In early 2004 (before the term "Reusable Bag" was a household phrase), Andy Keller took a trip to his local landfill after spending the day landscaping his backyard. He was horrified by how many single-use bags filled the scene. The bags blanketed the landscape in a thin mix of white and beige plastic. On his way home, Andy continued to notice plastic bags everywhere; caught in trees and on fence posts, half drowned in gutter puddles and blowing in the streets like urban tumbleweeds. Andy vowed to stop using single-use bags for good. Inspired, he then dropped a few bucks on a secondhand sewing machine and began sewing what would ultimately become the first ChicoBag.



Of the vast array of bags out on the market these days, ChicoBags have definitely been the long-standing favorite of mine.  They are one of the few to use recycled materials to make their bags and stow away nicely into cute little pouches. But I was completely thrilled when the company launched its Produce Stand line of reusable produce bags! It's hard to find a replacement for those ubiquitous plastic bags that stores provide to tote your fruits and veggies. Even in trying to wash and reuse plastic bags, I still found I was tossing too many away.  And I wanted something that kept my produce fresh they way that plastic does.  But after taking my new bags to the farmer's market, I was hooked!  I love these bags -- they work great for reuse, but they also really help keep my greens happy.  Finally, another option!

"We are continuously looking for ways to help humanity kick the single-use bag habit," Keller says, adding that the new product helps keep produce fresh. Andy is so motivated about sharing his mission with others that he recently went on tour as the Bag Monster (a character born of 500 plastic bags stitched together--the amount an average person uses each year), traveling around the country to raise awareness about single-use plastic bag pollution and encourage cities to pass legislation banning plastic bags.

Single-use plastic waste is one of the largest environmental problems we face today, and any step you can take to address it is a mindful step in the right direction.  So while you are making that trip to the health food store for your local, organic, nutritious fruits and vegetables, perhaps start taking some reusable produce bags with you (in addition to your reusable shopping bag). You have the chance to make that shopping trip good for both you and the planet.

Where and what to buy:
I recommend the Complete Starter Kit available at ChicoBag.com.

Stephanie Bernstein is the Founder and CEO of To-Go Ware. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for 12 years and currently resides in Oakland, CA.