White Apricot

IT'S IN THE BAG!

Great Reusable Shopping Bags - Take your cue from Whole Foods and stop using plastic...fashionably!

 

by Bonny Osterhage

Whole Foods Market is ending the use of disposable plastic grocery bags at the checkouts in all of its 270 stores. They plan to be plastic bag-free by Earth Day, April 22, 2008…a bold move. For those of us who haven’t yet made reusable bags a habit and either keep forgetting them at home or haven’t bought any yet, the store will continue to provide 100 percent recycled and recyclable paper bags. But, if you can make reusable bags part of your shopping routine, Whole Foods will reward you for that with a refund of 5-10 cents per bag, depending on the store.

 

Of course if you prefer something a bit trendier or just want your reusable bag to match your eco-friendly shoes, check out the selections from the following companies. These resuables are fashionable, funky and so usable that when they aren’t busy toting your organic produce, you might just take them for a night on the town.

 

Be sure to look for the White Apricot symbol next to many items. Click on it to go to our exclusive offers for great discounts on these & many other products!

 

ENVIROSAX
These are stylish, waterproof, lightweight bags that are sturdy enough to hold the equivalent of two plastic grocery bags. They come in two design collections: graphic and organic. Buy them individually or (this is cool) purchase a pouch of five that is small enough to fit in your glove compartment. It doesn’t get any handier than that! www.envirosax.com.

 

 

GREENER GRASS DESIGN
Choose from a small and large shopping bag, made from the same coated nylon used to make kites. The bags feature a simple yet bold design and color combination. We like the pink and green for spring. www.greenergrassdesign.com

 

 

 

BAG THE HABIT
This a modern shopper collection that is 100 percent recyclable and made from recycled PET (i.e., soda bottles). Each bag features the company’s leaf logo and the color combinations are wonderfully soothing. We are partial to the brown versions. www.bagthehabit.com

 

 

 

I'M ORGANIC
These organic cotton totes fall into the “cute,” maybe even “adorable” category. Check out the “Kiss Me I’m Organic” design featuring large pink lips. www.imorganic.com.

 

 

 

BAGGU
One Baggu replaces 300-700 disposable bags per year, according to thecompany. Made from a rip-stop nylon material, they can hold up to 25 pounds. We love the handles, which are long enough to go over your shoulder, and the colors, which are out of this world. Best of all, each Baggu folds into a small pouch ideal for purse or pocket.  www.baggubag.com

 

 

ECO TOTABLES

These are sturdy bags with cute sayings, like “It’s in the Bag” or “Zero Plastic, Zero Paper.” Most are made using either recycled or recyclable materials, like the “Farmer’s Market” tote, made of recycled cotton and recycled soda bottle material.  Here’s some innovation… Check out the “Expandable Grocery Cart Shopper Tote,” that clips onto the sides of your shopping cart.  www.ecototables.com