Comments on: Bring your own bag: How to BYOB in easy eco-style

By: Siel

Siel — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:48:56 +0000

All of my bags have been free too, as far as I can remember. The problem clearly isn’t that people don’t have or can’t afford free bags — so many events, including Day Without A Bag which we have once a year in L.A. — give them out! The real issue is simply getting people to use them –

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:21:47 +0000

I’ve amassed several types of bags – from the standard type you find at every grocery store to totes to Baggus – but I use my Chico bags most often. I love that the pouch is attached to the bag, and you can just scrunch the bag back into the pouch when you’re done – no folding necessary. It’s also small and round, so I can just throw a couple into my purse when I go shopping.

By: Condo Blues

Condo Blues — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:19:23 +0000

Most of my shopping tote bags are free swag bags from conferences and events. A few I revamped or made larger like the shopping tote bags I made from small rice bags http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2008/11/turn-rice-bags-into-shopping-tote-bags.html. Two ways I revamped a free tote to make it a cuter carry around town bag is to cover the logo with a martini pocket http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2009/07/martini-tote-bag-revamp.html and cover the logo to make a punch needle messenger bag http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2008/06/easy-tote-bag-revamp-or-my-stab-at.html.

Condo Blues’s last blog post..Does Your Washing Machine Smell Musty? (Review and Giveaway)

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:13:26 +0000

I also have about 10 reusable bags that never seem to be in the right place at the right time. To solve that problem, and to avoid buying any more bags (10 is my limit!), I use my everyday tote bag as my shopping bag, as well as my beach bag and work bag. I keep my wallet, keys, etc. in the tote so I know I won’t forget it. It is also roomy enough to carry books or farmer’s market treats.

I initially found the bag at the Go Green expo in LA, and am now working with a women’s fair trade co-op in the Philippines to produce more of these multi-colored bags that are handcrafted from reclaimed juice packs. I get stopped whenever I go out, and I love that I can be stylish, as well as eco-conscious. The bags will be for sale starting July 21st at http://www.ahealthygreenhome.com, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

By: Siel

Siel — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:42:44 +0000

How Green -- I use plastic containers for some farmers' market produce too -- No, I don't heat them either :) MsMeryMac -- I'm totally with you on avoiding totes at this point. I'm actually trying to get people to not just amass reusable totes they don't need :P As for Santa Monica and plastic bags: A ban is in the works, but has been delayed due to the threat of a lawsuit. You can read the whole sad story here -- but also be encouraged by the fact that we are indeed going to ban those bags -- soon. Luckily, quite a few businesses have seen the writing on the wall and have already gotten rid of plastic bags at their store. Everyone else is procrastinating until forced to change....

By: MsMeryMac

MsMeryMac — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:35:36 +0000

I have 2 really awesome black bags from Pavillions, of all places, a Whole Foods bag and a small erewhon burlap bag. I also have a few book totes I’ve gotten at conferences and things. I actually try to avoid buying totes because I have so many! I have a Sunday morning Farmer’s Market and Trader Joe’s routine, so I always remember to grab the bags.

Could you comment on the plastic bag ban in Santa Monica? You said IKEA doesn’t have plastic bags, but I was under the impression nothing in SM did either. Then when I was at a store on the Promenade, I got a plastic bag! The last time I was in SM, shopping at REI, they gave me a recycled, reusable tote, explaining that plastic wasn’t allowed in SM, which I knew. What gives?

By: Stephanie Zhong

Stephanie Zhong — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:53:11 +0000

Thanks for posting this Siel! I totally agree with your tip on finding bags that exude personal style. That did the trick for me after years of leaving my bags at home or in the car. For some people it’s about finding something fun to carry around. For others, it’s something super compact.

I did a round up of stylin’ bags a while back. Maybe worth a look: http://tinyurl.com/2xr352.

Some places will give you a 5 cent credit for each bag you bring. So a little ching-ching helps too!

Stephanie Zhong’s last blog post..FASHION | Mod Green Pod Gets Sneaky

By: Bill Byrne

Bill Byrne — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:34:01 +0000

From 12 years in PR, I have more than a few tote bags from trade shows that I've never thrown out. They're now stashed in our two cars, in the kitchen, etc, and make great totes for groceries and what not. Not super fashionable, but very cost effective! Bill Byrne’s last blog post..Fake Marketing Buzzwords – Gnarketing

By: How Green Is My Valley

How Green Is My Valley — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:10:19 +0000

I have enough--it's a matter of remembering to keep them with me. Mine are the standard green bags from Whole Foods, etc., largely because I'm cheap and not aiming for style in this area! Also they're pretty sturdy and seem to be holding up well after several years. Still, nothing worth showing off here. I've started collecting smaller reusable bags to cut down on and ultimately eliminate my produce bag usage. My existing plastic leftover containers (no, I don't heat them) should work well for things like berries. How Green Is My Valley’s last blog post..The Prince’s Rainforests Project