| B-DIFF The silkscreen-printed shoppers from this year-old brand are fast gaining cachet. Between 80 and 100 of its cotton, canvas or polypropylene (one of the most commonly recycled materials) carriers with artsy prints are sold each month. Brand founders Albert Ser and Diff Lim, both 31, try to use natural dyes from tree bark, wood, berries and nuts as much as possible. Seamstresses cut down on wastage by using leftover fabrics to sew handles or inner pockets. This month, it released the Birds And Trees series (above). Shah: Simple, practical and beautifully designed. The all-natural materials and vegetable dyes make this brand a great eco-conscious buy. Birds And Trees bag, $22.80, from www.bdiff.com.sg | KNA Kanazu Sen-i, a Japanese company known for high-performance industrial weaving techniques, teamed up with a research and development centre to come up with possibly the thinnest and most avant-garde of eco bags. These bags say minimalist but the science behind it is anything but. The woven material is made from a polylactic acid fabric, a biodegradable, corn-based fabric which decomposes safely into the earth. The threads, care labels, tags and buttons are also made from natural materials which burn without giving off toxic fumes. Shah: This quirky purse(12503299) counters the perception defies the myth that bags made from natural fabrics are boring. Its biodegradable, non-toxic material sets it apart from the rest. KNA bag, $69, from ActuallyARC |
| ENVIROSAX The five-year-old Australian brand offers a myriad of colours, fabrics, designs and sizes for the green at heart. This includes the best-selling polyester range and the organic range, which uses organic linen, bamboo and cotton. The polyester range can take up to 20kg and is printed with inks that do not contain cancer-causing compounds commonly used in printing. The organic series on the other hand is printed with vegetable-based inks and packaged in recycled boxes that use soy inks and waterless printing techniques. Shah: Outstandingly eco-friendly. All stages of its life-cycle take into account the green process. Using inks that do not fade means the bag can be used longer. This meets the consumer?s and the environment?s needs. La Boheme polyester bag by Envirosax, $12.90, or $52 for a set of five, from major department stores | BEAU SOLEIL Anne Salvatore Epstein, the founder of this American brand, designed for Marc Jacobs and Iisli before starting her own eco label in 2007. Her organic cotton Beau Bag uses natural dyes and comes packaged in counts using old hang tags (those brown price tags) and tissue boxes. It recently launched an organic denim version called the Beau USA which replaces the cotton in finishes like grey and acid-wash. Among those into these stylish shoppers is Former Sports Illustrated cover girl turned eco-activist Christie Brinkley, 55, is a fan (July 2008).. Shah: This bag definitely passes the eco-friendly test with flying colours, with its commitment to minimising waste in the production process and the use of sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton make this bag a truly green lifestyle choice. In case there was any remaining doubt about the green culture behind this bag, The bold message printed on it says it all. Beau USA bag, US$75 (S$109.40), from www.shopbeausoleil.com |
| GAP The American brand launched its green bag made of unbleached cotton here on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day. The message - 0% Plastic - says it all. Customers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are the only ones in the world who can buy these bags with red, orange, blue or purple stitching. Green-stitched bags are available in other countries. Only 3,000 pieces were produced in Singapore and more than half have been sold. Shah: The simple design makes a strong statement and raises awareness for the cause. The unbleached cotton also makes it a safe choice for carrying food and groceries. 0% Plastic bag, $5, from Gap Wisma Atria | REISENTHEL This German brand is well-known for its polyester shopping baskets and totes which reduce the need to use plastic or paper bags. Its Carrycruiser ? a sling bag-cum-trolley ? won the iF (correct) Product Design Award, a prestigious international product design award, last year. Here, it gives signal flags, sail canvas and ropes a new lease of life. The bag is made using waterproof sail and the hardy handles are made of ropes found on buoys. There are four deep compartments inside for your knick-knacks and a detachable pouch. Shah: The strong recycled fabrics reused to make this bag and its sturdy design make this bag great for carrying heavy items. Its bright and sporty design adds appeal. One downside: The rope might press down and hurt your shoulder if the bag is too heavy. Streetshopper by Reisenthel, $159, from Basement 1 Tangs Orchard |
