Minimalist/Modernist Reusable Tote Bags
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 06.29.07
We've been urging folks to bring their own reusable bags (when they shop at the farmer's market, of course) for a while now, and the idea is definitely starting to catch on, especially thanks to the plastic bag bans in San Francisco, at IKEA, in Modbury (in the UK) and more. While all of this is generally good news, we have seen the dark side of such a movement, when Anya Hindmarch's bags caused a huge hullaballo after being co-opted for inclusion in the lifestyles of the rich 'n famous. The fallout from that is fodder for another post; if you want a reusable tote that won't cost upwards of £225 on eBay, but don't want to fall victim to the "environmentalists=hippies" stereotype, we recommend either (or both of) these bags. Designed by our pals at Design Milk, they can help show the world you care about minimalism, modernism and the environment, all at the same time (impossible? Not any more...). Each goes for $14.99 apiece; pick up the minimalist bag here and the modernist bag here, via ::Apartment Therapy: San Francisco
President's Choice (a Loblaws Company) in Canada offers a reusable bag as part of their 'green' line of products (they also offer reusable plastic bins, which we find VERY handy).
The bags are made from 85% recycled plastic bottles (15% new material for strength and integrity), and are available where President's Choice products are sold.
Oh, and here's the best part - they're only $0.99 per bag!!!
Everyone should pick up some of these bags the next time they are picking up groceries. Take them with you each time you go shopping for groceries, or ANY other products at ANY other store. You can help Loblaws reach their commitment of keeping 1 billing plastic bags out of landfill. These bags and green bins are ALL we ever use now.
*** Do a search on 'pc green bin' for more info. ***
I never got the big "hullaballo" (good word, by the way) over the Anya bag. It's not the most original idea on the world. I've had one "I'm not a plastic bag" bag, which I bought at willingtobelucky.com, for months, and I didn't have to stand in line for hours, or pay a fortune on eBay. Oh, yeah, and I also use it instead of plastic bags which, I think, is the whole point.
Another modern and design savvy reusable tote are the ones from SKN. They have 5 different designs available in conventional or organic cotton. They hold up to 40 pounds are machine washable and are made in the USA. As an added bonus, every order placed plants a tree on behalf of the purchaser. Talk about a feel good purchase.
Check them out at http://www.getskn.com