August 25, 2010
Shoppers eschewing plastic or paper to haul their groceries were once limited to Euro-style net bags or canvas totes as reusable options. Today, though, the market has exploded with choices that range from stylish prints and recycled fabrics to bags that can actually be composted.
BioBag
These reusable shopping bags printed with soy-based inks are 100 percent biodegradable and certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. No polyethylene here; BioBags are made from Mater-Bi, a plant-based biopolymer.
ChicoBag
With a huge selection of styles and materials, ChicoBag has everyone covered. Most styles are available in rePETe, a fabric made of 100 percent recycled PET (a thermoplastic polymer that’s a member of the polyester family). Check out the messenger bag or daypack with nylon webbing and aluminum carabiner made of recycled material.
Bazura Bags
The Bazura grocery bag is a little pricier than other options, but that’s because the bags are hand sewn by a women’s cooperative in the Philippines, using recycled juice containers, rice bags and advertising banners as raw material. Part of the proceeds support a scholarship fund and keep tons of trash out of landfills.
Blue Q Bags
Woven from 95 percent post-consumer material, these bags and totes feature bright, eye-catching designs. Favorites include the Michelle Obama shopper, featuring a bold and colorful illustration of the first lady on a swing. The company donates 1 percent of proceeds to The Nature Conservancy.
Ecobags
A great source for classic styles, Ecobags offers canvas and woven totes in natural, recycled and organic cotton in a variety of sizes.
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