SINGAPORE: A new recycling initiative called "Make Your Own Bag" has been launched to generate some pocket money for low income families and to encourage the use of recycled bags for grocery shopping.

The shopping bags are created out of used banners, which otherwise would have to be disposed of and they are clearly more colourful, fashionable and durable than the average shopping bag.

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Indranee Rajah, said: "Just having them (the residents) carry it and having people see them carry it, spreads the message around that you should really be using recycled bags instead of plastic bags."

The project, by grassroots organisations in the Tanglin-Cairnhill constituency in Central Singapore, plans to make 5,000 of these one-of-a-kind banner bags.

In addition, it helps generate some pocket money for the women, who come from low income families in the area, as they were tasked to sew the recycled bags.

Sewing courses were even conducted for those who did not know how to sew.

Ms Paravathi Pavaday said that she is happy to be part of this project by helping to sew the bags as she can earn money and do some volunteer work at the same time.

The project will be officially launched on November 4. - CNA/vm