Wallets from discarded plastic bags

The opened outside of a man's wallet made from a Chinese rice bags measures 7 1/2" x 3 1/2

I typically use discarded 50-pound bags that contained rice, birdseed, or pet food to make my men's wallets.  These wallets are lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly.  A 50-pound used plastic bag can make more than a dozen wallets.  My wallets are triple stitched, and work best for those men who put 12 cards/photos or less in their billfold wallet

The cat knows what part of the bag I used to make the wallet photographed above

The wallets I make for women are slightly larger than a checkbook holder, with 12 pockets for cards, photos, and receipts, plus two large pockets for lots of cash and the optional checkbook. 

Read about the "Plastic Bag Wars" in the August 4th issue of Rolling Stone

This is a good article about the dangers of the single-use plastic bag.

"American Shoppers use an estimated 102 billion plastic shopping bags each year -- more than 500 per consumer.  Named by Guinness World Records as "the most ubiquitous consumer item in the world", the ultrathin bags have become a leading source of pollution world-wide.   They litter the world's beaches, clog city sewers, contribute to the floods in developing countries and fuel a massive flow of plastic waste that is killing wildlife from sea turtles to camels."     Kitt Doucette, page 37 Rolling Stone 1136, August 4, 2011, (Excerpt Used with Rolling Stone's Permission)

Read the article by clicing onto http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-plastic-bag-wars-20110725

Among other things, Rolling Stone contributor Kitt Douchette writes in RS 1136 that:

• Flimsy single-use plastic shopping bags are a leading contributor to the world-wide pollution of our lands, oceans, and rivers.
• The average American shopper uses 500 single-use plastic bags annually.
• Several countries -- China, Italy & Bangladesh among others -- have banned single-use plastic bags.
• Other countries, cities & other governments have imposed a fee for every plastic bag used.  The Washington D.C. 5-cent-per-bag fee reduced the monthly use of single-use plastic bags bags from 22.5 million to about 3 million.
• The plastics industry -- led by the American Chemistry Council -- is fighting legislation to ban or impose "bag use" fees through its lobbying and litigation.
• The "Bag Monster" lives in Chico, California.  Check out the ChicoBag website at http://www.chicobag.com/t-about_us.aspx

Query:   What can you do to reduce the excessive use of plastic bags?   (Post a comment on this blog and share your ideas with others who care).   Thanks, MadrasMark

• Effective October 15, 2011 the city of Portland will ban single-use plastic bags at major grocery stores and some "big box" stores and larger pharmacies.   For more information and a photo of three "Bag Monsters" at the July 21st Portland City Council chambers click (cut and past) on the following link:     http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/07/portland_adopts_ban_on_plastic.html
•  

7 donated totes contribute to $47K+ June 16th Madras Relay for Life

Photo: Cancer Survivor Irene Prince (cancer free for 29 years) holds one of the MM's donated rice tote bags at the Madras High School Track -- site of our local Relay for Life event -- as her daughter gives her support.

The Madras 2011 Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society raised over $47,000.  MadrasMark supported the June 16-17, 2011 Relay for Life fundraising event in Madras by donating seven rice bag totes for its Silent Auction.  

Relay For Life (Relay) is the main volunteer-driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society (ACS).  Originating in the United States, the Relay For Life events have spread to 21 countries.  Relay events are held in local communities, campus universities, military bases, and in cyberspace.  Although the main objective of Relay is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event is held to spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and unite a community in the fight against cancer. It is estimated that Relay For Life events have raised over $3 billion to date.

Survivor Lap  Cancer Survivors are a large part of the Relay community. It is important to honor those who have won their battle against cancer. At most Relay events, the Survivor Lap, starts the Relay, and it distinguishes the survivors – wearing purple Survivor t-shirts -- and celebrates their victory.  The featured Madras 2011 Survivor Honorees were Irene Prince & Dorothy Thomas, who spoke about their challenges and successes, and encouraged those with cancer to continue fighting.  They also told the community that there is hope when given a diagnosis of cancer.  All Cancer Survivors show us that cancer can be overcome.  MadrasMark’s mother is a cancer survivor.

Beyond Research:  Local ACS Programs  Although the ACS has the goal of finding the Cure for Cancer through funding medical research there are many local programs that can help you, your loved ones and neighbor who get a cancer diagnosis, and some of these programs include:

·        Gift Closet  Where wigs, hats and scarves are offered at no charge to patients.

·        Look Good … Feel Better   A free ACS program that teaches people in active cancer treatment ways to help with the appearance-related side effects of treatment.

·        Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program  This program gives young cancer survivors the opportunity to pursue their post-secondary education from an accredited university, community college or vocational technical school.   Call 1-800-227-2345 for an application. 

·        Transportation Grant  Transportation, lodging and food assistance in the form of  pre-paid gift cards are offered from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Oregon Affiliate grant to help women travel to breast cancer treatment, screening and diagnostic mammography appointments. 

·        Cancer Survivors’ Network  Created by and for cancer survivors and their families, this online community is a welcoming, safe place for people to find hope and inspiration for others who have “been there.”  Services include discussion boards, chat rooms, private and secure CSN e-mails, personal Web pages, and Expression Gallery, and more.  You can find the Cancer Survivor Network online at  www.cancer.org.

For more information about the Relay for Life or the ACS go to:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay_For_Life or www.cancer.org

3 Women: Mother, Wife & "Upcycling Role Model"

It is important to me to recognize three people who have influenced me with my MadrasMark plastic bag upcycling project.

