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Sheryl Crow + Whole Foods Market + NRDC = A Better Bag
We have a really cool new bag coming out! You’ve probably seen our large grocery tote bags made from recycled plastic bottles for only 99 cents. Our customers have given us great feedback on them.
When it came time to design a new bag, we wanted to make it even better. We came up with several ideas and these two rose to the top:
1. generate public interest in reusable bags by getting an environmentally conscious celebrity to help design the bag and
2. highlight a strong environmental program on the bag that is helping to change our world.
Done and done. Sheryl Crow collaborated with us on the design of the bag. Didn’t it turn out great?
The Natural Resources Defense Council promotes a great program called Simple Steps. In addition to our monetary donation to the NRDC, each bag has the SimpleSteps.org website printed on it, which encourages customers to embrace simple steps in their everyday lives that reduce consumption and consider the environment.
Since it is gift-giving season, the bags are available in the large grocery tote size and also in a smaller, gift bag size for only 79 cents. Check ‘em out and let us know what you think.
When we sell through this run of bags, we’ll be designing the next version. What ideas do you have for taking these to the next level?
67 Responses to “Sheryl Crow + Whole Foods Market + NRDC = A Better Bag”
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Please try to get Melissa Etheridge to design one. She’s totally into the green… I’d buy a bunch of them for gifts!!
May I suggest promoting this initiative more via the media? I just happened to see this while searching your website and don’t recall seeing/hearing anything else about it anywhere. Fantastic idea. Push it.
Cheers,
s
October 15th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
@Silas Thanks for your suggestions. We actually put out a press release about the new bag last month: http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/pr/wf/national/9-4-08sherylcrowbetterbag.aspx and if you do a quick Google search of ‘Whole Foods Sheryl Crow’ - you’ll see that it’s been picked up by lots of blogs and traditional media.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I hope these bags really catch-on — everyone should have a pile of canvas shopping bags at home! I use them for toting everything from groceries to soccer gear to clothing purchased from department stores. I try to bring my own bags where ever I shop and usually store a stack in the trunk of my car to keep them handy. Sheryl Crow’s cool artwork makes this one exceptionally desirable!
October 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’d love shoulder length straps. I’m in NYC and typically get on a train or a bus post Whole Foods and it would be less cumbersome with shoulder length straps.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
@Patrice Thanks for your feedback. I’ll forward your great suggestion to the team that handles bag design.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Second on the longer straps. If I can’t sling it on my shoulder, it’s not going to get as much use from me.
Also, if it breaks/rips/is otherwise rendered unusable, can I recycle it (again)?
October 15th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
These are fantastic! I can’t wait to buy this one and future bags.
BTW, I found this page through Twitter (I’m in marketing and know how important lead information is, so I try to pass it on).
October 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
@Kristen The straps are actually quite long and you can see from the slideshow image up on our website this week that they are easy to carry on the shoulder: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/. As to your other question, the bags have been independently tested in third party facilities to be able to hold up to 76 lbs. without ripping or tearing, so you should be able to get a considerable amount of usage out of them before you have to worry about breakage. The bags are made of 80% post-recycled PET bottles and 20% polypropylene - unfortunately, because of the mixed plastic content, there are no facilities currently available to recycle these bags and they cannot be recycled. Thanks for your questions!
October 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Ugg, I went to WF this afternoon and they did not have them yet! They said it would be another day or two till they come in.
Needless to say that I have to drive 43miles to my closest WF and went there today esp. for these (and other items!). I wanted to get there the first day cause I didn’t know how quick they would sell out.
Hope they still have them when I can get there again.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I love these new bags! I just bought 7 of them today! I have an idea! It can either be for the reuseable bags or the metal reuseable water bottles I’ve been seeing lately.
My friends and I have started teasing each other when we do something that isn’t eco friendly by calling each other “eco-criminals.” It’s a catchy term that is very relevant right now. It’d be something fun to have on a bag. With cool art work.
Anyways just a thought. Don’t be eco-criminals!!! REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE!!!
October 15th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to Whole Foods and Sheryl for putting together this amazing bag! I manage NRDC’s Simple Steps campaign and we’re thrilled to see more and more people ditching the old choice between paper and plastic–and going for a reusable bag. All these simple steps really add up. For more simple steps that you can take to help the planet, whether you have a minute, a morning or a month, visit our site at http://www.simplesteps.org.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I like all reuseable bags but you need to come up with a pretty reusaeable bag for frozen items. I see a lot of Trader Joe’s bags that are fantastic fashion statements and functionable too. Whenever I see someone with thewm I always ask them hgow long ago they bought them so that I can have them too. You are the giants of all natural and reuseable so you definitely need more variety.
October 16th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Love your bags, when will Crow’s bag be available to the folks in the D.C. area?
October 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
@Cynthia The bag was made available nationwide yesterday.
