In 4th grade we started a petition to ban single-use plastic bags in the City of Houston. It bothered us that plastic bags polluted our neighborhood park and bayou. Marine life like turtles swallow the bags thinking that they’re jellyfish and wash onto beaches all over the world, dead. Plastic bags clog our storm drains and make our flooding worse too.

We wanted an alternative. We partnered with a former refugee from Afghanistan named Khatera Khorushan to “upcycle” used clothing and vinyl banners into beautiful, sturdy reusable bags. We are creating a virtuous cycle of employment, upcycling, and ecological health.

This beautiful bag and your support in using it will help us make a difference. Thank you.

Caoilin Krathaus & Lila Mankad, 11th Grade
 Bag-Free Bayous