By: Stephanie Schrage
In preparation for the roll-out of Edwardsville’s single-use bag ordinance that takes effect April 1, the Bring Your Own Glen-Ed group wants to provide residents with resources to BYOB—Bring Your Own Bag.
Bring Your Own Glen-Ed is calling on all those with sewing skills or simply an interest in making things to make bags for members of the community who have difficulty making or buying their own. The group will host an event on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edwardsville Art Center to create and sew new bags.
Mary Grose, one of the project’s organizers, said that the group wants to provide residents with “washable and durable canvas bags that can be used over and over again.”
The city will be donating more than 300 reusable bags to the Main Street Community Center to provide bags to those who need them the most.
“That’s our focus,” said Grose. “Although those on assistance are exempt from the ordinance, we realize there are people who may not be on assistance but still may not be able to purchase a good reusable bag, and that’s the people we are concentrating on helping.”
No sewing experience is necessary. Fabric, thread, and extra needles will be provided. Experienced sewers will be on site to assist in putting the bags together.
The event is free, but a donation of $2 is requested to cover the cost of materials.
Space at the event is limited to 36 people, so those interested are encouraged to RSVP. They can do so by contacting contact Mary Grose at marypgrose@gmail.com or (618) 698-0648.
Anyone seeking further information on the ordinance can go the FAQ section on the city’s website at https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/571/Single-Use-Bag-Fee.
For more information about the event, visit the following event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/the-edwardsville-arts-center/sew-a-bag-volunteer-opportunity/191906662175441/