October 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
@swankyfair The reusable bag for frozen items is a great idea and I’ll pass along your suggestion to your buyers. Thanks!
October 16th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
When is this bag in stores?? I definitely want one!!
October 17th, 2008 at 7:25 am
@Laurie The bag was made available nationwide on Wednesday October 15th.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I was struggling buying gift bags for my destination wedding until I saw these. They send a great message and are reusable for our guests!
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
A bag with shoulder straps would be much better - especially for those who travel by public transportation or walk…
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I agree- longer shoulder straps would be great!!!
Thank you for your consideration.
Can’t wait to pick up several bags, next time I’m in the store.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
SHOULDER STRAPS WOULD BE SUPER ON THE BIGGER SIZE BAGS. TRY CARRYING THOSE BAGS FULL OF GROCERIES UP 3 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. I WOULD RATHER PUT THE BAG OFF OF MY SHOULDER THAN HOLDING IN MY HAND. BUT KEEP ON KEEPIN IT GREEN!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I got my bags several months ago and just love them. I would not use them without the long shoulder straps. Absoutly would LOVE to have freezer bags too!!!
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
While it’s nice that you’re recycling things, and reducing disposable bag use, it’s still plastic. I really prefer the organic cotton bags that used to be available at Wild Oats.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
how can i buy the bag without going to a whole food store. Rockford, IL does not have one and i only occasionaly get up to the store in Mad City, Madison, WI.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Please stop making these bags from recycled bottles. We need to use bags made from natural fibers like COTTON. Who knows what these plastic fibers are doing to us as the slowly break down as we use them. Thank you.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
@amy You can contact the Whole Foods nearest you and ask if they would be willing to ship some to you. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/all/index.php#wi
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
if i had known about the bags a week ago, i might have seen them. i just came back from WF an hour ago and didn’t spot them, otherwise i would gotten one because i like the design. are they sold out already?
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
there is no whole food market in my area (deeply depressesd).
is there any way to purchase these bags online, so i can enjoy them too.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I think there are plenty of plastic bottles on the face of the earth to make these bags, even if we quit using plastic bottles today.
I agree about longer and thicker straps… Also would be nice to roll up and velcro it into a nice shape for easy carry into stores. I find I bring these bags in my trunk but they can be akward to carry in more than a couple at one time, if they rolled up newspaper like, then had a tie or strap like a sleeping bag..
Thanks
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
PS: A plain pattern bag with a set of markers - the kids could draw on them ..would be a great way to encourage the kids and show off their art work.. keep them busy while shopping…..just an idea
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I have some reusable bags that have 2 sets of handles built in . A short pair that you can hold in your hand and a long pair for the shoulder. Kind of double handles. They are wide and heavy and you get the versatility of using one or the other depending on the situation or load.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I haven’t seen the bags in person yet, but from the website picture they look very pretty as well as cool. A great design! A darker colored bag would keep its fresh, like-new appearance for a longer time. The shorter handles are a godsend, particularly for short people or for people with shoulder and/or disc ailments. I, personally, would not purchase a bag with longer handles.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Definitely would like to see WF use something other than plastic bottles only for the sake of what we are learning now about the chemicals used to make those plastic bags…really scary when you think of them sitting in your vehicle during the heat of the day. I do want to say also that being able to recycle them would be nice as well. I have one of the older WF bags (blue with red straps) that one of the seams is coming undone so it’s life expectancy is not much longer…what to do with it afterward? I have tons of reusable bags and love them all, but definitely would love to see something that embodies all that your company represents.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
i like the new bags, very cute. as for suggestions for new bags, i would like to suggest a slogan of “go local” and have each region have a contest with its local area school to design artwork to represent the locally grown produce or products. it’s a great way to get the community excited.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
One lady showed me a ‘Green’ bag with compartments for bottles (4 ~ velcro-held flap-compartments: 2 on opposite sides). I looked inside her bag and the compartments looked very practical!
She had purchased a package-of-6 at Costco for less than $4.95. “But this style has been discontinued. All they carry now is a large bag, without those round velcro held-flaps for bottles. I guess most customers prefer a simple large bag…”
Well, I only shop for myself, and a small version of the bag that lady had is just perfect for me, and those compartments are a big PLUS!
KdV
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I have your bright color bags with the fruit on them and love them! I don’t leave on a shopping trip without them. I have to say I like the fact that you can get a smaller bag now because sometimes when the big bags are full they can get pretty heavy. But I do not like the color of the new bags I think if you are going to carry a bag it sould be bright and fun!
October 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Love the new bag because it is easier to fill than my cotton bags are, but really wish they were made in the USA.
