When you go to the supermarket, chances are you walk out of there with an armful of groceries double-bagged in plastic. Needless to say, that’s a very bad thing for the environment. Still, it is a rare few who are environmentally-conscious enough to actually bring their own shopping bag. Until the launch of Anya Hindemarch’s “I’m NOT a plastic bag,” reusable shopping bags just haven’t caught on.
Now these shopping totes are popping up everywhere in every price point imaginable (in some cases as much as $500, like for this Stella McCartney Organic Canvas Tote). While this Lacoste ‘Chantaco Large’ Shopping Tote is certainly stylish, at $210 it seems like it’s missing the point.
Here are some finds worthy of your attention that will help make your life a little more fashionable and lot more green, all at a reasonable price.
Eco String Bags ($8 @ EcoBags.com): These classic string bags are the simplest around, available in an assortment of colors and your choice of organic or natural cotton.
b. happybags ($20 @ ReusableBags.com): These whimsical shopping totes are just one of the eco-friendly finds you’ll discover at this Web site. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s serious about shopping for a reusable bag.
Baggallini Expandable Tote ($30 @ eBags.com): Made with durable rip-stop nylon, this tote goes anywhere, carries anything, and comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors.
Organic Shopping Tote ($29 @ Gaiam.com): This is a classic tote with contrasting trim. Simple and practical for all of your shopping needs.
Recycled Market Bag($30 @ UncommonGoods.com): This handcrafted, fair trade market bag is made from recycled rice and feed bags from Cambodia.
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If you’re looking for a reusable hemp bag for groceries, http://www.shopnatural.com has one that is grocery bag sized. The cotton in one standard T-shirt uses 1/3 lb of chemical feritilizers and pesticides. Hemp doesn’t require these harmful chemicals; grows in cooler climates where it needs less irrigation and produces a fiber that’s up to 4 times stronger than cotton.
There are cool too! Check out http://www.getskn.com for a reuseable bag with style, at a great price.
The EnviroSax bags are also a great alternative here. I found them online at Bangalla.com and use them everyday. Glad to see the US moving in the right direction here.
Not incredibly fashionable, but I just saw this one on eBay that was pretty funny:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item;=180152608929
Please check out my new stunning design on the eco-friendly tote bag that shows gentle respect for the human race. They are selling like hot cakes!!!! The design is so unique.
And the tote web site is (drum role please) http://www.cafepress.com/oneracehuman.159746548
Thanks for mentioning our string bags! We love ‘em and hope you and your readers do too!
Check out these sturdy cotton shopping bags-all made from re-styled vintage materials. No new fabrics were used in their construction. Cute patterns and colors. There are even bags guys would use to carry their groceries.
The shopping bag web site for the vintage bags is: http://www.shoppingbagswithstyle.com
I found a few styles of cute bags that are reasonable and shipping is not a scam. I also found they have a booth at the local Hillcrest farmer’s market in San Diego.
Sorry, forgot the most important part – http://www.smarttotes.com.