Photo:  Mom gets a quick kiss from MadrasMark.

MOTHER -- Born Helen Marie Ehlen during the Depression and raised in historic Aurora, Oregon, my Mother is my most important role model.   Her parents and grandmother taught her to not waste resources.   In addition to learning how to garden, sew and can food, my Mom learned the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.  This summer my Mom & Dad are gardening, recycling, and having fun in Washington County.    My Mom’s favorite MadrasMark upcylced plastic bag is the “Goat Tote”.

   Photo:  Tracy with the birdseed tote bag with friend Lexie Gibbons.

WIFE -- Born Tracy Lee Morris, my “Wife Rocks.”  A retired Forensic Pathologist, she has been sewing and quilting since the 70’s.   Lately, Tracy has been sewing for her 5-year-old niece and making silent auction donation items for our local American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser.   She bought my $85 Singer sewing machine “on sale” the day after Thanksgiving, and she took me on her American Sewing Guild field trip in March to the ‘Sarabella Upcylced’ store in Bend.   Since then she has been helping me with my sewing projects, providing advice & logistical support.  I love my wife.  My wife’s favorite MadrasMark upcycled plastic bag is the Atta Cat “5-cat” tote bag.

UPCYCLING ROLE MODEL  -- Sara Wiener began designing and selling her high-tech Polarfleece outdoor and active wear products in the early 1990s. Recently she has shifted her focus to the design, manufacture, and sales of upcycled vinyl and plastic bags and other consumer goods.   Sara is a leader in taking discarded plastic and vinyl trash and turning it into new materials of higher environmental value.   During the ASG March field trip to the ‘Sarabella Upcycled’ store in Bend, Oregon I was inspired by Sara’s commitment to being eco-friendly by upcycling discarded plastics.  She is an environmentally, proactive community leader and role model.   I salute Sara Wiener, her chief sewist Karlin, and the Sarabella Upcycled philosophy & business model.   E-visit Sara at http://sarabella.com/index.html and if you are in Bend, Oregon visit her store in the NW Crossing.

Bags at BowWow Meow

 Photo:  Suzanne with a birdseed tote bag out the BowWowMeow store.

In the Oregon coastal town of Newport, MadrasMark's totes are sold at BowWowMeow, the fabulous pet boutique store at 456 Bay Boulevard, Newport, Oregon (a block from the famous Mo's Seafood Restaurant).  Checkout their website at http://jamboworldcrafts.com/bowwowmeow.   If you want to buy a gift for a dog or kitty, then go to BowWowMeow.

Who is on the MadrasMark Upcycling Team?

It takes a lot of people contributing used plastic bags for MadrasMark's projects.  Special Thanks are due to the following people who support the recycling and the re-use of discarded plastics by donating used bags:

Photo:  The black cat sniffs dog food tote bags.

Photo:  It takes 2 cats to check the quality of tote bags made from cat food.

FROM THE WARM SPRINGS RESERVATION:  Daisy Ike, Marcia Macy, Anson Begay, Lester Poitra, Judy Budd, Suzy Macy, Demus Martinez, Rick Riebero, Janine Kalama, Adele Waheneka, Billie Jean Culpus, Shawna Jackson, Susan Alexander, Reina Estimo, the cooks at the WS Seniors' Program, Buddy & Marla Hicks, and Harry Hintsala. 

FROM MADRAS:  Sally Miller, Janet Farrell, Amy DeChamplain, Brian Fegner, Sanjay Kumar, Peggy Kemper, Lexie Gibbons, Patty Lieuallen, Tracy Matthews, Marion Giles, Bill Montgomery, Camille Harris, Sue Taylor, Irene Conroy, Berni Becker, Ron Hagar, Nancy Collins, Joey & Jim Lantz, Patricia Copeland, Kevin & Becky Carter, Maura Schwartz, and Kent Wright.

GREATER CENTRAL OREGON & BEYOND:  Susan Mobley, Gayle Rodgers, Lind Griepentrog, Dave Shanks, Corey Morris, Helen Matthews, Carol Pike, and Deanna Henry.

BUSINESSES/ORGANIZATIONS:  Ding Ho, BowWowMeow (Newport, OR), Hunan, Madras Animal Hospital, the Jefferson Co. Kennels, Madras Garden Deport, Taco Express, Madras StarBucks @ Safeway, Mail Copies & More, and Wethermaker Meat Goats.

THE CATS:  Cue-beta & K. Judy B.  (the cats provide "quality control"). 

Thanks Everybody for your contributions, suggestions, and support, MadrasMark

Totes for Tornado Victims

Photo:  10 of the 13 upcycled tote bags sent to Joplin. 

The May 22, 2011 tornado in Joplin Missouri caused too much damage and death.   In addition to prayer, 'talk', and a cash contribution, MadrasMark made and sent a dozen upcylced tote bags of tornado victims.  Many of the victims who no longer have their backpacks, suitcases, or duffel bags can use some tote bags.

I contacted the Royal Heights United Methodist Church.  The secretary had a hard time talking about the aftermath of the disaster, but she said that although their church structure was not harmed, their low-cost housing project -- The Hampshire Terrace -- was a total lost.   About 250 H.T. residents were displaced.  If you want to learn more about the H.T. residents, the R.H. UMC, and like in Joplin for a local church, its congregation, and the community, then go to: 1)  http://royalheightsumc.org/HampshireTerrace.aspx, 2) http://en.wikipeda.org/wiki/2011_Joplin_tornado, or 3) www.redcross-ozarks.org.