Eco-Friendly and Cool Purses and Totes

I started thinking about getting a couple eco chic purses a little over a year ago. But what I found was way too expensive. So, I started thinking and I didn't like the selection of purses or totes that I found in any local store. And so starts the saga of Ella's Emporium - Purses and handbags, and totes - Oh, My!

I started hunting for interesting and reasonably priced handbags and totes. I was trying to find mostly either eco-friendly products or American made products. Hard to find either that's not sky high in price. But I think I found a good selection of interesting things and I'm hoping you'll like them, too.

I've started looking at the artisans on Etsy for more items.
Let me know where you've found eco-chic products - doesn't have to be purses.
What else is out there that is recycled, eco trendy, and not through the roof expensive?

Here's another type of material that I never thought of - recycled juice boxes.
And I have found coolers, purses, and camera or phone totes.
Ella's recycled juice boxes

Ella's Emporium has several choices of purses made from bamboo, pearls and shells.
This is just one sample.

I've found a couple of great answers to that....string bags and reusable bags. The string bags come in lots and lots of colors from earthy to deep to tropical. And the reusable bags come in some great designs suitable for both men and women. I used to commute by bus all over Chicago and many days I would stop on my way home to pick up groceries or whatever. Having a string bag or a reusable bag folded into a 2 inch pack that I could take out and carry things in was a wonderful thing. Usually I had two in my purse or briefcase just in case.

Bamboo Pagoda Handbag

These purses and very soft and lightweight.

Buy This at Allposters.com







Buy This at Allposters.com

People in Mexico and Europe carry these around with them all the time. They're so small when empty that they fit easily even into a pocket. Stop at the market, pull it out, and fill it with a ton of stuff to carry home easily. I've been carrying 2-3 in my purse so I don't have to take the plastic bags at the stores I shop at. Lots of colors to choose from.

Buy This Allposters.com







Buy This at Allposters.com







Buy This at Allposters.com

This item and more that you'll find at Ella's Emporium are made from recycled juice boxes. They're fun, attractive, practical, and eco chic.

Bamboo Pagoda Bag

Buy This at Allposters.com

Here are some of the features:
> Quick-access wipes window under the front panel, integrates with refillable wipes container ( pat.pending); takes most brands of wipes
> Integrated stroller hangers attach to any type of stroller
> Two large interior pockets for diapers and food
> Two bottle pockets, accessible from inside or outside the bag
> Changing pad in a separate pocket, eliminates cross contamination
> Two tall skinny pockets for creams or lotions on either side of the wipes window
> Oversized side release buckles, high quality coil zippers, heavy duty fabrics, and durable hardware for highest degree of quality
> Large, adjustable 2" shoulder strap
> Shoulder pad for added comfort
> Optional three-point harness included, for a secure fit modeled after the classic bike messenger bag
> Light grey color inside of bag allows you to find items more easily
> Removeable flap allows for easy changing and replacements and makes cleaning easier.