I’m Not a Pointless Bag

by Sofia Shershunovich

The fashion industry, to some a passionate way of life, to others a brainless parade of fur, unhealthy habits, and a significant contribution to global pollution. Enter Anya Hindmarch, British designer with a stylish idea for saving the trees from becoming paper bags and oceans from millions of plastic bags being dumped in their streams.

Although not the only ones out there Anya Hindmarch "I’m Not a Plastic Bag" canvas creations have proven to be the most wanted fashion accessory this past summer. The talk of her bags started in April during London fashion week and soon stars like Kiera Knightly were photographed sporting their sample.

Anya’s prestigious flagship store in Harrods London was practically attacked by hundreds of fashionistas aching to get their hands on the infamous handbag when these bags became available in UK. Usually this kind of excitement is drawn by bags worth thousands of dollars from heavyweights like Hermes, so why all the hype? If these people care so much about the planet they could just carry their groceries in other reusable bags, I thought. With this on my mind I went to Fred Segal Flair to get my sample and one for my friend Alice who failed to get her hands on one in London.

Obsessed with the idea Alice made sure she gave me the address of the store, date and time, other locations where it will be available, and even called me the night before to make sure I was still going.  The next day "all I had to do" was wait in line for an hour and pay $30 for two bags, which was the limit per person. Nevertheless small price to pay for something cute, stylish, and meaningful.

Worldwide over one million plastic bags are consumed a minute, and that’s just a fraction of the equation that’s contributing to the ecological state of our planet. It’s a shame that something like global warming, whether a myth or reality to some, had to become the drive behind the recent increase of our consciousness when it comes to the health of our planet. Nevertheless I applaud the companies that have begun to make these contributions.

The fashion industry has also taken some action – organic resources are being used for fabrics and contributions to environmental funds and environmental awareness campaigns through fashion events are everywhere you look. The idea of the environmentally conscious "hippies" has become as outdated as a fanny pack.

One of the biggest improvements has become the use of organic fabrics which promise a lower risk of allergies and skin irritation. Besides health risk reduction to ourselves organic cotton production encourages environmental improvement as well as a reduction of deaths every year from pesticide poisoning of regular cotton farming. According to the World Health Organisation 20,000 deaths occur each year from pesticide poisoning in developing countries, many of these from cotton farming. The production of organic cotton is more expensive than the production of conventional cotton, however there is no pollution or overproduction.  The use of agrochemicals and artificial fertilisers and the careless treatment of the soil result in soil pollution and erosion. This can be so severe that land is no longer suitable for any use, air and water pollution and even bird and fish death. Unfortunately the expence and the fact that production of regular cotton contributes to some countries economy slows down our switch to organic.

To support the cause check out hot brands like Oxygen Required, Del Forte Jeans, Charmone Shoes and more. Use Blackle.com to find them. Whether you believe in global warming or not it doesn’t take a genious to know that any contribution you make to environmental health is important for your own wellbeing. With the variety of organic brands and reusable tools available to us now you can be environmetally consious as well as healthy, beautiful and stylish at the same time.