Reusable Shoulder Bag

A while ago we highlighted the collapsible crate as a way of saving plastic bags when you go shopping. If you thought that was a good idea you’ll love this. Retail chain Wilkinsons are selling a ‘pack flat’ reusable shoulder bag for the enticing price of 45 pence!

There aim, selling this so cheaply, is to encourage you not to use their (or any other shop’s) plastic bags. This is a sturdy number, remains closed when not in use, has a reinforced base and might be just the thing to leave in your car, or a coat pocket, ready to whip out - smile at the shop assistant and say “know.... I don’t need a bag thanks!”.

Swedish Bags of Fun

You know how you go to Ikea and always come away with more than you thought you needed!! Well you wont be coming away with any plastic bags, as Ikea is the first major retailer to abandon them completely.

They began their commitment to go ‘carrier neutral’ in their 15 UK stores by starting to charge for carrier bags and, at the same time, offering their blue ‘bags for life’ at a tiny price. Previously they had been giving away 32 million carrier bags a year. Consumers liked the new initiative and bag 'consumption' dropped to 1.6 million!!

So now, when you just pop in for some new napkins and come away with an entire room full of accessories – take your previously purchased big blue bag, or treat yourself to a new one there.

[Via The Observer]

Carry your Juice Box

It seems we drink a lot of juice. Healthy and good for you but we then throw all the packaging away – tonnes of the stuff.

A women’s cooperative in the Philippines is doing something about it and making a range of bags, purses and accessories from recycled juice packs - non-biodegradable foil and plastic packaging that would otherwise go into landfill sites and incinerators.

The Cooperative began as an environmental project with the aim of 'cleaning and greening' the local neighbourhood. It has since become increasingly successful and now employs over 200 women and distributes its innovative products world-wide.

They have a huge range and orders are processed in London for UK delivery.

More details at www.doybags.com