Gone are the days when women went on shopping trips, either to the grocery store or to the boutiques armed with only a purse! So many people are going “green” that there has been a virtual explosion of new designs in eco-friendly tote and carrybags on the market. It is both wise and savvy to carry purchases in a re-usable tote, but does one need to sacrifice style in order to be eco-friendly? Absolutely not! Here’s a little bit about the different kinds of reusable carrybags to help make choosing one a bit easier.

First of all, it’s important to note that most of the big name designers have been jumping on the environmental bandwagon and have been producing carrybags made from a variety of materials at breakneck speed; what this means is that you will be able to find designer tote bags virtually anywhere: the question is, how much do you want to pay for it? Big name bags are made from all kinds of recycled items: from kitschy vintage car upholstery to seat belts, and there are even designs made from real recycled candy wrappers! If price is a factor in your decision, try to go for more basic models, for these will run into the hundreds of dollars.

Materials

By far the most popular material choice by manufacturers is canvas: it is extremely durable, ultra strong and come in a variety of shapes and sizes and fabric weight. The issue with canvas, arguably, is that it is not stain-resistant and the material itself is not impervious to rain and snow. However, recycled canvas sails that have been treated make excellent tote bags because they are ultra strong.

Organic cotton is another popular choice for reusable carrybags, as is hemp. Hemp is lightweight and versatile, and bags made from organic cotton or hemp can easily be rolled up and stored.

Design

Many women are choosing to carry reusable carrybags instead of purses because clever European manufacturers are creating carrybags that serve a dual purpose, acting as both tote and carrier for personal items. Europeans are always at the forefront when it comes to combining form with function and style, and eco-friendly carriers are no exception. Certain German designs are not just basic bags: they come lined with pockets for all kinds of uses in all kinds of sizes. Exteriors are chic and modern, and ergonomically-designed handles and straps ensure that they are painless to carry, even with heavy loads.

The bottom line is that environmentally aware shoppers have a wide range of options from which to choose, and that good looks and style needn’t be sacrificed for utility’s sake.

Vintage Linens European Bath (http://www.touchofeurope.net/) sell the best of European living: vintage linens, luxury bath and spa,elegant home decor and gourmet European foods. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

[tags]Carrybag reisenthel[/tags]