Not since our discovery of The Kurv has a product wooed us to this degree. Ladies and gentleman, may we present to you, Envirosax:
We probably should mention that we do not work for Envirosax nor are we getting paid by them to write this be-still-my-beating-heart review. We just can’t get enough of them and had to share the chic little reusable fabric bags that wormed their way into our lives and changed them for the better.
We’ve always been fans of reusable shopping bags, but some of the crunchy plastic-y felt-ish boxy ones left a lot to be desired. Of course we preferred them to paper or plastic, but they made me feel… well, a bit frumpy. I mean picture me struggling to tote my three different mismatched bags into the store and blushing when I get to the register with the tangle of intertwined green and brown and gray bags (after accidentally dropping at least one in the parking lot on the way in). Ugh. Enter my always fashionable BFF stage left, who swung through town for some quick shopping. And what chic little rolled up bag did she pull out of her purse at the register? Why an Envirosax tote of course. It was smaller than a cell phone and unsnapped to create a large and lovely reusable bag that had me positively green with envy (and embarrassment as I tried desperately to wrangle my gaggle of bags).
Before I could even squeak out “where’d you get that” she said “envirosax.com, I can’t go to the store without ten people coming up to me to ask where they’re from- and they’re so easy to use because you can pop a few of them into your purse so you never forget to bring them.” I was sold before she even opened her mouth. Everything from the wider straps to the sleek fabric and the punchy print had me at hello, and the fact that they could be rolled so tightly and tossed into any purse (unlike my armload of reusable bags) ensured that I’d never find myself at the cash register muttering about how I forgot mine again. Because every time we forget our reusable bags we’re contributing to this problem:
- Approx. 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year. That’s more than 1,200 bags per US resident, per year.
- Americans consume more than 10 billion paper bags per year. Approximately 14 million trees are cut down every year for paper bag production.
- The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter floating in every square mile of ocean.
Eeks! Let’s all make a difference and look cute doing it.
And at $8.50 a pop they’re a steal when you think about how long you’ll have them, how many plastic bags they’ll save and how convenient they are since they slip right into your purse (never to be forgotten in the car/house again!). They actually list the measurements on the site and they’re pretty darn amazing. Rolled up these things clock in at 4″ by 1.5″ (about the size of a cell phone) and they unroll to a glorious 19.5″ x 16.5″ full size- plus they can each hold up to 44lbs! And the fact that they come in oh so many fun styles makes shopping for them just as fun as shopping with them. They have chic black patterned bags for the sophisticated crowd:
And masculine dude bags for the guys who don’t want colorful girly ones:
And punchy bohemian bags for the hippie in all of us (plus these babies are 25% off):
Of course they also have solid colored bags (for those who like to keep it simple), kid bags (you bet our youngsters will tote these babies around someday), five pack sets (that really come in handy for larger families who do more bulk shopping), and even organic bags (these lovelies are a bit pricier at $24.95 but they’re made exclusively from organic bamboo):
I’m sure you’re wondering which ones we picked after such a wide selection of eye candy. True to form we went gaga for the blues and the greens. Since John and I always go shopping together he let me get two fun ones instead of a dude bag for him- but if you’re a more-than-one-car household and aren’t always attached at the hip you might wanna snag one that you guy will feel proud to carry. Although my gentlemanly hubs still offers to carry ours when they’re heavy- thanks babe!
And now I will get off my Envirosax soapbox and hit up the grocery store for bag complements- er, to spread awareness… there have to be some locals out there that we can convert!
Images and scary plastic bag facts courtesy of Envirosax.
Carmil says
OK, come on people– VOTE!!! If everyone who reads this today would just click and vote– Sherry and John would LEAP ahead! So come on, VOTE!!!
Kristen says
Another plug for Envirosax – I’ve had mine for about six months now and I love, love love it! And I live in NYC, land of walking to the grocery store and only buying what you can carry home, so I can attest to the fact that they are as durable as they are cute.
Pamela says
Our company gave everyone a reusable tote as part of their green campaign and I love it because it has a boxy bottom. It’s certainly not a fashion statement, but it’s best for buying a bunch of canned goods at the store (works WAY better than a plastic bag). Now if only I could get the bag boys to stop smushing my veggies and bread under heavy stuff in an attempt to make it all fit in one bag!
