

You can find the pattern here and until midnight GMT on Sunday (26th August) it is on offer at half price, if you use the coupon code PLASTIC at checkout.

Happy crocheting xxx