The Right Way to Spend

We all know we should “buy American”, “shop local” and “support environmentally–friendly businesses”, but knowing what to do doesn’t make doing it easy. Easy is going to the local Big Box store and buying what you need at that moment without thinking too much about it. But then if you’re like me, you feel guilty knowing there must have been a better product that supported local American jobs and did not use gallons of oil to transport.

Globe in a shopping cart

Finding the elusive local eco-business that makes the product you need is hard. Often these companies don’t have the budget to advertise all over and they rely on word-of-mouth to let people know their product and service is out there. So how do you find out about them? Continue reading “The Right Way to Spend”

Review of Chico Bags

What is better than bringing your own reusable bag to the store? Bringing a Chico bag, of course! Chico bags are reusable bags that fit into a tiny bag when not in use. They are perfect for keeping in your purse, pocket or car glovebox for shopping trips. Because it has an attached carabineer on the stuff sac, you can also hook it to another bag or belt loop if needed.

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I love products that make your life easier and are green, therefore I love Chico Bags! I have used reusable bags for several years and while I love my old bags these is so much more convenient. I keep mine in my glovebox and grab it when I go into the store. It is much easier to remember than my other bags, which I keep in my trunk.

I own the Original Chico bag, which is made of polyester and holds about 25 pounds. Recently Chico came out with their RePETe bag. It is made of 99% recycled materials and claims “This bag is made from 7 plastic bottles!” on the bag. For a few dollars more, this bag is even more unique than the original and is a conversation-starter.

Chico bags also have two other bags, the Vita and a few Limited Edition bags. The Vita bag has longer straps and carries up to 40 lbs. I can see this bag being very useful at a farmer’s market or a festival where you might want a bag that is more comfortable to carry and has room for more purchases, The Limited Edition bags support an eco-friendly organization or are in celebration of green product or company. Currently, they have a Gorgeously Green bag in support of the book Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano.

Pros

• Bag is easy to use

• When not in use it stores in stuff sack

• Lightweight yet holds 25 lbs

• Different bag styles and colors

• Machine washable

• Economically priced

• Produced in a fair labor, fair wage factory

Cons

• RePETe bags are more expensive