Philadelphia is putting its city banners to good use through a unique program which transforms the advertising into unusual, green totes.
Banners have adorned the streets of Philadelphia for decades. Once taken off display, these colorful flags typically find themselves banished to a warehouse. The Banner Bags bring these posters out of hiding and give them a new lease on life.
The totes are handcrafted by workers at Baker Industries, an organization which trains locals who need a leg up. Some are homeless, others are on parole, and some have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. They’re given a second chance through the program, as well as skills they can take into the workforce. The group’s president Turk Thacher hopes that the Banner Bag project might lead to further sewing opportunities which could see Philadelphia becoming a garment industry powerhouse once again.
The Philadelphia Banner Bags are affordably priced at $20. I think that’s a small price to pay to save these banners and support the vital work of Baker Industries. You’ll find the totes at several city locations including Portfolio at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Café Cret, Big Green Earth, Open House, and the Pennsylvania General Store.
