In recent years, consumers have become more aware of just how devastating plastic shopping bags are to the environment. Most retailers now offer reusable bags, and many will recycle the plastic ones you do come across. But that’s not the only way you can get an eco-friendly tote bag. Now, many brands are making eco-friendly tote bags that are as stylish and versatile as they are environmentally friendly.

6 Benefits of Eco-Friendly Tote Bags

You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability with so many options for eco-friendly tote bags. But that’s not the only benefit of using these bags. Below, we provide 6 additional benefits you won’t want to pass up.

1. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing and Ingredients

Eco-friendly tote bags are made from materials like paper, cotton, or canvas. They are frequently made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced ingredients. Because they are washable and reusable, you are reducing your carbon footprint by using (and reusing) a tote bag, rather than using plastic bags.

2. More Durable than Plastic

Eco-friendly tote bags made from cotton or canvas are much more durable than plastic bags. The sturdy material allows you to carry more per bag, and most brands offer thick handles or straps that make carrying your items easier.

3. Versatility

Eco-friendly tote bags are designed with the consumer in mind. They are often made with pockets or internal compartments, which allows you to use the bags for more than just shopping. Many tote bags are versatile enough to be used every day as diaper bags or purses. They are durable enough for picnics, a day at the beach, or for attending sporting events.

4. Easy to Store

Plastic and paper bags take up a lot of space as they accumulate. But an eco-friendly tote bag can easily be washed, folded, and stored for later use. This saves you time and storage space. Two tote bags take up less room than 50 plastic bags!

5. Customizable

Eco-friendly tote bags are easily customizable thanks to the materials used. Not only are cotton, canvas, and jute great materials to embellish, but they are also often sold plain and in neutral colors. That means you can dye, paint, iron on, apply vinyl, or use just about any method you like to make your reusable bag truly yours!

6. Economically Friendly

Even though reusable tote bags are stylish and durable, they are much more economical than the mass-produced plastic bags at most retailers. Some estimates suggest that the average person uses more than 10,000 plastic bags over their life, equating to around $800. Using eco-friendly tote bags, however, equates to around 25 bags over a lifetime, equaling around $50. 

The next time you head out on a shopping trip or run errands, consider taking an eco-friendly tote bag with you. Reusable tote bags are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and be more environmentally friendly.

Since you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability, you can also improve your wardrobe, or gift reusable tote bags to friends and loved ones.

Additional:

• How to Choose Your Plastic Manufacturing process?
• How Does Hiring a Skip Bin Make You Eco-friendly?