Five shops that offer reusable bags

lululemon athletica

Photo: Brendan Lester

Brooklyn Industries This hip New York brand offers lifestyle fashions that are socially responsible. From fair-trade wear to messenger bags made from recycled billboard material (accompanied with a lifetime warranty), the company has pushed the envelope on corporate responsibility by powering all of its stores nationwide with 100% National Wind power. And one of its most popular items is the reusable skyline shopping bag offered at checkout. 1426 N Milwaukee Ave (773-360-8182, brooklynindustries.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–7pm.

Elise Bergman Studio at Roslyn Located in a cozy corner within stylish Bucktown shop Roslyn, you’ll find local designer Elise Bergman’s recycled wool pencil skirts, hand-knit circle scarves and silk hemp wraps. The pop-up shop features Bergman’s entire limited-edition collection and even a few antiques. Make a purchase from Bergman’s space in the shop and your item comes in a cotton, hand-silked tote. Each bag features a drawing of a cotton plant and is printed with the “Elise Bergman Studio at Roslyn” logo. They’re also available for purchase ($12), and you get $5 off your purchase when you return with the bag. 2035 N Damen Ave (773-489-1311, roslynboutique.com, elisebergman.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72, 73. Tue–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–5pm.

Joe’s Jeans Celebs are often photographed running errands in Joe’s jeans and shirts. If we were them, we’d also be donning the store’s handy dandy eco-bag. The durable, dark gray totes can double as stylish and discreet alternatives to clunky gym bags as well as a posh resolution to reduce your plastic grocery-bag consumption. 1715 N Damen Ave (773-252-1715, joesjeans.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–6pm.

lululemon athletica This seller of yoga and fitness clothes (with a handful of locations in the city) is known for many things: high-end, durable sportswear, free in-store classes, practical items (such as yoga mats, underwear and socks) and, of course, its heavy-duty plastic bags. We see the black and red bags being used as everyday totes throughout the city. 2104 N Halsted St (773-883-8860, lululemon.com). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8, 11, 73. Mon–Thu 10am–6pm; Fri, Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–6pm. Find more locations on the store’s website.

SHE Boutique This high-end boutique offers designer goods with sophisticated customer service. Ensuring that “she has everything,” the store provides its clientele with one-on-one consultations, custom tailoring, Champagne and a sleek black-and-green SHEbag that folds into a compact square for easy carrying and access. Bring the bag back on return visits and get 10% off your purchase. 483 Central Ave, Highland Park (847-926-0150, shopsheboutique.com). Mon–Fri 10am–6pm.

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