From old banners to new opportunities

Betsy gives materials a new life

What do you do with banners and construction fence posters left over after an event? At Brainport Bereikbaar, we believe that accessibility and sustainability go hand in hand. That's why we don't just leave our old banners behind; we donate them to Betsy from Budel. Since 2021, she's been giving old materials a second life as sturdy shopping bags for food banks. This way, together we reduce waste and contribute to a cleaner region.

For Betsy, it all started with a single Facebook post. She saw someone making bags from movie banners and immediately thought of the banners at the supermarket where she works. "I received two of them, made them into grocery bags, and took them to the food bank. That's how a volunteer project started that continues to grow."‘

Second life

The project is a perfect fit for Betsy, who is almost 65 years old. "I don't like throwing things away. Reusing things is important to me; we have to make sure we produce less waste together. Fortunately, more and more organizations are finding me. Brainport Bereikbaar is one of them. I think it's wonderful that I can use their old banners to make others happy.".

Hundreds of bags already distributed

Betsy now works with two volunteers every Thursday morning, possibly three soon. Her living room and porch serve as a sewing space where old materials are transformed into new, washable, and above all, sustainable bags. "If I do the prep work (cutting, making handles), a volunteer can sew up to 25 bags in a morning," Betsy says proudly. "We've already given away almost 2,200 to food banks." Some banners yield six small shopping bags, others become seven or eight large, bulky shopping bags. The food banks are responding enthusiastically. "Clients are so happy with a sturdy bag they can keep using. That makes this work so rewarding, and that's why we do it with so much love!"‘