That plastic bag is so passé.
Back in March, New York became the third state to ban the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags to consumers in order to reduce waste and environmental impact. Enforcement of the long-stalled ban has been pushed back for months, but the state just declared that October 19 will be the first day they start cracking down on businesses and their bags.
Reusable bags can be both practical and pretty (just make sure to keep ’em clean) and now that retailers can charge five cents per paper bag, why not opt for a carry-all of your choice?
Below, the best reusable bags to rock for the rest of 2020 and beyond.
LOVE NOTE
Carry your hefty dry cleaning pile — along with your NYC pride — with this lightweight yet sturdy sack that holds a whopping 50 pounds. The best part? It folds up into a small pouch to stick in your purse for later.
Bag, $12 at Baggukabir fernandezNET GAINS
This chic French Net Market Bag from Food52 comes in a bunch of cool colors. We love the perky peach and sleek azure blue.
Food52 French Net Market Bag, starting at $48, at Food52
GET SOME INK
Thanks to its extra-wide shape, this tie dye bag by John Elliot can hold more than the average tote.
John Elliot tote bag, $45 at JohnElliot.com
ORANGE CRUSH
Squeeze everything — from your beach-bound essentials to last-minute bodega buys — into this orange, nylon tote by Isabel Marant.
Isabel Marant “Woom” printed shell tote, $140 at Net-A-PorterNet-A-PorterROUND TRIP
This minimal yet roomy style, in an unexpectedly cool circular shape, is an Instagram it girl-approved accessory.
Canvas circle tote, $35 at Orseund IrisTamara Beckwith/NY PostWASTE-FREE
Visual artist Pipilotti Rist teamed with Parley for the Oceans — an initiative focused on cleaning oceans and shorelines and upcycling intercepted plastic waste — to produce this trusty tote made from recycled plastics salvaged from the sea.
Pipilotti Rist x Parley for the Oceans tote bag, $50 at MoMa Design StoreMoMA Design StoreMAGIC TOUCH
This Lower East Side gift shop‘s affordable, iridescent tote is the dreamy alternative to a not-so-pretty plastic bag.
Tote bag, $5 at Coming SoonTamara Beckwith/NY PostSWEET PICK
A day at the farmer’s market requires a bag for your bounty, and this appropriately fruity illustrated one is tough enough to store all your produce thanks to its deadstock canvas.
“Farmer’s Market” bag, $55 at KkCoKkCoCHECK MATE
Take this sweet, gingham version from the grocery store to Central Park for a spring picnic.
Checkered tote bag, $35.90 at Zara.ZaraOVER THE RAINBOW
Brighten up your commute (or just a day of nonstop schlepping) with this ROYGBIV-striped carryall.
Reusable everyday canvas tote, $10 at J.CREWJ.CREW