Are you keen to curb your carbon footprint and make your shopping habits more sustainable? Being greener is as simple as swapping out those single-use plastic bags for reusable ones. From canvas shoppers to more substantial totes, reusable bags deliver the durability you need to carry heavy loads and can save you some serious money in the long run.
Need more convincing? Below, we’ll take a look at the problem of plastic pollution, how you can shop more sustainably, and why a tote is the ideal accessory for the eco-friendly consumer.
Why is it Important to Use Reusable Bags?
While it’s a convenient material for manufacturing, there are a lot of problems associated with plastic. One of the easiest ways you can help offset the problem is by making the switch to reusable bags.
The Alarming Problem of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution has become a serious environmental concern in recent years. Worldwide, it’s estimated that we use around 5 trillion plastic bags every year. Those in the United States are among the worst offenders, with the average American getting through 365 plastic bags annually. Sadly, as little as 1 in 7 plastic bags are ever recycled.
Manufacturing new plastic bags has its own environmental impact, but it's the irresponsible disposal of them that’s particularly dangerous. Around 10% of plastic bags find their way into the oceans. Over time, these bags break down, with the material turning into microplastics that can threaten the ecosystem and human health.
The Need for Sustainable Shopping Habits
If you want to do your bit for the planet, you need to start rethinking the way you shop. Adding Fairtrade products and ethically sourced goods to your basket is a move in the right direction, but it only scratches the surface.
Today, the traditional high street is a specter of its former self. While multinational retail giants continue to maintain brick-and-mortar stores, ecommerce platforms are the preferred option for many consumers. There’s no denying that online shopping has its advantages. Prices are generally lower, while consumers have access to a far broader choice of brands and products.
The online fashion industry also has a problem with packaging waste. Around a third of all fashion items purchased online are returned, resulting in significant packaging waste. Although most of this packaging material is recyclable, more than 90% of it ends up in landfill. In short, this approach to shopping isn’t a sustainable one.
Tote Bags Benefits: The Eco-Friendly Champions
Ready to embrace reusable bags and shop more sustainably? Some bags are better than others, with the humble tote being one of the best options around.
Durability and Reusability
Tote bags are renowned for their durability, with many designs crafted from hard-wearing materials like leather and cotton canvas. If you factor in design details like reinforced seams and load-bearing bases, you’ve got a bag that can comfortably cope with bulky loads and everyday use.
Versatility and Functionality
Despite their basic design, tote bags are incredibly versatile. They’re one of the more spacious styles of bag on the market, offering generous interiors that can accommodate all your daily essentials. Perfect if a standard shopper won’t cut it or you prefer having extra storage space to stow impromptu purchases.
With their open-top design and spacious interiors, tote bags can be used for all manner of adventures. An ideal choice for busy commutes, they’re also a practical accessory for days out with the family. Totes can also serve as carry-on luggage, making them a stylish choice of travel companion.
The best totes can be worn and used in a multitude of ways. Take the Hulken for example. While you can comfortably carry the Hulken over your shoulder, 360-degree swivel wheels mean you can also glide your favorite alongside or behind you. Furthermore, the Hulken folds flat when once empty, allowing you to store it away in the smallest of spaces.
Sustainability and Biodegradability
Traditional plastic bags can take up to 20 years to completely decompose. When you consider the trillions of bags we get through every year, that leaves a lot of plastic waste lurking around. Biodegradable bags are a more eco-friendly alternative, but they can still take up to six months to completely decompose.
Plastic bags can be reused, but they’re not particularly durable and will need to be disposed of at some point. Biodegradable ones can be repurposed for compost, but not everyone has a countertop kitchen composter to hand. To protect the environment and increase your sustainability credentials, do away with plastic bags entirely and welcome a hard-wearing and reusable tote into your life.
Style and Personalization
Although many tote bag designs are pared-back, you’ll find plenty of variety out there. Stylish monochromes pair with any outfit, while metallic finishes add a luxurious aesthetic to any ensemble. To maximize storage space, add dividers and zip-fasten pouches. To add color and character, why not attach quirky keychains and charms for a tote that’s truly unique?
Plastic Bags: A Convenient (But Costly) Choice
Once considered a wonder material, the appeal of plastic has waned in recent years. While it’s definitely convenient, the negatives far outweigh the positives when it comes to plastic.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Production
Most plastics aren’t biodegradable, with some plastic polymers taking centuries to break down. Even then, these smaller particles continue to contaminate the ecosystem, finding their way into the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the soil we grow our food in.
The plastic manufacturing process itself is also devastating to the environment. The vast majority of plastics are made using chemicals that come from fossil fuels, worsening global warming and contributing to the climate crisis.
Disposal Issues and Plastic Pollution
Only a fraction of the plastic we use can be easily recycled. The rest is either disposed of in landfills or incinerated. Microplastic particles will eventually leach out into the wider ecosystem, while incinerated material releases all manner of toxic chemicals.
Making the Switch to Tote Bags: It’s Easy
The best totes are spacious, functional, and seriously stylish, bringing you an essential accessory you’ll wonder how you ever did without. Keen to get the most out of your new tote? Below are a couple of things to consider.
Tips for Keeping Your Tote Bags Handy
If impulse buys and unplanned shopping trips are a staple of your daily life, it’s a good idea to always have your tote on hand. With a tote tucked in the trunk of your car, you’re always ready for a weekly trip to the grocery store. Not sure whether you’ll need extra storage for the day ahead? Why not tuck a folded tote into your backpack so it’s ready to go when you need it?
Building a Reusable Bag Habit
Shaking off the habit of buying single-use plastic bags isn’t easy. The best way to say goodbye to plastic, is to ensure you’re always prepared with a reusable tote close to hand. Make a stylish rolling tote like the Hulken your new go-to accessory for any occasion. With a generous interior and user-friendly design details, you’ll be all set for everyday adventures and more than able to cart extra cargo if required.
The Hulken Bag Difference: Quality and Sustainability
Have you had bad luck with second-rate totes before? Get ready to rethink your opinion of tote bags by introducing the Hulken to your collection. This stylish rolling tote scores top marks for durability and functionality, with a generous interior and a range of sizes to choose from. What’s more, with a stunning selection of colors for you to consider, you’ll have no trouble pairing your new tote with your favorite outfits.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about for yourself? Head to the Hulken website to explore the range in full. Alternatively, head to Hulken’s Amazon store to pick up yours.
