Not since our discovery of The Kurv has a product charmed us this much. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Envirosax:
Full disclosure: we don’t work for Envirosax, and we weren’t paid to write this review. We simply fell for these stylish reusable fabric bags and wanted to share how they quietly improved our daily routine.
We’ve long favored reusable shopping bags over disposable paper or plastic, but many of the options out there felt clunky or unstylish. They worked, but they didn’t inspire confidence. I used to shuffle into the store juggling mismatched, boxy bags, embarrassed at the register as straps tangled and one inevitably slipped to the parking lot. Then my always-fashionable friend swung through town carrying a tiny roll of fabric that snapped open into a sleek, roomy tote. It was an Envirosax. The compact package fit inside her purse like a phone, and when unsnapped it became a large, reliable bag that looked great.
Before I could even ask where she’d bought it, she said, “envirosax.com — I can’t go to the store without someone asking about these. I keep a few in my purse so I never forget them.” That was all the persuasion I needed. The wider straps, smooth fabric, and bold prints won me over immediately. Best of all, they roll up so small you’ll actually carry them everywhere, eliminating the “I forgot my bags” excuse at checkout.
It matters, because disposable bags add up. Consider these sobering figures:
- Approximately 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year — more than 1,200 bags per U.S. resident annually.
- Americans use more than 10 billion paper bags each year, and roughly 14 million trees are cut down annually for paper bag production.
- The United Nations Environment Programme estimates there are about 46,000 pieces of plastic litter floating in every square mile of ocean.
Eeks. Choosing to carry reusable bags is a small personal change that adds up to a big environmental difference — and you can look good doing it.
At around $8.50 each, Envirosax bags are a bargain when you factor in their lifespan and the number of disposable bags they replace. The company publishes the dimensions: rolled up, each bag measures roughly 4″ by 1.5″ — similar to a cell phone — and when opened it expands to approximately 19.5″ by 16.5″. Each bag can hold up to 44 pounds. Those practical specs, combined with an attractive range of patterns, make choosing them almost as fun as using them.
They offer a variety of styles to suit different tastes: elegant black patterned options for a classic look, more masculine designs for those who prefer subdued tones, and lively bohemian prints for a colorful, playful vibe. There are also solid colored bags for minimalists, kid-sized bags for younger shoppers, multi-packs for busy families who need several on hand, and organic options made from bamboo for those who prefer natural fibers.
We couldn’t resist the blues and greens. Since my partner and I often shop together, we picked a couple of matching fun prints. If you live in a multi-car household or don’t always shop as a pair, consider choosing a style your partner will happily carry, too.
Practical, stylish, and compact, these bags have become a regular part of our shopping routine. They slip into a purse or glove compartment so easily that we rarely forget them anymore. I’ll step off my little Envirosax soapbox now and head to the grocery store — partly to stock up on groceries and partly to introduce more neighbors to a better bag option.
Images and plastic bag facts courtesy of Envirosax.