Shopping with style
Cox News Service
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
ATLANTA — Plastic bags haven't blown away for good. But as shoppers and retailers start to focus on sustainability, the ubiquitous carry-alls are picking up some stylish competition.
At Whole Foods, which plans to eliminate plastic checkout bags by Earth Day on April 22, shoppers can choose from several canvas or recycled plastic designs. Trader Joe's entices shoppers to bring reusable bags by giving away groceries each week. Other types of retailers, including Home Depot and Target, also have introduced signature sacks.
Designers are turning out alternatives for those willing to spend more than a couple of bucks on a shopping bag, from a $960 silk bag from Hermes of Paris to Juicy Couture's arresting pink canvas tote.
Here's a look at what's available.
Bazura Bag
What's special: Made from used juice containers by a women's cooperative in the Philippines.
Cost: $24
Where: www.reusablebags.com
Home Depot Carryall
What's special: Plastic handles on this wide bag snap over shopping cart sides
Cost: $1.99
Where: Home Depot
Trader Joe's Household Posh City Reusable Tote
What's special: Eligibility for weekly drawings for free groceries
Cost: $1.99
Where: Trader Joe's
Juicy Couture "Icon" Canvas Tote Bag in Careless
What's special: '80s nostalgia. Frankie Says Knockoff.
Cost: $75
Where: Nordstrom, nordstrom.com and saks.com
Hermes of Paris SilkyPop
What's special: Silk bag with leather case, silverplated zipper
Cost: $960
Where: www.hermes.com
Whole Foods Market Cotton Tote
What's special: Shoulder strap and handles. 10-cent rebate for use.
Cost: $7.99
Where: Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market
Whole Foods Market Recycled Bag
What's special: 10-cent rebate for use.
Cost: 99 cents
Where: Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market
Target Reusable Shopping Bag
What's special: Zips back into the bag for a pocket-sized tote.
Cost: 99 cents
Where: Target
Wal-Mart Reusable Shopping Bag
What's special: Bag advertises your concern for the Earth, not the store.
Cost: $1
Where: Wal-Mart
Recycle Tote Bag
What's special: Plastic-lined for easy cleaning; same size as paper grocery bag.
Cost: $28
Where: www.tenthousandvillages.com
Kroger Reusable Shopping Bag
What's special: If you like bright blue, you can't go wrong
Cost: 99 cents
Where: Kroger
Publix Reusable Shopping Bag
What's special: Not much, unless you're a minimalist
Cost: 99 cents
Where: Publix
Advertisement