I am definitely in the market for some more bags though since my puppy chewed almost through the handle of one of my “felt-ish” ones.
Teeni says
I agree with Carmil! VOTE! I want to see what the Youngsters do with the winnings! You know it will be great!
Chelsea says
I always forget my reusable mix matched bags wether in the car or in the pantry. Yesterday after shopping I went ahead and put them back into the car so not to forget them next time. You can always go back to the car for them but not back to the pantry! I also use them for my lunch so if on the way home from work i must stop by the store i already have one in the car.
Katy C. says
I vote every day! I think you did a stellar job on creating a beautiful little oasis, so it’s my morning ritual to vote as my email starts up!
I love this idea though, because I ALWAYS forget my bags in the hall closet before going to the store, and typically remember as I pull up in the parking lot – not cool. This would be such a great solution! And how cute and chic are those designs!
I also wanted to say THANK YOU for the painting color post – I love color, but when it comes to wall paint I have a huge problem committing (thank goodness for paint samples!). And I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t thought about making my room colors so cohesive, but it makes total sense! Thanks as always for the great ideas and inspirations!
heather s. says
I was tempted to buy the Envirosax but I went with the RUME bags instead (from delight.com) about a year ago. They have longer handles so they can be carried over your shoulder even when wearing a heavy winter coat and the bottom is more square so it’s easier to fit in boxy items. I love them and get tons of compliments every time I go to the store so I’m constantly referring people to delight’s website to order their own. I gave my three best girlfriends bags for Christmas and they still rave about them!
Either way you go you can’t go wrong with a stylish reusable bag that rolls up to fit in your purse!
priscilla says
Wow I love the prints on these bags! Reusablebags.com sells them too. I bought my reisenthel one (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reisenthel-mini-maxi-shopper-flora-deco-p-1452.html) not too long ago and I love it! I came upon it when I was looking for this market basket (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reisenthel-market-basket-flora-p-730.html) for a friend’s birthday gift. She absolutely loves it and some of you may too if you often go to your local farmer’s market. Happy shopping!
Sass says
Oh and how cool that Envirosax are an Aussie company…I love it when something cool comes from my own backyard!
I just bought some for my mum, kids ones for my nephew who loves dinosaurs (who doesn’t?) and uberchic ones for me – yay!
I’m loving your blog guys :) keep the beauty coming!
Sara says
I’ve been looking for some reusable bags…these are perfect! How will I decide!?!
I voted! Let’s get them ahead again people!
Jen says
OK. I’m totally buying this. I’ve been using Chico Bags, which ball up small into your purse, but these are way better looking. Plus, I gave my Chico Bags to my sister because she liked them so much, which left me bag-less or carting my huge canvas bags which are 12 years old into the store. Yes, I’ve been using reuseable bags for well over a decade, way before it was fashionable. I’m glad more people are using them.
emily says
I love these. I’m thinking christmas presents for the family! The kids ones are adorable too, my kids are going to get some in their stockings. I always forget my bags too, especially after i do a big grocery trip and they are still in my house. Target has some that fold up smaller but they are bright red, and not nearly as stylish as these are.
Kate says
For all you Richmonders, the fab Envirosax can also be purcahsed at Alchemy Eco Boutique in Carytown. That’s where I got mine!
elizabeth says
I just ordered the Amazonia collection and can’t wait for them to get here! My hubby ends up with all of our Publix bags in his car, but I’m the one that does the grocery shopping. Now I won’t have to hang my head in shame over forgetting my bags!
christina says
I have the set of black Envirosax bags and love them! I purchased mine from Amazon. The only down side to the bag is that they are a little slippery and takes some time for the store cashier to bag my items. But other than that I love them!
Christina
Katie says
I love my envirosax. Like your friend, people are ALWAYS asking me where I got them. I’ve been carrying mine for about 2 yrs now and they have held up beautifully. I always have one tucked in my handbag to use at Target or Lowe’s (as we are always there). I have the Retro set of 5 and even after a big grocery trip, I’ve never had to use a plastic bag from the store. These bags hold so much! I have given them to most all of my friends and family as gifts for birthdays or Christmas. I’m so glad you highlighted these….as you can tell, one of my faves!
