I’m a bit of a bag lady.  I almost always have at least three bags on me – especially on workdays – including:

• My “goes with anything” clutch;
• A makeup bag (I almost always do it on the bus); and
• A tote: for lunch, a book, workout clothes, etc.

As I was looking for some sort of “catch all” to use as a gym bag (so I don’t have to put my sweaty clothes in the same tote that I use for groceries) I came across Make Love Not Trash.

Organic Denim Saddle Bag: $126
$121 with code MAKELOVE

Some companies use sustainable printing methods, some use eco-friendly fibers, others donate proceeds to charitable causes.  Make Love Not Trash does all three.  They use only natural and eco-aware materials, as well as non-toxic printing techniques, and they make yearly donations to charities like the Alzheimer’s Association and Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.  They even use solar energy to power their California headquarters!

Fly Away Tote: $37.99
$32.99 with code MAKELOVE

On to the bags: the designs run the gambit, from soft and pretty to dark and punky to totally and completely eighties-tastic.  They have thirteen different collections, all of which are very, very different, and they also carry gift certificates and unisex eco crew t-shirts sporting their logo.  Their prices are varied, too, from under $50 to over $100, depending on the materials and the style of bag used.  They also offer free shipping for orders over $50, and first-time buyers can use discount code MAKELOVE to get $5 off!  (Returning customers have it even better: they automatically get 10% off their order just for using their account to make purchases.)

 
Black Denim Commuter Bag: $93
$88 with code MAKELOVE

I’ve intersperced my favorites throughout the post, but there’s no way I could list them all.  Their newest designs are definitely at the top of my list – the Organic Denim Collection, the Women’s Brights Collection (which features bags named after cities) – but there’s also a really great sale section, and everything in it is 40% off.

New York Handbag: $104.99
$99.99 with code MAKELOVE
(There are Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Franciso-inspired bags, too!)

After the big Tote Craze of 2009, it’s great to see an ethical accessories company doing something different with screenprinting and bag design.  After their rich, dark collection for Fall 2009, I’m excited to see what they offer for Spring!

Girl With Glasses: $52
$47 with code MAKELOVE

Tags: Awakened Options: Organic, bags, black denim, cotton, denim, denim handbags, grocery bags, handbags, make love not trash, t-shirts, tote bags, wallets