The fashion world is way ahead of Mayor Bloomberg when it comes to jumping on the eco-friendly handbaggin’ wagon.
Businesses from food stores to fashion houses already are offering pretty pouches to help shoppers get out of a proposed 5-cent plastic bag tax and into green fashion.
Juicy Couture’s latest environmental offering: a green-tastic $75 tote emblazoned with an eco-heart. It’s big enough for practical purposes – like holding clothes, food or shoes. But it’s also fashionable enough to serve as a handbag.
Similarly, Urban Outfitters just released a sturdy $38 canvas, double-strapped, medium-sized tote that has a zipper pocket for smaller items.
Even food stores are selling green.
Trader Joe’s offers a $3 medium-sized, fiery-red bag with two shoulder straps. Whole Foods Market’s many nonplastic offerings include a $29, handbag-worthy tote made of 100 percent organic cotton.
“We’ve been plastic-free since April and it’s worked wonderfully,” says Fred Shank, Whole Foods market spokesperson.
“More and more of our customers are coming in with their nonplastic options.”
Among lower-priced options are a $2 tote from Bed Bath & Beyond and a $1 bag from Duane Reade.