What's in a bag? Green product bag review

Make more than a fashion statement with your reusable bag. These green products are long-lasting, functional, and fun. Their alternative, plastic bags, are being banned across the World including San Francisco, China, and Australia. EPA estimates that 500 billion to a trillion plastic bags are created annually, with a handful being recycled. Although they are often used for other purposes, their long-term environmental impact can be devastating. Their decomposition leaches dioxins and other environmental and health pollutants into the environment. From a conservation perspective, the time spent using the bag versus the time it takes to create the bag, the resource input, and the bag decomposition are vastly different timelines. Places like the Pacific Garbage Patch and the hidden sites of our landfills mask the true devastation of our 'convenient' choices.

Here are the top five innovative ways to save the world with a single green product, bags.

Compactable Bags - There are a wealth of bags that now fold, scrunch, and roll into compact sizes that are easy to drop in your purse or backpack. They are the easiest way to remember to bring a bag, because they are so small they can be with you all the time. Some even come with convenient clips to latch on to your bags.

Billboard Bags - These bags are made to withstand the harsh elements found at 100 feet above ground. Old billboards are almost impossible to destruct, which works well for billboards, but after their time in the spotlight is done, innovative minds have come up with new uses. These bags are great for cyclists since they are hardy and waterproof, with each bag having its own unique look. There are plenty of additional billboard green products.

Trash Bags - A growing portion of bags are being created from reclaimed materials, be it fabric, plastics, or old clothes. It goes to show that nothing truly needs to go to waste.

Rubber Bags - Upcycling rubber from truck, car, and bicycle tires into nearly indestructible bags is growing in popularity. Rubber, similar to plastic bags and billboards, does not decompose easily and is typically downcycled into turf for playgrounds. Both green products keep synthetic rubber out of landfills.

Solar Bags - Although they may weigh a bit more than a regular bag, this portable charger can keep your ipod running, your cell phone on, and other devices fully powered just by keeping it on your back.

Plastic bags are quickly going out of style, with many countries and some city initiatives charging consumers for each plastic bag they use. There are a variety of companies that make these products, so finding a company near you can help keep your supply chain local. These materials are also used for a variety of other green products like wallets, jewelry, table cloths, and wine cozies.

Who are your favorite eco-bag companies?

Photo from I Green Spot.