Want to be green and help save the planet, but constantly forget your reusable grocery bags? Try these shopping totes. I’ve picked out bags to grace your arm that are the most stylish and practical available. They’re so fun to carry; you might never forget your bags again.
1. New York City Cool – The Dean and Deluca food retailer opened in 1977 in SoHo, New York and has been a symbol of gourmet and high-end deliciousness ever since. Grab a piece of that style with the Dean and Deluca Grocery Tote, made of jute and only $10. Dean and Deluca.
2. Support a Cause – Want your bag to do more than just help avoid plastic bag waste? Check out the hearty, yet cool-looking Feed Bags. The money you use to purchase these bags will go towards feeding hungry children through the UN’s World Food Program. The “Feed 100” bag for $30 buys 100 school meals for hungry children in Rwanda. The “Feed 2” bag feeds 2 children in school for 1 year for $100. While you are buying your groceries, you can feel good that you helped others who don’t have enough – and look stylish while doing it. World Food Programme Feed Bag
3. Artistic - You may recognize the artwork of R. Nichols from the cover of the bestselling book, “French Women Don’t Get Fat.” He has used his same style to create grocery totes. These bold, graphic and practical bags are the ones I personally keep in my car. I’ve had many a compliment, especially from the baggers at the market who comment on the large size and durability of the bags. The bags run from $24 to $28, and will last many a year. R. Nichols Recycled Grocery Totes
4. Pretty Canvas – Do you like the feel of a canvas bag? Check out these bags with handles built right into the structure of the bag. Plain or beautiful, modern floral designs. From $11.99 to $19.99. Pretty Green.
5. Wide-mouthed Canvas – Tired of tiny bags? Try the wide-mouthed Skeeda bags that hold 2-3 times the amount of a plastic grocery bag. Made of cotton-canvas with long straps, the bags are available in a wide variety of dots, paisley and stripes. One bag for $15 or three bags for $40. Skeeda.
6. Nylon - I’m not a big fan of the nylon bags, personally, but Envirosax makes some that are so beautifully mod, I had to add them to the list. These bags come in over 50 different designs, each one better than the last. Many are masculine enough for the uncommonly stylish man in your life. Each bag is only $8.50. They are also sold in 5-in-1 pouches for $37.95, a real bargain and compact to boot. Envirosax Pouch
7. Nautical - Ah, the joy of the open ocean and beautiful boats. Even if you are landlocked, you can share a piece of sailing tradition with the Green Grocery Market Bag from Ella Vickers. These bags are made from recycled sailcloth. Think of the many exciting voyages and adventures your sail had before it got to you. Now 40% off the normal price of $79. Ella Vickers Green Grocery Bag
8. Handcrafted - Beautiful, individually applied flowers go on the bags at The Craft Pantry at Etsy.com. How can you get more individual or special? Check out the pink daisy branches and white branches on blue, printed on 100% recycled cotton bags, each for only only $18. Note that these should be dry cleaned. The Craft Pantry at Etsy.
I love to support designers who make it more stylish to be green. Anyone else have a great shopping tote that I missed?