Carry On: Eco-friendly Bags

By Lisa Munniksma

Simple Shoes Feedbag	Faeries Dance Courier Bag REI Balance Gym Bag
REI Urban Traveler Pack	REI Nikole Day Bag
Faeries Dance Street Bag Find Em’ Here REI 800- 426-4840 Faeries Dance 866- 492-4841

You read all about the latest in eco-friendly fashions in the March/April 2009 issue of Hobby Farm Home.

Now, check out these “green” bags to complete your outfit. Whether heading to the office, the gym or the feed store, show the world you support eco-responsibility and look good doing it.

• A purse is possibly the most functional accessory for a woman. Simple Shoes offers a selection of handbags, with the Feedbag being one of our favorites—and not just because of its name.
  
  Its hemp, wool-felt, jute and organic-cotton construction give the Feedbag an earthy, textured look.
  
  It’s small enough to tote easily and large enough to hold a day’s worth of in-town necessities. The feedbag is available in chocolate or tan.
  
  
• FaeriesDance.com carries a versatile, mid-sized everyday bag that can be worn over the shoulder or carried by the handles.
  
  

  The Courier Bag’s hemp and cotton components are actually grown on a Chinese woman-owned, organic farm cooperative. It comes in black and acorn.
  

• Another FaeriesDance.com bag, the Street Purse, is also constructed from the co-op’s hemp and cotton.
  
  This shoulder bag is large enough for your essentials without being bulky, and the shoulder strap has decorative grommets for a chic touch. The Street Purse is available in black and acorn.
  
  
• The REI Nikole Day Bag converts from a mini-backpack to a sling pack, making this one versatile little bag.
   
  
  
  The recycled-plastic-bottle construction features air-mesh padding on the back panel and shoulder straps to wick away perspiration for cool carrying comfort. Women can find this bag in dusty olive and black.
  
  
• For larger carrying needs, reach for the REI Balance Gym Bag. Sourced from old plastic bottles, this polyester is tough enough to endure the daily grind.
  
  It has three zippered compartments, plus hide-away straps for securing your yoga mat or umbrella. Black and santorini (teal) are this bag’s stylish color options.
  
  
• Your backpack needs can be met with the REI ecoSensitive Urban Traveler Pack in black or loam (brown).
  
  Also constructed of old plastic bottles, this little bag has loads of carrying capacity with individual compartments to keep things organized. The molded-foam back panel provides supportive structure and ergonomic shoulder straps utilize dual-density foam for comfort.

About the Author: Lisa Munniksma is managing editor for Hobby Farms and Hobby Farm Home.