Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve - ReThink Bags – De Rust

Re-Think Bags is a project that counters plastic pollution in our rivers. It is a small enterprise initiative aimed at producing and selling re-usable fabric shopping bags whilst teaching young unemployed women to sew, develop a sustainable business and become productive and skilled in new ways. The re-usable shopping bag is strong, durable and very light-weight. It is designed to fold up into a tiny package that will fit in a lady's handbag or a man's pocket. It can be designed in various styles and in a range of prices. The staff compliment includes a deaf lady in De Rust for whom it is a major source of income.

• This project built awareness around plastic pollution and becoming activists in the domain by joining clean-up programmes.
• 5 Women, who dropped out of school, received sewing skills training and are currently producing and selling re-used fabric shopping bags.
• These 5 beneficiaries mastered their sewing skills and became breadwinners of their households.
• They also received training in finances, which enabled them to manage their household budgets.