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Sheryl Crow + Whole Foods Market + NRDC = A Better Bag
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We have a really cool new bag coming out! You’ve probably seen our large grocery tote bags made from recycled plastic bottles for only 99 cents. Our customers have given us great feedback on them. When it came time to design a new bag, we wanted to make it even better. We came up with several ideas and these two rose to the top: 1. generate public interest in reusable bags by getting an environmentally conscious celebrity to help design the bag and 2. highlight a strong environmental program on the bag that is helping to change our world. 
Done and done. Sheryl Crow collaborated with us on the design of the bag. Didn’t it turn out great?
The Natural Resources Defense Council promotes a great program called Simple Steps. In addition to our monetary donation to the NRDC, each bag has the SimpleSteps.org website printed on it, which encourages customers to embrace simple steps in their everyday lives that reduce consumption and consider the environment. Since it is gift-giving season, the bags are available in the large grocery tote size and also in a smaller, gift bag size for only 79 cents. Check ‘em out and let us know what you think. When we sell through this run of bags, we’ll be designing the next version. What ideas do you have for taking these to the next level?
114 Comments
Comments
I ditto Peggy's comment about the double handles. I have a reusable bag from REI that has 2 sets of handles that I use all the time. Here's a picture of it:
http://www.rei.com/product/777585
10/29/2008 8:20:26 PM CDT
While it's nice that you're recycling things, and reducing disposable bag use, it's still plastic. I really prefer the organic cotton bags that used to be available at Wild Oats.
10/23/2008 2:56:54 PM CDT
how can i buy the bag without going to a whole food store. Rockford, IL does not have one and i only occasionaly get up to the store in Mad City, Madison, WI.
10/23/2008 4:25:21 PM CDT
Please stop making these bags from recycled bottles. We need to use bags made from natural fibers like COTTON. Who knows what these plastic fibers are doing to us as the slowly break down as we use them. Thank you.
10/23/2008 4:26:52 PM CDT
if i had known about the bags a week ago, i might have seen them. i just came back from WF an hour ago and didn't spot them, otherwise i would gotten one because i like the design. are they sold out already?
10/23/2008 4:30:40 PM CDT
there is no whole food market in my area (deeply depressesd).
is there any way to purchase these bags online, so i can enjoy them too.
10/23/2008 4:37:10 PM CDT
@amy You can contact the Whole Foods nearest you and ask if they would be willing to ship some to you. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/all/index.php#wi
10/23/2008 4:30:30 PM CDT
I agree- longer shoulder straps would be great!!!
Thank you for your consideration.
Can't wait to pick up several bags, next time I'm in the store.
10/23/2008 1:03:43 PM CDT
SHOULDER STRAPS WOULD BE SUPER ON THE BIGGER SIZE BAGS. TRY CARRYING THOSE BAGS FULL OF GROCERIES UP 3 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. I WOULD RATHER PUT THE BAG OFF OF MY SHOULDER THAN HOLDING IN MY HAND. BUT KEEP ON KEEPIN IT GREEN!
10/23/2008 1:53:16 PM CDT
I got my bags several months ago and just love them. I would not use them without the long shoulder straps. Absoutly would LOVE to have freezer bags too!!!
10/23/2008 2:21:02 PM CDT
I haven't seen the bags in person yet, but from the website picture they look very pretty as well as cool. A great design! A darker colored bag would keep its fresh, like-new appearance for a longer time. The shorter handles are a godsend, particularly for short people or for people with shoulder and/or disc ailments. I, personally, would not purchase a bag with longer handles.
10/23/2008 6:12:20 PM CDT
I second the request for foldable /collapsible bags that can be tucked inside a handbag or tote. Thanks
10/29/2008 5:10:30 PM CDT
A bag with shoulder straps would be much better - especially for those who travel by public transportation or walk...
10/23/2008 12:05:45 PM CDT
Have you thought about making the bags so that they fold up small, possibly collapse? I've seen other bags that have snaps so that they stay tightly closed. The fold up nice so that you can tuck them in your purse or another bag.
10/29/2008 4:17:17 PM CDT
I LOVE the bags with shorter handles - I can't carry things on my shoulders and I've been hoping for something like this! I'm also thrilled that you've come out with a smaller version - I often run to the store for just a few things and have opted to use a smaller paper bag since the reusable is just too big.
Thanks for all of this!
My idea would be to make some without "cute" designs - I'd use the bag for more of everything if it were plain but in a great color. That would also tie in with your gift giving idea, since a solid color or simple repetitive design would go with more things.
10/29/2008 5:06:27 PM CDT
I think there are plenty of plastic bottles on the face of the earth to make these bags, even if we quit using plastic bottles today.
I agree about longer and thicker straps... Also would be nice to roll up and velcro it into a nice shape for easy carry into stores. I find I bring these bags in my trunk but they can be akward to carry in more than a couple at one time, if they rolled up newspaper like, then had a tie or strap like a sleeping bag..
Thanks
10/23/2008 5:21:44 PM CDT
PS: A plain pattern bag with a set of markers - the kids could draw on them ..would be a great way to encourage the kids and show off their art work.. keep them busy while shopping.....just an idea
10/23/2008 5:26:01 PM CDT
Definitely would like to see WF use something other than plastic bottles only for the sake of what we are learning now about the chemicals used to make those plastic bags...really scary when you think of them sitting in your vehicle during the heat of the day. I do want to say also that being able to recycle them would be nice as well. I have one of the older WF bags (blue with red straps) that one of the seams is coming undone so it's life expectancy is not much longer...what to do with it afterward? I have tons of reusable bags and love them all, but definitely would love to see something that embodies all that your company represents.
10/23/2008 6:12:25 PM CDT
@Laurie The bag was made available nationwide on Wednesday October 15th.
10/17/2008 8:02:05 AM CDT
When is this bag in stores?? I definitely want one!! :)
10/17/2008 7:25:40 AM CDT
@Cynthia The bag was made available nationwide yesterday.
10/16/2008 2:14:56 PM CDT
@swankyfair The reusable bag for frozen items is a great idea and I'll pass along your suggestion to your buyers. Thanks!
10/16/2008 2:15:36 PM CDT
Love your bags, when will Crow's bag be available to the folks in the D.C. area?
10/16/2008 2:05:13 PM CDT
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to Whole Foods and Sheryl for putting together this amazing bag! I manage NRDC's Simple Steps campaign and we're thrilled to see more and more people ditching the old choice between paper and plastic--and going for a reusable bag. All these simple steps really add up. For more simple steps that you can take to help the planet, whether you have a minute, a morning or a month, visit our site at www.simplesteps.org.
10/16/2008 12:42:01 PM CDT
I like all reuseable bags but you need to come up with a pretty reusaeable bag for frozen items. I see a lot of Trader Joe's bags that are fantastic fashion statements and functionable too. Whenever I see someone with thewm I always ask them hgow long ago they bought them so that I can have them too. You are the giants of all natural and reuseable so you definitely need more variety.
10/16/2008 1:11:49 PM CDT