Stylish bags grow on 'green' shoppers


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/12/08

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.

Hermès of Paris SilkyPop What's special: Silk bag with leather case, silverplated zipper Cost: $960 Where: Hermès boutique in Lenox Square, www.hermes.com
 
Chris Hunt/Staff
This shopping bag, available at Target, zips up small enough to fit in a purse of back pocket.
 
More photos

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 Hermès 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.reusable bags.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: Juicy boutique at Phipps Plaza; Nordstrom, nordstrom.com and saks.com

Reisenthel Mini Maxi Shopper

What's special: Small enough to keep in your purse

Cost: $12

Where: Squash Blossom boutique on the Decatur square

Hermès of Paris SilkyPop

What's special: Silk bag with leather case, silverplated zipper

Cost: $960

Where: Hermès boutique in Lenox Square, 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

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: Ten Thousand Villages stores in Sandy Springs and Virginia-Highland or www.tenthousandvillages.com

Whole Foods Market Recycled Bag

What's special: 10-cent rebate for use.

Cost: 99 cents

Where: Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market

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

Inside AJC.COM

Summery sips

Summery sips

Long, hot days have inspired these six cool cocktails. Bottoms up!

Beyonce concert review

Beyonce concert review

Watch a video of fans re-enacting their favorite parts of Beyonce's Atlanta concert.

Best of Luckovich: June

Best of Luckovich: June

Vote for your favorite Mike Luckovich editorial cartoons on local new, politics, celebrities and more!

Ingenuity + yard = fun

Ingenuity + yard = fun

Boredom and lack of money are the mothers of invention when it comes to lawn games such as lawn Scrabble.

Romantic vacation tales

Romantic vacation tales

Our new travel story contest centers on your most romantic vacation tales. Tell us, lovers.

Private Quarters Splurge

Private Quarters Splurge

Husband and wife architects created a modern house that's still warm and inviting.

Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job