Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. This means that over one million plastic bags are used per minute. Billions of bags end up as litter each year. You can reduce the number of plastic bags you consume by using a reusable bag when shopping.

To help reduce the amount of plastic bags used by Westwood residents, the Westwood Young Women’s Club is selling reusable Westwood multi-purpose tote bags. "Small everyday changes can add up to a big impact," said Mary Ellen LaRose, President of the Westwood Young Women’s Club. "If every Westwood resident used one less plastic bag a week for a year we would save over 728,000 plastic bags."

Printed with the Westwood town seal and "Keep Westwood Green," the ECOBAGS EveryDay Tote is the reusable bag you are looking for. Made from natural cotton canvas (unbleached and untreated) the bag is 19" wide by 15.5" tall with full 5" flat bottom gusset and 22" length carry handles/straps. All the seams and stress points are double-stitched for durability. Generously sized, the EveryDay Tote will hold as much as a full grocery bag.

The bags are priced as follows:

• 1 bag for $10
• 2 bags for $18
• 3 bags for $25
• 6 bags for $50

Proceeds from the sales of the bags will go towards environmentally-friendly initiatives in Westwood. To order bags download an order form from the Club’s web site at www.wywc.org.