Plastic bags getting trashed

A trend is happening in Canada, as I’m sure it is in other parts of the world as well. What we would normally lug our groceries and shopping goods home in, those un-eco friendly plastic bags, are being replaced with designer friendly reusable bags.

President’s Choice has been running ads over the past month proclaiming their mission to divert 1 billion plastic bags from our landfills. And others like Holt Renfrew and Urban Outfitters have created some of the most sought after grocery bags ever. Holt happened to sell out of their entire stock the morning of release, and the $18 Anya Hindmarch designed item, which is now sold out in the US as well, is still fetching upwards of $100 on eBay.

Albeit more of a female movement, I’m sure someone will eventually release something less like a purse, that guys would feel comfortable carrying around. This has taken off mainly because of celebrities who’ve been caught in the open carrying a “Im not a plastic bag” bag. As we strive to emulate celebs at times in various facets of lifestyle, as long as they have one of these bags in hand or on arm, I can’t see this positive trend debunking anytime soon.

So here’s where I think an opportunity exists. Either someone like Threadless can jump at the chance to include an eco-bag in their line, print a copy of all their tee designs on a bag, or you can do it yourself. Create a line of affordable, stylish bags, that cater to the fashionable needs of both men and women.

These products have an enormous lead in social influence over something like LED lights, which are a little tough to show off in public, so as an environmental entrepreneur, these would be a much safer bet.

If you’ve been looking for an idea, feel like designing something, or have a needle and thread on hand, go with this. I’d love to see a young entrepreneur make something out of this and have an impact on the way we shop.