Stylish & Eco-Friendly Shopping Totes

This burlap and natural cotton reversible sack was modeled after the bags used to deliver bulk food to schools and hospitals in poverty-stricken countries around the world where the UN's World Food Program is at work. Designed by Lauren Bush, niece of the current American president and Honorary Spokesperson for the WFP, the bag is branded with the instruction “Feed the Children of the World,” and that's exactly what you'll be doing when you buy one. The opposite sides of the sturdy totes are stamped with the number 1, indicating that the profits from each bag sold will raise enough money to feed one child at school each day for one year. Following on the success of the FEED bag, Bush recently introduced a second version, an organic cotton and jute burlap Feed 100 bag, exclusive to Whole Foods in the US; each one sold provides the funds to supply 100 school meals to Rwandan children. And don't forget that Whole Foods gives discounts to people who bring their own shopping bags.

FEED 100 Bag $29.99.

Perfect for summer, these nautical totes can be used at the beach and pool as well as for gym clothes or shopping runs. Made in Portland, Maine, each bag is fashioned out of recycled boat sail material—usually dracon but also sometimes canvas or kevlar—in white or off-white, and comes emblazoned with a brightly colored number or motif, such as an anchor or a star. Request one with your lucky number! What makes them especially cute are the hand-spliced rope handles—strong enough for carrying heavy loads. The durable bags are water-resistant and machine-washable, and come in a variety of styles and sizes. Ships (or shops) ahoy!

Tote bags range from $29 - $185.

This is the ultimate go-to resource for all things green and tote-able. At this online clearing house, you'll find bags of myriad recycled objects and materials—from 35 millimeter slides to men's ties to zippers to aluminum cans to recycled newspaper. We're particularly smitten by the extra-large, lightweight totes made from recycled denim jeans by a co-op in Quebec. You can easily stuff one into your regular handbag and pull it out when picking up some last-minute groceries.

Tote bags range from $5 - $215.

With a wink, WeBeBags dubbed one of its latest collections “Oat Couture.” The small company, inspired by the founders' vacation in the sunny climes of the Lesser Antilles, turns out hand stitched bags constructed from sail ties and farm or coffee sacks, many stamped with bold, industrial lettering or fun illustrations. The artisans are based in Utah, so, as a nod to home, they've also created a ranch sack collection. But whether you choose a design that takes its cues (and materials) from the Wild West or the tropical Caribbean, you'll have a tote that's sturdy and eco-chic.

Tote bags range from $30 - $60.

Reusable shopping bags from b. happybags are made from upholstery-grade cotton and are offered in an array of eye-catching patterns, such as leopard print, pretty paisley, and Pucci-esque swirls. They're durable enough to haul your heaviest load, yet light enough to be folded up and stored in your purse.

Bags $24.