TravelSmith

The ECO Only Bagg by Baggallini, Handbag of the Day

As I used my cloth bags in the store the other day, I thought about how the movement toward reusable bags and away from plastic sacks has created another thing to be manufactured from raw materials, even if the end result is positive. Then I came across Baggallini's ECO Only Bagg (TravelSmith, where I saw it, spells it "Only Bag").

Each Only Bagg's exterior is made from 26 recycled plastic bottles. Available in chestnut, earth red, ocean (see photo), sage, raven, sandstone and black; nylon interior; 12" drop handles; 10" x 15.5" x 7.5"; 7 inside zippered pockets, 2 bottle pockets, cell phone compartment, place for pens, pencils and lipstick; detachable cell phone case on the handle; and detachable ID/coin pouch. Weighs just 20 oz. and is water-resistant.

The bag's name comes from Baggallini's claim that it's "the only bag you will ever need." It's certainly better-looking than the free cloth bags I've picked up at expos, and would work as a travel bag or commuter bag as well as a large, but definitely casual, handbag. But, it's a bag you can feel good about using, even when you're carrying your water bottle in it. $74.95

Gallery: The ECO Only Bagg by Baggallini, Handbag of the Day