Earth Week :: Reuse Me!

Raise your hand if you’re getting a little tired of “reusable bags” being thrust in your face for the last year. Pretty much everyone, right? Me, too. At the same time, though, I’m really in to the idea of buying quality, unique, eco-friendly bags for shopping… What’s a girl-who-is-sick-of-metrospirituality to do?

Deliver the best of the best in reusable bags, of course.

Calypso Studios’ S.H.O.P. Bags

I only recently found out about Calypso Studios and their crazy-awesome tote bag line. Based in Virginia, Calypso Studios produce S.H.O.P. Totes (S.H.O.P. conveniently stands for Start Helping Our Planet) and why should you use them? “Each plastic bag is made out of the non-renewable energy source of oil, which takes decades to break down after it has been thrown away. Not only does it take decades to break down, it can create immediate consequences like clogging roadside drains and increasing flooding, and polluting our oceans and killing sea life.” That’s a pretty good reason, I’d say.

Calypso Studios have laid a claim that these bags can be “rolled up” to fit all three 17″ x 19″ bags into an 8″ x 6″ carrying case. I doubt my own personal ability to achieve such perfect rolling/folding, but the idea is awesome! The bags can carry 20lbs. of loot, and come in packs of 3 for $20!

I’m on a real orange kick lately, so naturally the last set is pure genius in my eyes.

Purchase from Calypso Studios’ online store!

EcoBags

You might’ve heard of EcoBags as they’re *ahem* kind of a big deal. This brand touts themselves as “The Original Reusable Bag Company”, and I believe it. Arriving at their site, you’re greeted by “Earth Day Central”, which can’t be a bad thing. Their bags are fair trade/fair labor, and made from natural or organic cotton. Plus, if you ever scolded the world of reusable bags for their lack of creativity or variety, EcoBags will surely shut you up – they’ve got 15+ categories and types of bags, all for your perusal. Even better? They offer a discount if you buy pre-selected amounts. Here are my suggestions:

Shop Local is one of my biggest mantras in my own “Green Your Life” experience. I’m fortunate enough to live in the middle of America where farming is as popular as the technology trade in Seattle, so I have a ton of great local resources. This bag is perfect for grocery shopping or hitting the farmer’s market. ($7.50 each!)

With no threat of squishing or flattening, this Classic String Bag is great for produce. Made from 100% organic cotton, these puppies are strong. Get your own for only $7, and they come in a variety of colors, and handle length.

Are you one of those people who love a good “loud” bag? Instead of the now-cliché “I am not a plastic bag” or heaven forbid, “Green is the new black”, try out something new: I Love Dirt. And who doesn’t, really? ($14.99, natural cotton canvas)

Visit EcoBags to view their many options, and enjoy their $3.99 shipping!

RuMe Bags

If you’re looking for a bag that’s a little more flashy, a little more glitzy… Fear not, RuMe (short for Reuse Me) bags have you covered. With four different “collections”, you’re sure to find something to your liking. RuMe encourages you to test out your reusable bag as a handbag, along with a diaper bag, workout bag, work bag, grocery bag…. And, well, whatever else you can dream up!

This “Silver Lining Metallic Bag” is from RuMe’s Green Collection, which seems to be a little more stylish than other bags I’ve seen. Made is a Fair Trade South Korean factory, the craftmanship is excellent. Double-bound seams, machine washable, and metallic… What more could you ask for? ($17.95)

I love this “Boston Commons Necktie” bag. It’s not super loud, the stripes look great, and it’s the perfect size! You can get this as part of the Boston Commons 3-Pack for $29.85, or by itself for only $9.95. Speaking of… If you have a favorite city, this collection may be the one for you! They have bag sets named after New York, Chicago, Boston, and Silicon Valley (someone’s favorite city, I’m sure…)

What’s your favorite reusable bag? What do you use it for?

xoxo.