January 14, 2019 at 09:23AM by CWC
Whether it’s for stashing your sweaty gym clothes, carrying groceries, or schlepping home the countless items that seem to accumulate on your desk every week, having a trusty, cute reusable bag is basically a requirement for healthy adulting. And if that bag happens to be eco-friendly? Well, that’s even better.
“In essence, choosing any reusable bag over a plastic or paper one is a win,” explains Megan Heacock, a marketing associate at Feed Projects, which donates half the proceeds from its reusable bag sales to supply meals for children. “But, in order to maximize your impact, invest in a durable one made of high-quality materials that ensure you can tote home heavy goods without worrying too much about wear and tear on your bag.”
The most sustainable options are ones made from 100-percent cotton, natural fibers, or straw. Other than that, “the ideal bag is one which can be reused day after day for years to come, while still looking good, to ensure you’ll use (and reuse) it a lot more often,” says Shea Parton, CEO and brand director of Apolis. Enough said.
Scroll down for 13 reusable bags that will turn your errands into your favorite part of the day.
Apolis x Clare V. Market Bag, $68
This bag is made of jute fiber, “an oxygen-producing crop which is sustainably harvested by farmers in Bangladesh,” explains Apolis CEO Shea Parton. Not only is this fiber durable and environmentally friendly, but it’s also 100-percent waterproof, can hold up to 135 pounds, and is chic AF.
Feed Market Tote, $78
The best part of this simple tote is that the sale of one provides 50 (that’s right, FIFTY) meals to schools around the world. That means while you’re lugging around your work lunch, you’re also doing a lot of good.
Claudia Pearson City Tote Bags, $20
Made from 100-percent cotton canvas in Michigan and designed in Brooklyn, these bags are perfect for city dwellers. From Austin and Chicago to Seattle and Boston, these hand-printed totes can artfully rep your hometown, while carrying everything you need.
The Little Market Navy Shopping Tote, $24
Started by Lauren Conrad, The Little Market is heaven for those who are looking to support local artisans around the world, and this particular bag supports women at the Haiti Design Co with each purchase.
Indego Africa Knotted Raffia Tote, $200
Handwoven in Rwanda, this adorable carryall is made from braided natural raffia, finished with white faux leather handles (and totally works as a beach tote come summer).
Baggu Autumn Fruit, $10
This adorable nylon carryall is the grocery bag of your dreams. Not only can it hold two to three plastic grocery bags worth of stuff—up to 50 pounds—but it’s machine washable. Meaning any leaks and spills will disappear before you know it.
Peak Joy Shop Destroy the Patriarchy, $15
Why say it when you can display it?
EcoBags String Bag, $48
Although it may not look like much when empty, this string bag stretches to fit whatever you need it to hold. The fact that it’s a fair wage product made from organic, natural cotton and recyclable are all added bonuses.
The Little Market Striped Tote, $128
The Little Market strikes again. This time with this too-cute Raffia bag, which empowers female artisans at Razafindrabe Collections in Madagascar with each purchase.
Everlane The Twill Zip Tote, $48
Known for their sustainability and fair wage factories, Everlane shows us exactly where this 100-percent cotton tote is made: in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
EcoNotEgo Canvas Bag, $17
Screen printed with eco-friendly ink, plastic-free, zero-waste, 100-percent organic cotton, and compostable—the list goes on and on. But our favorite part? The simple but profound statement.
For when you’re not running errands, here are 12 luxe looking sustainable handbags that are elevating ethical accessories.
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Author Katie Maguire | Well and Good
Selected by iversue