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Madewell: Sustainable Farming
Madewell is a brand that has quickly become an all-American classic. So, it should come as no surprise that their canvas tote is a timeless piece you can carry all your goods in for years to come.
We participate in the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and with the Mekong Club to help advance human rights worldwide, which includes stopping the practice of forced labor.
Ethical Impact: Not only is this tote a waste-free alternative to plastic bags, it comes from a brand that is making responsible sourcing, animal welfare, and transparency at the forefront of their brand. This bag is lightweight and sturdy and will come in handy in more occasions that you can imagine.
LLBean: Responsible Cotton
LLbean is another heritage brand that has become famous for everyday classics. Its tote is the everyday basic that you can carry to the beach, to school or for work.
By 2025, our goal is to reduce our US owned and controlled Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 50%. We’ve already reduced GHG by 30%, exceeding our originally anticipated goal of 20%.
Environmental Impact: L.L Bean has made a big announcement to reduce its environmental impact through its materials. The brand has set a few ambitious goals to use 100% responsible cotton, 100% recycled polyester, 70% recycled nylon and 100% responsible down by 2025.
Baggu: Recycled Nylon
Another great alternative to the plastic bags is the Baggu reusable shopper tote. It is made of recycled nylon with thick handles that can carry almost everything.
All of our ripstop nylon styles — including our namesake reusable bags — are made with 40% recycled material, and all of our heavyweight nylon styles are made with 59% recycled material.
Environmental Impact: These bags are fun alternatives to plastic bags, because they’re made from waste materials. To be exact, these nylon bags are made pre-consumer plastic waste like water bottles. This greatly speaks of the brand’s dedication and mission to incorporating as more sustainable practices and products as possible and contributing to cleaner earth.
Uncommon Goods: Recycled Polyester
For those of you who want to flaunt some interesting shopper bag style, this ‘Thank You’ bag is the perfect fit. While it might look like a regular plastic bag, it is in fact made of reusable, machine –washable ingredients.
Environmental Impact: Based off of San Francisco’s 2007 plastic bag ban, this quirky bag offers a reusable alternative to standard plastic. With the idea to cut down waste, this is a reusable bag that uses recycled taffeta instead of single-use plastic.
Oye Independence: Mom & Daughter Shop
African heritage and culture is highlighted beautifully with this brand that focuses on natural products paying.
Environmental Impact: This mother and daughter brand features handmade and all-natural products. As a small brand, there isn’t much information about the environmental impact, but the brand does have an inspiring origin story and dedication to natural fabrics and dyes in their cloth products.
Public Goods: Biodegradable
Organic cotton makes this reusable bag a stand in the list of alternatives to plastic bags. Wear it all day long and you’ll even love the extras like the pocket for your reusable water bottle.
Environmental Impact: Public Goods is focused on clean simple products for your house and home. A lot of their products tend to be natural and minimally packaged. That means a lot of refillable or reusable items and plastic-free packaging that instead focuses on materials like recycled paper, glass and aluminium.
Feed Projects: 100% Organic Cotton
The Cultivate Kindness tote is a cotton tote that gives back. Finished to be softer and keep its shape longer, this is a one of those practical alternatives to plastic bags that also supports a good mission.
Ethical Impact: Feed Projects is a lifestyle brand that partners with on-the-ground nonprofits to give meals to needing children in countries around the world. Since its beginnings in 2007, each bag has provided 10 meals to children through meal donations made at shcools.
TenTree: Plants 10 Trees
This simple tote does the job of carrying your groceries or everyday items. And, you can wash and reuse the quintessential classic cotton tote without worrying about microplastics.
Environmental Impact: Using organic cotton is one way that TenTree practices being more sustainable. This lifestyle brand was built on the idea that 10 trees should be planted to for every item to negate the negative impact that fashion has on our planet. It’s no wonder that they’re certified Climate Neutral and a B Corporation.