Since adopting the practice of carrying reusable shopping bags with me wherever I go, I’ve only ever bought plain totes for pragmatic purposes. Of the 7-8 totes I own, most were purchased for under $5 a piece at my local grocery stores, and none could be considered stylish.

Recently though, I’ve been researching eco-products, and in doing so, have found all kinds of cool companies that are making reusable totes. So if you’re in the market for cool reusable bags, look no further – I’ve found them for you!

Bring Your Own Bag (B.Y.O.B) makes reusable totes that are both stylish and ethical. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, B.Y.O.B. believes that “living an eco-friendly life is essential,” and strives to design bags that are fun to carry while still being produced in a sustainable manner. With a selection of chic totes made from natural, recycled and certified organic cotton, switching from plastic shopping bags to these sustainably made, reusable bags will help to limit your impact on the environment.

The Bold Tote organic cotton tote (above) is 17” tall X 16” wide X 4” with a bottom gusset for added strength. With double reinforced 2 inch straps, you can comfortably carry heavy loads. An added pocket inside provides a convenient home for phones, keys, or wallets – and if the bag gets dirty it’s machine washable. This, and other bags from B.Y.O.B, are ethically made in Vancouver British Columbia and range in price from $25-$40 each. B.Y.O.B. is also running a “Buy 1-Get 1Free” sale on their Natural line of bags, which includes the Tweet tote (to the left).

Lightweight, waterproof and easily portable, bags from Envirosax can carry the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags full of food. Envirosax is committed to, “…helping create a better future for our planet by spreading the environmental message through color and script using the Envirosax eco-friendly reusable bag as the vehicle, and donates a percentage of their proceeds to several environmentally-based charities.

This funky orange bag is one of the 30 designs available in the Graphic Series of totes – the bags can be purchased in sets of 5, or individually. At $8.50 a piece, these lightweight polyester bags aren’t much more expensive than the reusable bags available at grocery store checkouts, but they are more stylish and will probably last longer too. If you’d rather buy a reusable bag made from all natural materials, Envirosax also carries an Organic Series of totes that come in linen, bamboo and hemp.

Personally, I like the bags from Pretty Green. Made out of 100% cotton sateen with a heavyweight cotton canvas lining, these bags look like they’d be perfect for taking to the Farmer’s Market and filling with flowers and produce. Based in Orange Country, California, Pretty Green believes in making products that help people live more sustainable lives, and the company works within their community to cultivate new ideas and affect environmental change. The Zeko Bag (to the right) is 11″ x 14″ x 6,” with a 8.5″ loop handle, machine washable and a funky find at $19.99.

GreenOne is another small company that makes fun-to-carry bags using organic cotton canvas, twill, hemp silk. Each bag is 15L x 14H x 7D, replaces 2-3 plastic grocery shopping bags and comes with an inside pocket for keys and wallets or other small items. With large handles that can be swung over your handlebars, these bags offer functionality for both men and women. Check out the Follow Your Bliss bag, the design on the front is cool, and it’s a steal at $16.99.

Happy Shopping!

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