If you already ditch plastic bags in favor of a reusable market tote, why not take things a step further by choosing a tote bag that benefits worthy causes?
The picks on this list may cost a bit more than those sold at your local grocer, but you’ll feel better knowing your dollars helped someone in need, supported the environment, or protected wildlife. Check out these fun and stylish reusable bags that benefit others.
GROOVY GLOBE Canvas Tote
Made from 100% recycled cotton, this canvas tote from Groovy Globe closes the loop and helps you reduce plastic waste at the same time. Measuring 15.5” high by 19” wide, with a 7.5″ bottom gusset, it features 22-inch self-fabric straps with reinforced stitching.
As an added bonus, Groovy Globe donates 10% of its sales from each product sold to nonprofit environmental organizations that are dedicated to helping protect our planet.
Apolis Market Bag
Apolis is a Certified B Corporation that strives to create change by investing in people. Handcrafted in Bangladesh, its market bags come in a variety of sizes with the option of customizable printing.
The Apolis large market bag is handcrafted by women who receive Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund. Made of 100% natural jute fiber, it features a waterproof lining and leather straps reinforced by antique nickel rivets to withstand hundreds of trips to the farmer’s market. This sturdy tote measures 13″ wide by 18″ high by 8″ deep.
WWF Jute Bag
This natural jute and canvas bag supports the work of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a nonprofit nature conservation organization.
The WWF was established in 1961 to raise funds and work in collaboration with conservation groups to support conservation efforts around the world. More than 50 years later, it continues that work, with the mission to “conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.”
Measuring 20” high by 17” long by 10” wide, the jute bag is free with a donation of $60. It is accented with an embroidered WWF logo to remind you of your generous contribution to help protect threatened species and habitats.
FEED 10 Tote
Through product purchases and donations, FEED Projects has provided more than 100 million meals to school children around the world since its inception in 2005.
As the name suggests, the FEED 10 Tote helps provide 10 school meals for hungry children. Made of 100% certified organic cotton and measuring 17.25” wide by x 14” high, the bag is available in an array of eight different colors.
Banned Books Tote
This fun Banned Books tote bag from Out of Print is perfect for the bookworm — and it helps spread the love of reading to communities in need.
Out of Print is a clothing and accessory line featuring famous book covers (some of which are in fact out of print). Each purchase helps fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.
Feature image by bach hanzo from Pexels
Editors note: Originally published on December 18, 2013, this article was updated in April 2021.