They’ve saved three-quarters of a ton of nylon from landfills and in the process taught hundreds of teens how some simple sewing can help the environment.

Now a team from Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) at the Surrey campus has been honored for its eco-friendly efforts with a Green City award in the community group category from the City of Surrey.

The team’s Banner Bags project was created three years ago to turn banners that cities and/or community groups no longer need into colourful reusable bags produced by high-school sewing classes led by SIFE students.

Since then, more than 800 banners have been converted into bags at more than 30 schools in the Lower Mainland and beyond, including classes in Ottawa and Vernon.

Project organizers are continuing workshops this fall and planning a showcase for next semester.

“Our efforts have made an impact,” says Banner Bags project manager Lauren Watkin, a student in the Beedie School of Business.

“Over the past three years we have involved more than 1,000 students, saved 1,500 pounds of nylon from entering landfills and saved companies and cities approximately $6,000 in disposal and storage fees.”

The group estimates that amount of nylon in landfills could have resulted in more than 30,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.

The Green City awards recognize leaders in environmental stewardship and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals, non-profit groups and community groups and businesses to enhance Surrey’s natural environment, while also educating and engaging others and creating awareness.