Cloth Bags Use Waste Fabric and Empower Girls

Beverly Solomon became the Thrift Shop Coordinatior this year and in a meeting came to know that some of the ladies really wanted to end the use of plastic bags being given out with purchases. And so she came up with a plan to help, as she felt it is an important issue and those that understand this must educate others that do not. She contacted a very good friend Bonnie Uppal, who runs several factories, including some that make material for the garments that they then make and export. She agreed with the importance of eradicating plastic bags and offered to give Beverly material from her large scrap pile! She then spoke to Neelam, the person that started and runs Save the Children India in Delhi. Neelam was in Mumbai before with Mrs Kadri who has done many wonderful things in that city but passed away suddenly a few years ago. Neelam took her knowledge and started up in Delhi. While Save the Children India in Delhi works mostly on its own, they are supported by the team in Mumbai as well. Neelam agreed to have the girls make the bags and use this project to educate them on the evils of plastic. It helps them to also feel they are a important part of society and empowers them as well to help make the changes needed to move India and the planet ahead not behind. Without much time given to design the team at AWA made up very standard looking cloth bags because we had a dead line to meet in the shop. It has been working well and they will be giving our second order now but with more thought as there is a need a few different sizes.