So eco-chic: Free People’s reusable shopping bag
May 25th, 2010
Whether in anticipation of future plastic bag taxes or to back up the brand’s eco-luxe bohemian aesthetic with some real tree-hugging action, no matter; I was duly impressed to see shoppers heading out with their Free People purchases in these reusable mesh fabric totes when I visited the store in Highland Park, IL, this past weekend.
Reusable bags have become a common sight at grocery stores (at least where I live, in Los Angeles), but retail shops are an entirely different matter. Even my friends who dutifully take their pile of Trader Joe’s canvas totes with them marketing wouldn’t turn down a glossy black Barneys shopping bag should they have the occasion to splurge.
Somehow, that Carrie Bradshaw moment doesn’t feel quite the same when you’re walking down Madison Avenue with a wrinkled hemp tote, does it? (Although it’s never stopped me: I admittedly don’t do a lot of clothes shopping, but when I do, I pack up my purchases in this expandable nylon number that I carry on my key chain.)
This Free People cutie is the perfect compromise: It’s cool looking, you don’t have to remember to bring it to the store, and most importantly, it’s not made of petroleum-based plastic.
–Jennifer Grayson
Like this post? Subscribe to The Red, White, and Green RSS feed
May 25th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Check out this website.
http://mixedbagdesigns.com/
I have three of their bags-small, medium and large. The large and small are black and white floral and the medium is black and white geometric shapes. I take them with me shopping and get compliments all the time. I actually like having them with me. They are quite chic. They also have great structure so they are good for things like shoe boxes. However, I don’t know if they are made out of petroleum based plastic, but even if they are I figure it’s better than single-use bags.
May 26th, 2010 at 5:04 am
I had my handy-dandy Chico bag with me (one in every purse) when I went to Lord & Taylor’s yesterday to get a new pair of jeans. And that’s the way they left the store!
May 26th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Andrea, those bags are super cute. They’re polypropylene, which is a petroleum-based plastic — not sure if they’re made from recycled polypropylene though, which would be a much better option. I’ll check with the company and get back to you. Either way, you’re right: It’s still better than taking a single-use plastic bag every time you go to the store.
May 26th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Cool! Is this the company you’re talking about, Therese? http://www.chicobag.com/
December 5th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Anybody know who manufactures the bags that Free People uses? I love them and would like to order some blank ones. Thanks!
December 5th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I don’t, but you can always ask: (800) 309-1500. If you don’t have any luck with Free People customer service, let me know and I’ll see if I can contact someone else for you–