A ton of states have banned single-use plastic bags, with more states expected to join them in the coming months. These decisions are wins for the environment, and since we no longer have access to plastic bags for grocery stores, bodegas, and retailers—instead, you can buy paper bags for 5 cents—we have to make an even more conscious effort to bring our reusable tote bags wherever we go. (Pro tip: Keep yours by the front door, so you can grab them in a hurry.)
Though you can use any type of tote, if you're someone who desires bags out of the ordinary, I've found just the right picks. (The cuter the reusable tote is, the more you'll remember to bring it around, right? Right.) As an added bonus, most of these bags can be used for work, travel, trips to the grocery store, and more. And if your city or town hasn't banned plastic bags yet, it's never too early to get in the habit of shopping with reusable options. Read ahead for the stylish totes that pull double triple duty.
I own a few Baggu bags and love them. They're easy to clean and strong enough to hold everything from your groceries to your stack of books for donation. I love the cheeky "have a nice day" smile option, which is obviously a play on NYC's past iconic plastic bags. Baggu's option is more earth-friendly, though.
One can't talk about reusable bags without mentioning Stella McCartney's animal-friendly options. This tote is made of straw with two faux leather top handles that hang comfortably on your shoulders or in the nook of your arm. You can use this as a getaway bag and stuff it with swimsuits and as a tote to carry around your flea market finds.
This classic canvas tote lends a bit of intrigue, thanks to the abstract minimalist face print. People will definitely take notice of this bag whether you're at the farmer's market or in an elevator with your coworkers.
I absolutely hate when plastic bags get soaked in the rain or I have to stuff my umbrella into one. With Hunter's water-resistant and lightweight rubberized tote, however, I'll never have to deal with that hassle again. When the weather is looking gray, use this tote at work, at the supermarket, and more.
This leather handle tote is part of Anya Hindmarch's "I Am A Plastic Bag" collection. It's made in Italy from recycled bottles coated in re-purposed windscreen laminates. The monogram bag looks smart and pulled together, and expertly hides all the miscellaneous items you don't want people to see.
Grocery shopping on the weekends at your all-too-hectic supermarket is way more fun with this whimsy floral printed tote in hand. The bright design sends positive, happy energy that you'll need to channel when you're the 20th person in that long checkout line.
These reusable net totes are perfect for groceries, but you may have also seen the fashion crowd use them as regular carry-alls. That just proves their versatility, so hang them by the front door, where you can grab them if you're in a rush.
For all your heavy-duty needs, turn to this option. Opening Ceremony's plaid printed tote bags are super sturdy. Though this one is made of plastic, it'll last a lot longer than those single-use bags we've become accustomed to.
If you're not one to sacrifice your particular style, even at the supermarket, you'll definitely want to invest in this Fendi monogram tote. The canvas is trimmed in black leather and features tortoiseshell-effect resin top handles with gold hinges. The interior is amazingly spacious, so the bag can hold everything from your office laptop to workout clothes to that night's dinner supplies.
Off-White's oversize tote folds down nicely and is super easy to wipe down after each use. For those of us who live in tiny apartments and don't have much room to spare for bags, this one is a space saver.
I will happily trade in any remaining plastic bags I have for this pretzel canvas tote. It's charming, cute, and pays homage to the city in an eco-conscious way.
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