Oh No You Didn't

Posted by Sarah, Associate Fashion Editor

Who would ever have predicted that this season's “It” bag would be a $15 tote?

Well I, for one, applaud Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" design. It's affordable and well-made, and I think any step toward a "greener" society is an important one.

BUT (you knew this was coming), I wonder whether, amidst the frenzy of getting our hands on this must-have piece of eco-chic, some of us have forgotten what it stands for. Or maybe some of us never knew in the first place. Case in point: While walking through Union Square the evening after Whole Foods put some of the bags on sale -- and sold out within two hours -- I saw a cute, fashionable girl walking toward me with the “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” slogan dangling from her arm. As she got closer, I noticed a plastic bag sticking out of the tote!  It took all the strength I had not to stop her and ask if this was a joke -- and if not, whether I could take a picture, as I’m sure it would have amused my friends, not to mention all of our readers here.

So without being preachy, because I am not perfect and I don’t always have a reusable tote on hand (I do try, though), let's remember that this bag also has a message inscribed on the inside: “We Are What We Do."  If you're going to proudly display your bag, you might also want to proudly display your efforts to support its message. And last, but not least: You don’t need a designer tote to cut back on waste. You can bring any reusable bag you want to the store.

A Fashion Do:

A Fashion Don't:

***Editor's Note: No extra plastic bags were consumed for this shot.***

Comments

[nikki M]

I actually like Fling's "ONELESSBAG" because it folds up small enough to fit in a purse or glove compartment, which makes it easier to have one on hand. And the cute screenprint is definitely worth the $12.

http://fly-bird.net/products/fling-bag.htm

[mn]

I think it's pretty sad that Americans have to purchase something new (cloth bag du jour) to remind them to reuse and not to waste plastic. It also should not be forgotten that if your cloth bag isn't locally manufactured-these are made in China-you're contributing to global warming by supporting the bag being transported from an overseas destination, thus increasing your carbon footprint. Let's not even talk about the labor issues involved.
Not trying to rain on the purse parade, but seriously, it's a marketing ploy, and should be seen as such.

[lsaspacey]

Great point Allison. I reuse all the ones that I had before I got my Envirosak for when I know I'm only buying something small.

[Alyssa]

im not going to lie ... im a bit sick of seeing this back slung over the shoulders of the fashionistas around chicago - while the idea is great! i hate that its more fashion statement than anything. really i just love the idea of everyone carrying around canvas bags to tote all those things that you use to use plastic for!

[Jail Diet]

At my local Whole Foods you get 10 cents for every bag you bring back to the store and re-use. So, we always keep them in the back of the car for the cash-back incentive and to help the environment. However, to be even more friendly, why not make your own tote out of vintage cotton! I made a large and tall tote that I carry around with me and avoid using other bags. They just collect in the recycling. Instead of sporting around someone else's "Not a Plastic Bag" bag...be more creative and make your own. It's more stylish and it's cheaper! We all know totes are as simple to make as a pillowcase!

Great post.

[kealoha]

My favorite has always been the Trader Joe's canvas bag. :) Here in Melbourne, Australia, almost all of the food and clothing shops offer reusable (polypropylene, washable!) bags for a small price- usually about one dollar, and they'll often charge you about 30cents extra per bag if you haven't brought your own. Even the hardware stores (think Home Depot!) expect you to have your own bag. The important thing to remember is that green bags aren't green if you forget to use them.

[a bon vivant]

A lot of people are down on the whole Hindmarch bag campaign, but I feel that the bag and the ongoing "green" publicity have caused me to be much more self-aware of my actions. In turn, I am now understanding and adopting more eco-friendly ways of living. If that is all caused by an over-hyped bag campaign, I think it (at least for me) has served its purpose.

[Grey Walker]

Chez Pim has an excellent article on this, as well, at chezpim.typepad.com.

I have been using the same cloth grocery bags for eighteen years, and some of them are still going strong. A couple are finally showing some strain along the seams.

[mary]

Whatever gets people to use cloth bags (or, at very least, to reuse their plastic bags) is a good thing. But I'm partial to the bags at reusablebags.com. My husband and I have used their indestructible "Acme bags" (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/acme-bags-recycled-earthtote%99-p-788.html) for a long time. After three weeks of weekly trips to the grocery store and the farmer's market, they still look fantastic and have not a sign of wear. Which is almost too bad, because I would no good reason to buy any of the colorful "happybags" bags on the reusablebags site (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/shopping-bags-modern-totes-c-2_41.html). Both the happybags and the Acme bags make welcome gifts -- friends and family to whom I've given a set always rave. What's not to like about a gift that is both stylish and practical AND good for the planet?

[Allison]

I guess I'm not as bothered by the plastic bag sticking out of the Not Plastic Bag because chances are the girl was reusing the plastic bag which is better than throwing it out. People get so hyped up about not using them and I agree, but if you already have some you should reuse them. Reduce, reuse, recycle.