Here in Wales UK we have had a 5p charge on plastic carrier bags for a couple of years and it has made so much difference in our countryside. So we all have been making shopping bags and giving them as gifts, including a purse organiser for an extra pressie
http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...s-t205087.html
There are so many free patterns out there, our favourite ones are the crochet ones, denim rag bags and flip and sew.
IMO the crochet ones for a man are the best, we used the Dishcloth cotton, doubled for ours, washes great, the denim ones are really strong and can be made to any size.