A woman from Dale with a love for the town of York has put her sewing skills to good use in an aim to save the environment and add some colour into the community.
Francis Kennedy took matters into her own hands to help members of the community remember reusable bags when the plastic bag ban was put in place at supermarkets around the state.
Ms Kennedy, whose children go to school in York and Northam, took a York Facebook community group to pitch the idea of York yo-yo bags at the local IGA.
She created a York inspired rack where people can donate hand made bags, or pre-owned IGA bags for others to use and return when they do their shopping at the supermarket in town.
“Originally when we went on a family holiday in Denham they had a box called the Boomerang Bag,” Ms Kennedy said.
“In York they only have cardboard boxes up at the front but they don’t always have them there.
“I’m terrible at remembering to bring my reusable bags so I thought if I’m forgetting them then most likely other people are too.
“If those bags aren’t returned that’s fine.
“It’s more a thing of getting away from plastic.
“It saves other people money and adds a bit of colour and fun.”
Ms Kennedy has taken the rack on a tour of the town of York before it settled in its home to make people aware of the initiative and create discussion.
She has pictured it at the town hall, in the library, at the Community Resource Centre and at local cafes.
The pole has only been in store for a week but Ms Kennedy has already been offered free material to create more bags and people volunteering to make their own.
She said it is beautiful when people want to get involved.
“If we could go back to the old days when we used the string made bags then it’s more environmental friendly and its also really good to know how to sew,” Ms Kennedy said.
She said the skill of sewing is a dying and it would be great to see more people give it a go as a part of the community project.
Currently bags available to use and return include designs of farming scenes, roses and coffees.
If you would like to make some bags or donate materials see the ‘Re-York-Cycle’ Facebook page or visit York IGA.
