Spring’s Best Reusable Bags!
Thankfully, reusable totes have quickly become a household item—but not quick enough to avoid the one billion plastic bags that are distributed every day. If you’re going to reuse your bag, why not carry one that’s stylish enough to inspire other shoppers to follow suit? There’s no reason to carry a blah canvas bag or advertise for a massive grocery chain when we’ve got the most sustainable options in reusable haute couture.
If your heart is bigger than your wallet (and whose isn’t these days?), buy a bag that gives back! The adorable H.O.P.E. sac (Help Our Planet Earth) is the brainchild of four forward-thinking teenage girls who are working hard to reduce plastic bag use in Dallas, TX. How’s that for a bright future? Or go for the Freedom Tree tote made by and in support of underprivileged women in Calcutta. It’s win-win!
If you’re a material girl who’s looking for something in organic cotton or all-natural jute, check out the Stop Using Plastic Bags tote by BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Not only do you make a statement while you shop, but the super-strong & stylish sack is made of 100% organic cotton and uses low-impact dyes. Hooray! Or opt for the oh-so-cute and durable Palette bag by June Fifteenth. This eco honey has separate compartments for bottles and a waterproof lining—perfect for trips to the grocery store, farmer’s market and even to pack a picnic.
If reuse is your favorite “R,” the Vintage Sailcloth tote by 44 Knots is for you. This super-sturdy, uber-chic carryall is completely made from recycled sails and perfect for trips by land or by sea. Or check out the Hidden Backpack by Timbuk2, which is made of 90% recycled PET fabric (from plastic bottles and containers) and folds down to nothing. Similarly, the rePETe by ChicoBag is made nearly entirely of recycled materials: The fabric and drawstring are PET and average about seven bottles recycled per bag, the cord lock is recycled polyurethane and the handy carabineer clip is made from recycled aluminum.
Hollywood’s hautest reusable shopper just might be one from Get Hip, Get Green, which makes partially recycled canvas shopping and lunch totes (ditch that lunch box) carried by Jessica Alba, Fergie, Katherine Heigl and oh yes, that’s Jennifer Love Hewitt carrying hers below. Plus, a percentage of sales is donated to The Green Ambassadors, a network of high school students who are hell-bent on making a difference.
Finally, for you shoppers seeking something unique, the Recycled Market bag by Gecko Traders is de rigueur. Fashioned from rice and grain bags, this divine and durable tote is consistently colorful, but always one-of-a-kind. How eco-ceptional is that?
Are you carrying? Get a discount!
Get Hip, Get Green bags are at www.gethipgetgreen.com.
Find the H.O.P.E. sac at www.articlesofhope.com.
Through June 30, 2009, get 20% off the Freedom Tree tote with “ECO20” at check out at www.shop.thekarmamarket.com
Find BYOBs at www.bringyourownbag.ca
Timbuk2 bags can be found at www.timbuk2.com
Get Gecko Traders bags at www.reusablebags.com
And Chico rePETe is at www.chicobags.com
Now if that isn’t inspiring, we don’t know what is.