Emily says
I LOVE THESE. I am going to eBay right now to buy some. They are having a sale 6 for $32 with free shipping. LOVE THESE. I will actually take these to the store, not only the grocery store either. These are going EVERYWHERE with me. I hope to not have to use plastic again!
Laurie says
I love those! There used to be a kiosk in one of the malls here that sold them (or look-a-likes) but they are gone now, so THANK YOU for the actual name so I can go online and get me some!
megan says
I love their prints! My sister got me the Baggu bags (http://baggubag.com/Home/#Shop) for Christmas and I love them. They fold flat and don’t take up any room in my purse. I always have bags! I will have to return the favor to her and get her some of these.
Julie says
I’m a huge envirosax fan too. I buy them in bulk and give them away as gifts for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and hostess gifts. Everyone loves them and I love sharing gifts that are eco-friendly, useful, and so darn cute to boot.
LilyZimm says
I asked my husband for these for Christmas and I LOVE them! If you look around you can find them even cheaper – mine were $3.95, I think. I get compliments all the time and now they are my go-to gift!
JM says
Love these! I bought them for every single person that I gave a Christmas present to last year from the in-laws to workers and since there are so many different prints, I didn’t feel guilty for buying the same thing for everyone! They’re the best, and helping the environment a little too.
Ann-Marie says
Only $8.50 each? That’s amazing. Not sure I’d use them for groceries (I much prefer a flat-bottom bag for that), but there are so many other things to use bags for! The patterns are adorable!
Amy says
Those are so cute! going to order some right now!
on a side note, VOTE PEOPLE, VOTE!!
THERE ARE ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!! PLEASE VOTe!!
Laura says
I LOVE envirosax! I’ve been using them for over a year now and they show NO signs of wear and tear! (and I load them up to their full capacity!) I recently got a set for my mom here http://www.brightandbold.com/envirosax.html . They have free shipping and usually have some kind of discount. The 5-pack is great. I keep one in my purse and the other four in my car for groceries. I never get any plastic bags from the supermarket, and rarely shopping bags from other stores! (at the mall etc.) Everyone needs envirosax!
Ellen says
Envirosax are great! I got some for Christmas two years ago and they are just fabulous. Even my husband will carry them.
kim says
wow – i was just looking up cute reusable shopping bags this morning. i was looking at flip & tumble, but now i love these, too. thanks!
Kelly says
AH-MAZING!!
Candace says
Similarly, I swear by RuMe bags (http://www.rumebags.com) & have forced them upon my friends. Don’t seem to have as many patterns, BUT I believe their handles are longer, making it easier to swing over a shoulder in one environmentally-chic move. Delight.com sells both… with occasional discounts/specials!
Laura says
I received two of these for my birthday from my BFF and loooooove them! I just keep them in my purse all the time–no more forgetting the grocery bags! The best thing about them is how much they fit in them–I can get 3X the groceries in one Envirosax bag than fit in the grocery store bags.
Mary says
I took your advice and bought some Envirosax… Can’t wait to get them. I adore your blog, and blog stalk you daily. Keep up the good work, I’ll put my vote in today!!
Krissy says
First off, these bags are fabulous!! I’ll definitely be getting some for myself and I think these will make great Christmas gifts!
On a side note, I just registered me and my boyfriend at Better Homes so we can vote for you twice. I wish I would have thought of this sooner. But if EVERYONE would do the same thing maybe we could get you back in FIRST PLACE!!!
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EVERYONE!!!
amyks says
I love the envirosax…I bought mine through a catalog, possibly Vivaterra. I use them every time i go shopping, at the grocery store the man who bags my groceries is afraid to over fill them, but I told him they can hold up to 40 lbs, can’t do that with a plastic bag. love them.
Dana Miller says
I got these for my SIL for her birthday last year. She LOVES them! I’ve been wanting to get some for my household but didn’t want to spend the $$. Glad you pointed out the pros… I think I’m gonna get some for us finally!
sarah says
the little bag of 5 could clip right onto our folding grocery cart! great idea!
