BYOB: Good Canvas Shopping Totes

If you aren't already bringing your own reusable tote bags to the grocery store, let us offer some inspiration. We bought this "Beet the System" bag at the Brooklyn Flea last weekend, and we're loving how roomy it is.

We've used classic string bags in the past, but they aren't very kind to herbs or asparagus that can get bruised or broken from poking through the holes. And while stores like Whole Foods are now offering cheap, recycled plastic totes (the Whole Foods bags cost only 99 cents), we like the natural look of canvas.

Below, we've rounded up a few good canvas totes you can order online, plus how to buy our Beet bag...

"Beet the System" tote, above, $15 at Black Sheep Heap.

Get Fresh with Me tote, $24 at Melissa Vest Designs on Etsy.

Brown Cotton Tote, $16.50 at Hero Bags.

Organic Canvas Bag, $9 at Eco Bags.

Of course, so many organizations sell their own cotton totes. You can support a favorite charity or business and use the bag for groceries. One idea:

NPR Organic Cotton Grocery Tote, $20 at NPR.

Comments (7)

i just bought an adorable cloth bag from whole foods, its a good size n was for 3.99:)

posted by daiz on April 18th 2008 at 12:55pm
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Those bags are very cute but pricey! I have two very nice canvas bags that I got from HEB's Central Market. Quite sturdy and big with reinforced square bottoms. One was about $4 and I got the second free from their booth at a farmer's market.

posted by verily on April 18th 2008 at 2:49pm
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I love the Acme Workhorse bag because it can be folded into itself and I'm less inclined to forget it because it fits in my purse.

posted by deluscious on April 18th 2008 at 4:08pm
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I have the Acme EarthTote and love it as well. reusablebags.com has a great selection of bags.

posted by amyd99 on April 18th 2008 at 5:30pm
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My friend, a native of Germany, has started manufacturing a fabulous large capacity shopping bag. These bags are sturdy, carry comfortably and are just plain fabulous. Check them out. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.belika.net

posted by sierracreek on April 20th 2008 at 9:08am
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We have a small supermarket in the little town I live in. They are selling bags made from recycled plastic that have a squared bottom with cardboard inside so it will hold its shape. At $1 each, they hold much more than a plastic sack or grocery bag. They are sturdy and stand upright by themselves. I find them far more practical than canvas, though they cannot be tossed in the washing machine.

posted by Aldyth on April 21st 2008 at 10:07am
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There's a great selection, starting at $14, at Mermaid Hut.

http://www.mermaidhut.com/Cat-17-1-29-0/Totes__Beach_Mats.htm

posted by MyGarageNeedsHelp on July 24th 2008 at 12:13pm
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