The holidays mean shopping—lots of shopping. And while I’m quite excited to help stimulate our ailing economy, I hate what this festive season means for the environment. Since starting a part-time retail job last month, I’m noticing just how much unnecessary waste we generate as holiday shoppers. Every time I reach for another glossy paper bag, I feel a tinge of guilt and hope it will be used as someone’s temporary lunch box once or twice before being tossed.

So what can we do about all this excess baggage? After some creative contemplation, I came up with my plan—I’m making all of my friends (and myself) reusable shopping bags out of my old t-shirts. They’re quick and simple and kill about four birds with one stone: you can get rid of old t-shirts, teach your kids valuable lessons about recycling, give them as gifts, and use them in place of wrapping paper and gift bags. Talk about versatile!

So let’s get started. You’ll need a t-shirt, needle, thread, scissors, and fabric paints, if you’re feeling creative.

Step 1: Start by turning the shirt inside out and pinning the bottom by the hem. Then sew along the hem.
Step 2: Cut off the sleeves at the seam. Now your shirt is sleeveless and the armholes will act as the handles of your bag.
Step 3: Use a large bowl and trace a half-circle around the neck of the shirt. Cut this out to create the opening for your bag.
Step 4: Decorate!

And voila! You’ve got yourself a tote. Happy holiday shopping!

-Stephanie Eckelkamp, KIWI intern and human sewing machine