Bags

A tote bag is a middle size or large (often unfastened) bag with parallel handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch. They are often used as reusable shopping bags.

Cotton is the most prevalent fiber in the world. Renowned for its breathability, strength and versatility, cotton has helped shape the history of the world by clothing and protecting countless civilizations and adventurers from the effects of nature. Not only do eco-bags send a message; the returns of investment are huge as a cotton tote bag can be used again and again. As a result, this saves the cost of plastic-bag production and depletes the 400 years to decompose each and every one. If hygiene is a concern, a cotton tote bag can be hand washed ready for its next use. A basic style promotional cotton tote bag with a screen-print is cost effective and can still create a vibrant look. In comparison to plastic bags which are prone to break easily, a cotton tote bag is secure enough to house shopping which plastic would not withstand. In addition; over-the-shoulder straps means shopping can be transported more conveniently. A larger shopper cotton tote bag is constructed in a heavy weight with a gusset and woven handles, which is strong enough for the weekly grocery run

Eco-bags are increasingly seen as the latest cool fashion accessory. Plastic bags in garish colours are not the most flattering however cotton tote bags can effectively make a bold fashion statement which compliment an everyday style.

The term tote, meaning "to carry", could have been traced back to the 17th century but was not used to describe bags until the beginning of 20th Century. However, the tote bag madness in the United States began in the 1940s with the release of L.L. Bean's Boat Bag in the 1940ies. Because they were easier than carrying luggage, most people opted for using tote bags. During the 1950s, tote bags began to enter into the main culture. Women primarily utilized them as practical handheld bags because they didn't require much care.

Recently, tote bags have been sold as a more eco-friendly replacement for disposable plastic bags given they can be reused multiples times. They have also been given away as promotional items. A study by the UK Environment Agency found that cotton canvas bags have to be reused at least 327 times before they can match the carbon expenditure of a single disposable plastic bag. Meanwhile, tote bags made from recycled polyester-cotton require 26 reuses to match.

A 2014 study of U.S. consumers found that the 28% of respondents who own of reusable bags forgot them on approximately 40% of their grocery trips and used them only about 15 times each before being discarded. About half of this group typically chose to use plastic bags over reusable ones, despite owning reusable bags and recognizing their benefits. An increasing number of jurisdictions have mandated the phase-out of lightweight plastic bags to reduce land and ocean pollution. In order to provide an incentive for consumers to remember reusable bags more often these laws establish a minimum price for bags at checkout and require either paper, reusable fabric tote bags, or thick reusable plastic bags.