As a fair trade retailer and green business, I’m constantly faced with the bag dilemma. Do I buy plastic bags? Do I buy paper bags? Or do I buy some of those recycled tote bags to give to customers with their purchase? As simple as it sounds, it’s really more involved than you think.
There was an article by Ellen Gammerman in the Wall Street Journal about those reusuable tote bags that have become popular recently. While they may be green, many of these bags aren’t fair trade or earth friendly. These reusable totes are usually freebies or can be purchased for a few dollars at your local retailer. Inherent in the cheap price, is cheap labor. The majority of these reusable totes are made in China and certainly are not produced under fair trade conditions.
Looking for fair trade alternative to paper, plastic or reusuable bags? We have a few options in our store but one of my favorites is the sisal shopper tote (shown above). It’s woven from sisal, a natural fiber that is beaten and dyed in vibrant colors. We currently have these earth friendly totes in three colors: natural, grass green and black. They are extremely durable and will last a long time. Like the majority of the handcrafted items we carry from Kenya, they are made by women. So why not carry a stylish bag that is fair trade and earth friendly?
