Every store I shop in sells reusable bags, usually a thin canvas or cotton tote with the store logo on it. I try to remember to return them back to my trunk after I unload the groceries, but when I forget, I end up having to use the store’s plastic bags. We always use our plastic bags one more time, as wastebasket liners, trash bags, and to take out the kitty litter.  The problem is, plastic bags still end up in landfills where they take forever to break down.  So, we should use reusable bags, but do you really want to use a big red Target bag as a purse or diaper bag?  What if you could have a reusable bag that was fashionable, useful, easy to carry when not in use, made by an earth-conscious company? Sounds pretty good, right?!

In 2004, ChicoBag President Andy Keller went to his local landfill after doing some backyard landscaping, and was shocked by the number of plastic bags he saw. On the way  home, he noticed plastic bags caught in trees, stuck in fences, blowing along on the ground. He vowed that day to stop using plastic bags, and using a second hand sewing machine, began working on what would become the first ChicoBag.

ChicoBags are made from recycled materials including pop bottles into bags that are both functional and stylish.  ChicoBag sent me their Messenger rePETe bag, and at first when I opened the box, I was surprised that it was this tiny pouch. Then I started pulling the bag itself out of the pouch…and pulling, and pulling. I couldn’t believe how huge the bag was that came out of the pouch! The pouch itself stays attached to the inside, and there’s a carabiner clip so you can clip the pouch to a backpack or purse. The only part of this bag NOT made from 100% recycled materials is the carabiner, which is 97% recycled aluminum.  Inside the bag are two separate zipper pockets, flexible lycra bottle pockets, an adjustable strap, and a sleek magnetized closure system.

Please stop by ChicoBag to read more about all of their  functional, stylish, and eco-conscious bags. The Messenger rePETe bag is $17.99.

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