No more free plastic bags? Phew. Time to save the planet and look good doing so, write Raemin Zhang and Emma Chi.

June 1 sees the introduction of a nationwide ban on plastic bags being given away for free in shops. This is a wonderful thing. Although, for the time being, charging people an albeit nominal amount to take a plastic bag is only a small tip toe in the right direction for China’s environmental mission, the new law should cut down on unnecessary waste and help lessen the burden plastic bag manufacturing puts on resources.

However, this does mean you now need a new shopping bag. Not a bag you only use once, not one that cuts into your fingers when it’s too heavy, and not one emblazoned with the lame logo of your nearest convenience store. No, the free bag ban is giving you a chance to shop in style. To get yourself a bag that has looks, personality, and longevity. A bag that is functional enough to carry the spoils of a substantial visit to the market, but cool enough to get a smile from the person behind you in the queue. Here are our recommendations.

Grass Shopping Bag

Made with the same grass used to weave mats, this bag is both made out of sustainable material and strong enough to carry your vodka bottles home from the store. 

Price: ¥120

Available from: Mori No Toki

 

 

  

Perk Canvas Bag

Perk is a brand created by several local guys who, according to Projection216’s owner, don’t like attention. Fine. We’ll talk about their bags instead. Each one features one of the group’s different daily doodlings, which also means each bag is a one-off. 

Price: ¥180

Available from: Projection216

 

 

Freitag Miami Vice Shopping Bag    

This brand was created by two Swiss brothers who put their faith in people’s urge to protect the environment. They make bags, iPod cases, and wallets out of the discarded tarpaulins from cargo trucks, bicycle inner tubes, and even used seat belts, as well as from more modern inventions like car airbags. And with the bags cut out from cargo truck canvas, each one is not only waterproof and exceptionally tough, but totally unique.

Price: ¥690

Available from: The Gloss

 

Greennovate Reuse Bag

All the sales of this bag will go to Gecko program (Greennovate Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach) which helps teach kids in rural areas about protecting their environment (www.reusebaginitiative.com). Available in four colors, and packable into a small pouch.

Price: ¥100

Available from: Jooi

 

 

“Mark” Bag

Big enough for several days’ groceries (measuring 57cm x 40cm), this simple white bag with a black logo is made from durable ninon fabric. 

Price: ¥280

Available from: Salt

 

 

    

Harmony Bag

New York-based LeSportsac is known for its colorful and energetic designs, but its new series called Harmony  goes for a more (by their standards) restrained pattern. For these, the company has used parachute cloth, which is tougher than nylon, washable, and light as, well, flight.   

Price: ¥780

Available from: LeSportsac

 

 

Ramie Embroidery Foldable Bag

You can roll this bag up to become a small 20cm x 10cm parcel, which can then easily be kept in your handbag, purse, or even a jacket pocket. The embroidery is done with the natural fibre ramie.

Price: ¥12

Available from: Online store Your Home And My Home

 

 

 

 

 

Directions:

• Your Home And My Home
http://shop35107149.taobao.com, 136 1167 2761.

• The Gloss, 1/F, South Block, Xintiandi, Lane 123 Xingye Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu. 6384 1066.
兴业路123弄南里广场1楼，近黄陂南路。

• Projection 216, Rm 216, Bldg 3, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu, 5465 6616.
泰康路210弄3号楼216室， 近瑞金二路。

• Mori No Toki, 607 Nanchang Lu, near Xiangyang Lu, 137 6106 6702.
南昌路607号，近襄阳路

• Jooi Design, Rm 201, Bldg 3, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu, 6473 6193.
泰康路210弄3号楼201室， 近瑞金二路。

• Le Sportsac, 1143 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Jiangning Lu, 6271 6196.
南京西路1143号，近江宁路。

• Salt, 162 Shaanxi Lu, near Changle Lu, 5404 2526.
陕西南路162号，近长乐路。