Bags for the People
Bags for the People is a non-profit organization that protects the environment by reducing plastic bag waste through reusable bag sewing workshops. During each workshop environmental education and community interaction is coupled with hands on creative expression, to not only facilitate the switch from throw-away to reusable, but to inspire positive action in life.
About You
Section 1: You
First Name
Glenn
Last Name
Robinson
Website URL
Organization
Bags for the People
Country
United States, NY
Section 2: Your Organization
Organization Name
Bags for the People
Organization Website
Organization Phone
347-722-0335
Organization Address
PO Box 110978, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Organization Country
United States
Your idea
Name Your Project
Bags for the People
Country and state your work focuses on
United States, NY
Describe Your Idea
Bags for the People is a non-profit organization that protects the environment by reducing plastic bag waste through reusable bag sewing workshops. During each workshop environmental education and community interaction is coupled with hands on creative expression, to not only facilitate the switch from throw-away to reusable, but to inspire positive action in life.
Website URL
Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
Bags for the People utilizes already existing ideas, equipment, and materials to inspire positive and creative environmental action through self empowerment.
At the core of the program participants learn to sew reusable bags from repurposed materials. This simple process teaches the invaluable skill of sewing while utilizing the wealth of waste materials that are destined for the landfill. Participants learn about the perils of our disposable culture and why making and using their reusable bags are important for the positive health of the environment.
The program involves workshops and events at schools, cultural enclaves, and community centers. Bags for the People provides all equipment, materials, and instruction necessary for a successful workshop or event and ensures that accessibility to the community is a priority. At these workshops and events and emphasis is placed upon the fun and creativity of a social gathering, creating a comfortable environment that enables active dialogue and participation.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
Bags for the People has developed a reusable bag making program that addresses environmental concerns posed by plastic bag use in New York City from 2009 to Present. We have partnered with many schools and community based organizations to bring the citizens of New York City positive environmental change through creative action. Below is a list of accomplishments:
• 12 reusable bag making workshop programs at eight schools targeting students from grades k - 12. Workshops include environmental curriculum, reusable bag making, and community outreach activities. Our results are measured with exit surveys performed by the teachers. With these exit surveys we have determined that a large majority of students frequently use their bags in place of plastic bags.
• 25 community based reusable bag sewing events at various locations throughout New York City that target the general population. Each event utilizes food, drink, and entertainment to create a fun and social environment fostering fun and creativity. To measure the success of the events we perform random interviews amongst repeat and new attendees. From these interviews we have found that returning attendees frequently use their reusable bag instead of plastic bags. We have also seen an increase in attendance due to word of mouth.
• Tabling and providing bags for 5 major events, including an Oxfam gala, Green Brooklyn Festival, and Surfrider Foundation fundraiser.
Problem
Plastic bag use is still heavily relied upon in most consumer interactions within the United States. Plastic bags are petroleum based, utilizing non-renewable raw materials for construction. Plastic bags do not biodegrade but photodegrade over a very long time into smaller particles that pollute the earth's soil and bodies of water. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme's report, Marine Litter: A Global Challange, plastic bags are one of the top 10 worst polluters in our modern world.
Actions
Bags for the People's public outreach programming provides the basic steps for individuals and communities to take charge of the plastic bag waste issue through all inclusive workshops and events. Participants are not only provided with information about their environment, but are taught valuable skills that enable them to tackle the problem in a fun and creative fashion.
Bags for the People provides all equipment and materials to make the workshops and events a success, providing access to those that may not have the tools necessary to tackle such environmental issues on their own. Bags for the People representatives guide participants through the reusable bag making process, teaching them that it is not only fun, but relatively simple to do something positive for the environment.
Results
We expect to create positive action networks throughout New York City that will continue to spread the Bags for the People mission thus paving the way for successful legislation regarding plastic bag use.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
Appropriate partnerships and funding will ensure the success of Bags for the People over the next three years. During year one, we will develop key partnerships that will provide much needed materials and equipment. Year two, we will seek funding to ensure that the public outreach programming can continue to thrive, hiring on organizers and administrators. Year three, we will continue to grow and spread throughout NY.
What would prevent your project from being a success?
Lack of public and private support would prevent the project from being a success. The program makes use of public participation as well as public and private funding.
How many people will your project serve annually?
More than 10,000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
Less than $50
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
In what country?
United States
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
If yes, provide organization name.
How long has this organization been operating?
Less than a year
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
No
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government?
No
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
These partnerships provide appropriate materials and equipment for the success of our workshops and events. Without these partnerships, we would not be able to perform our public outreach programming.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
1) Obtain 501(c)3 tax exempt status.
2) Receive funding to hire on employees to share organization responsibilities.
3) Create standardized easy to understand information regarding the plastic bag waste issue at hand.
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
Bags for the People began in the winter of 2009 with three friends who worked at the Union Square Farmers Market in New York City. They observed an exorbitant use of plastic bags each and every day of the market and felt it was necessary to make a positive change.
In an effort to curb plastic bag use, they began making re-usable bags from repurposed clothing and fabric, giving them out for free at the market. From this modest initial action, Bags for the People has evolved into an organization that it is today.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
Bags for the People makes positive action accessible and fun. We combine creativity and functionality to teach people how they can be the impetus for positive change in their own life.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Friend or family member
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
50 words or fewer
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| bftp.jpg | 172.5 KB |
 | 107 weeks agoCynthia Drayton said: Hi Glenn, I really like the concept of teaching about the environment and empowering students to take action. Have you thought ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > |
| 109 weeks agoGlenn Robinson updated this Competition Entry. |
| 110 weeks agoGlenn Robinson submitted this idea. |
