Reusable shopping bags get trendy

It's a sign of our increasingly eco-friendly world when substitutes for plastic grocery bags are causing a fashion revolution. Traditional plastic shopping bags will no longer be offered in San Francisco as of November 20 (only paper and bags made of cornstarch will be offered) and that move is spurring a debate around the nation on possible bans on non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic bags. Meanwhile, as the Chicago Tribune points out (registration required) fashionistas are doing their part by making reusable shopping bags trendy. Designers are creating chic (if sometimes pricey) options such as the $960 grocery tote from Hermes  or the $495 organic cotton bag from Stella McCartney. One of the hottest this summer is one of the more inexpensive options,  the $15 "I'm not a plastic bag" cotton tote from British designer Anya Hindmarch. This tote is so sought after that thousands of shoppers competed in a lottery to bag it. On eBay, the prized bag often goes for over $100.

More reasonable options on the cheap include the $1 Whole Foods green bags, or the Hawaiian print totes from Trader Joe's that sell for $1.99. Whatever bag you choose, match the contents to the eco-friendly exterior by shopping green. Our Eco-Labels web site can help you determine which of your favorite brands are the most environmentally friendly.