Somer says
I just went and bought some for me and my husband and my MIL and SIL. You guys have made me change my way of thinking and looking to be greener! Thank you!
Meredith says
The internet ate my comment!
I have two Reisenthel Mini Maxi Shoppers, the flowered design in green and in red. I love them and get compliments all the time! I also have one brown chicobag that’s better for the hubs to carry. I use them for groceries, but also shopping for clothing and anything else!! They live in my purse so I am never without them. Altho the square-bottomed grocery bags are useful for some things, like a lot glass bottles, if I can remember to bring it along! My sister has a few Baggu bags, and she likes those – I must admit, they do have a nice long handle. Oh, and Reisenthel also makes other awesome bags, and a really amazing folding basket, great for shopping at your local farmer’s market so you don’t squish your fresh food in the bottom of a soft bag!
Bridget B. says
These are pretty cute. Just remember to wash the bags between each use to prevent germ spreading and cross-contamination. http://tinyurl.com/osdd9y
I know it’s not the “in” thing, but I go green by re-using my plastic grocery bags as trash can liners. I have a couple of the re-usable canvas bags, but I always have about 10 bags worth of food whenever I go grocery shopping.
Rebecca says
My local Whole Foods carries them at the cash registers for anyone who really wants one but doesn’t want to pay the shipping. I’ve stuck with just getting the recycled plastic reuseable handle bags, because I keep them in the trunk of my car and only use one per shopping trip, but if I start doing more bulky shopping, I’ll probably pick one of these up.
Lisa says
I’ve had a set of these bags for 6+ months and I love them. Forget for a moment the good you are doing for Mother Nature, these bags make carrying groceries easier. So much stuff fits in them and you can throw it over your shoulder. I LOVE these bags soooo much!!!
Kelly says
My mom bought me an Envirosax for Christmas last year. I love it! It is always in my purse with me. I have 4 big, boxy bags that I take when I go grocery shopping. I use my Envirosax when I go shopping for other items besides groceries. I also use it when I run into a store to buy just a few things. It is my “shopping cart/bag”.
My work is celebrating their 20 year anniversary and we are trying to get a good price with Envirosax to give one to every employee. We have 5,000 employees! That will save a lot of plastic bags!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow Kelly! Imagine all the good you’ll do for good ol’ mother earth if you snag those Envirosax for your 5,000 employees. Amazing!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I just bought one in Hawaii after seeing a friend with one. They are FAB!!! I can’t wait to get some more… the prints are oh so fun!
Jessy says
Thank you! I was looking at a few of these types of bags but I didn’t know anyone who had them and I like reviews. I’m sold on these.
Ps. I voted today. I’ve voted *mostly* every day… why aren’t you winning this thing?! You’re being robbed…
akbuilt says
This is a great bag company. I made the switch to plastic-free a little over 2 years ago and I’ve never looked back. I laughed a bit at your BFF’s comment about everyone asking about the company. I bought my bags from Baggubag.com and I swear, they need to send me business cards. I get asked who makes them everytime I go to the store!
ellis says
I too use RuMe, which I totally adore. I’m sure envirosax are the same in that I’ve noticed I can carry a TON in my RuMes and it doesn’t seem that heavy- I think the handles are placed in a very weight-distributing-friendly way :) But second using delight.com for RuMes or Envirosax, I got mine on sale. Also, I use my bags for EVERYTHING- library books, overnight bag, obsessed!
akbuilt says
P.S. Baggu Bags have a great gusset that allows for a square bottom once unfolded. They also fold up into little bitty pouches.
P.P.S. I’m not associated with BB, I just thought I’d provide another option.
Natalie says
Ok these are ADORABLE! I have to have one! Any way you guys could convince them to send a few your way so you can give some away to your dedicated readers?? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Natalie,
Funny you should mention an Envirosax giveaway! We actually just got an email from them so we’re definitely working on it. Fingers crossed…
xo,
s
Destiny says
I voted for you. I copied Krissy so that I could give you some extra votes. I registered my husband, mom, and friend! Every vote counts…
Diana says
Ohh I looooove these!!! Off to buy my own!
Johanna says
I. AM. IN. LOVE!!!!!!