While high-end designer handbags will never go out of style, you’ve probably noticed a new “it” bag on the arms of trendy – and eco-conscious – women everywhere: the “green” shopper. Purse designer, Anya Hindmarch’s iconic “It’s Not A Plastic Bag” tote made carrying canvas to the grocery store fashionable. Now there are plenty of earth-friendly options. My personal favourites come in compact little packages so they can be kept in your actual purse for impromptu shopping sprees.

Baggu bags come with convenient (and adorable) little pouches in a wide array of colours and recently-added stripes. Each rip-stop nylon bag holds up to 25 lbs of groceries, clothes, just about anything you have to lug around. I recommend buying a pack of six for $38 USD on their web site (www.baggubag.com) and sharing with friends.

My newest enviro-sac was given to me for my birthday and comes courtesy of Australian company Envirosax (distributed through Grey Gourmet in Canada). Instead of a pouch, Envirosax have a little snap at the bottom so when you’re done, you just fold them up and secure the snap. They come in a variety of fun, fashionable patterns – mine is navy with a white and red bird print – and can hold up to 20 kilos!

A few eco-friendly shopping tips:
• If possible, have your bag ready and present it to the cashier before your purchases are rung through.
• Bring more than one bag, even for a quick trip to the grocery store. Chances are that you’ll buy more than you expected and while the bags will hold a lot, you don’t want to carry 25 lbs of groceries in one hand.
• Visit stores that give discounts for bringing your own bag.

Read about more earth-friendly tote options on foodtv.ca's blog, Bazaar.