by Eileen Weber
A friend recently sent me a link for reusable bags to purchase online. “Green” bags have become a growing phenomenon (and with Connecticut towns fighting and Westport finally banning plastic it's sure to grow even more), and a not too shabby one at that. I see so many people these days taking the time to bring recycled and reusable bags to the grocery store. When you consider how long it takes plastic to break down in a landfill (approximately 500 years, give or take a century), taking your goodies home in a plastic bag just feels wrong.
The link made me think: How many other web sites promote reusable bags? Plenty, it seems! In fact, just punching in the word “reusable” brought an onslaught of hits. From reusable lumber to reusable condoms (although I’m a little sketchy about the need for recycling that one), there’s something for everyone.
Even better, consider some of these handy-dandy little items as gift bags! No more holiday wrapping paper on the floor. ‘Tis better to give—and reuse.
Each company offers 100% recyclable bags. And now, we’re starting to see a little flair. Some of them, I must admit, are actually kind of cute. Without getting too Paris Hilton on you, one of them has a bag that perfectly matches a sweet pair of shoes I just bought. Who knew you can go green and be stylish, too?
Below is a list of places to get some cute bags to tote around. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!
Reusable Bags
Based
in Chicago, IL and founded in 2002, they offer an assortment of
products from shopping bags to market baskets and water bottles. Many
of their reusable bags are less than $10.
Bags On The Run
Based
in Arizona, they sell bags made of polypropylene that can carry up to
22 pounds. They are super cheap at a little less than $2 per bag and
can be ordered in 10-packs.
Reusable Bags Depot
Based
in Denver, CO, the company offers recyclable bags with print motifs as
well as lunch sacks and gift bags. They come in an array of colors and
cost $7.95 each.
Earthwise Bags
This
California company offers polypropylene bags for groceries as well as
wine bags. You can even get your corporate logo printed on it, too.
Their reusable bag starter kit comes with four bags ranging in size and
goes for $19.95.
Roots and Shoots
An
environmental program founded by renowned primatologist, Jane Goodall,
the organization fosters a livelihood focused on being clean and green
for people, animals and the planet. They offer reusable bags made
completely from recycled plastic bottles. Individual bags cost $10.
Ecobags
Promoting
reusable bags since 1989, this company based in New York is not only
certified with The Organic Trade Association but it is also a certified
woman-owned business. They offer cotton canvas totes, lunch bags,
cotton mesh sling totes for produce and reusable water bottles. Prices
vary from as low as $5.95 to $34.99.
1 Bag At A Time
Founded
in 2005 after company owner Lisa Foster visited Australia, these
natural fiber bags come in different colors and sizes. Bags are
typically priced at $15.99.
Reuse This Bag
This
southern California company boasts surfer-dudes as part of their
corporate make-up. The bags are also made from polypropylene and come
in a bunch of different sizes and colors. Perfect for corporate gifts
with your company’s logo. There is a 500 piece minimum with a request
for a price quote.
Envirosax
Founded
in 2004 by Belinda and Mark David-Tooze in Queensland, Australia, their
recyclable bag comes in some nifty styles with patterns and funky
prints. They even have bags just for kids. Kid’s series is $8.50 per
bag. Graphic prints and organic bags range from $24.95 to $37.95.
Flip and Tumble
This
company was founded by former Stanford University classmates Hetal
Jariwala and Eva Bauer. Their niche in the recyclable bag industry is
that it is small enough to carry with you anywhere. For those times
when you realize your green bags are in the car, this one can go with
you in your purse or your briefcase. It rolls up to the size of a
peach. Bags are either $6 or $12.
My Recycled Bags
Here’s
something different: a recycled bag that’s crocheted from recycled
materials. Each bag differs a bit in size and comes in varying colors.
The cost averages a little less than $20.
I remember about a year or two ago when every grocery store caught up with Stop & Shop and started crowding their front aisles with reusable, polyethylene bags. I was driving home from work on Route 8 and saw one of the tell-tale green bags on the side of the road. I thought, 'well, it was only a matter of time before they started clogging the storm drains like their plastic predecessors.' Granted, many of the other types are more durable and less likely to blown out of a car window. But I am concerned about a couple of things with the reusable bag trend: what is the environmental impact of producing all these new bags? And how safe is polyethylene, for us and the environment? What about the communities where these are being produced? I'm all for reusing and repurposing, I just hope as a society we can make the mental and behavioral switch to accompany our new products.
Posted by: Allie | January 04, 2009 at 03:50 PM