October 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am
@tdeguzman Check with Customer Service at your local Whole Foods. I do not believe bags have sold out at any of our stores as of today.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am
@darrin Check with your nearest Whole Foods and see if they would be willing to ship some bags. You can find contact information for our stores here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/all/index.php
October 27th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Love the little tote. Used it as a gift bag this week for a friend. She was delighted she got 2 gifts.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Have you thought about making the bags so that they fold up small, possibly collapse? I’ve seen other bags that have snaps so that they stay tightly closed. The fold up nice so that you can tuck them in your purse or another bag.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I LOVE the bags with shorter handles - I can’t carry things on my shoulders and I’ve been hoping for something like this! I’m also thrilled that you’ve come out with a smaller version - I often run to the store for just a few things and have opted to use a smaller paper bag since the reusable is just too big.
Thanks for all of this!
My idea would be to make some without “cute” designs - I’d use the bag for more of everything if it were plain but in a great color. That would also tie in with your gift giving idea, since a solid color or simple repetitive design would go with more things.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I second the request for foldable /collapsible bags that can be tucked inside a handbag or tote. Thanks
October 29th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Even with bringing my own shopping bags and avoiding plastic packaging as much as possible, I feel like I still leave the store with more plastic than I’d like. How about some small washable WF bags for fruits and veggies, that could be used for bulk foods too?
October 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I ditto Peggy’s comment about the double handles. I have a reusable bag from REI that has 2 sets of handles that I use all the time. Here’s a picture of it:
http://www.rei.com/product/777585
October 29th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I have a great idea to promote “going green” with those who really need to know……..our children. Promote school gardens with a Whole Foods Market bag designed by a child. In the Fort Worth area several schools have been funded by a grass roots organization called Real School Gardens. Check out the website http://www.realschoolgardens.org for more info. They fund low income schools with money to build a outdoor learning environment. We need to prepare our children to take care of our earth and eat the harvest it can provide!
October 29th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
It’s fun to keep updating not only the bag designs, but also the features of the bags. I am concerned about recycling plastic due to the unsafe chemical content. I have 2 of the original hot/cold quilted bags (red and blue) and 6 of the original green bags, which I keep in my car inside a larger canvas bag, along with several organic cotton net bags I use for produce and fruit when I shop. I also keep a medium size tote bag in the car that holds a stainless steel thermos for water, coffee and a snack for days when I’m running errands. One of my observations when I am shopping at WF is that the people who put the groceries in my “green” bags stuff them so full that I cannot even lift them! Please instruct the “baggers” how to load the green bags. Thanks!
October 30th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Love that you have added a smaller version, sometimes you only need to pick up one or two small items. I agree, you should come up with an insulated bag such as the ones from Dryers for frozen items. Thanks
October 30th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I looked at the pictures after the reply that the large bag has straps long enough to get on your shoulder and I agree a smaller person could do so. Unfortunately I don’t fit in that category and once winter hits, it would never fit over my winter coat. Could there be two versions, one with the current straps and one with longer (at least double the current length)? That’d be awesome!
October 30th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Love these reusable bags! I can’t stop buying them, and I take them everywhere with me. I also love the fact that you redesign the bags; this keeps the program fresh and unique. I would also like to see a bag for frozen food. Since I do not have access to Whole Foods in NJ (I don’t have a car) and I work in Manhattan, I transport my food home via bus. Usually the trip takes 25 minutes, however, if the bus gets stuck in traffic (which it has, on many occasions), and I’m bringing home cold or frozen food, I’d like to know that I have a bag that would keep the contents reasonably cold. I would also like to comment on the Whole Foods canvas fold-up cart that I bought last year. In theory, the cart is a great product, however, the rough NYC concrete shredded a portion of the cart. I used electrical tape to fix it, but it only peeled off. If you are considering bringing these carts back (and really, I think you should), then I would like to suggest to make the bottom part better reinforced by using recycled tires or some other material. Thanks for all of the recycling offers that Whole Foods provides; keep up the good work!
October 30th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Great idea for the bags..let’s get more celebrities involved, maybe Barack will design one!!!
October 30th, 2008 at 11:01 am
How about one with wildlife on it?
October 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Who is the manufacturer of these bags? And are made in the USA?
Thanks. CC
October 30th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
@Carmela The Better Bags are made in China. This is indicated on the bag’s inner tag. A third party audit has ensured the manufacturer meets our expectation regarding the fair treatment of workers, product safety standards, and environmental stewardship.
October 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Too bad the same concept can’t be applied and have the bags made here in the United States. That would just add one more plus to the bags being available.
(Is there anyway to purchase these bags online, without having to drive a great distance to the nearest Whole Foods?)
October 30th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
@Shelley Best thing to do if you want a bag, but live far away from a store is to call your nearest store and see if they will ship you some.
October 30th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Great new bag, can’t wait to buy one. You should have new bags bi-annually from other ‘green’ celebrities. Great promotion idea for both you and the need for everyone to use reusable bags.
In regards to someone previously saying you needed a bag for frozen items, you already have them available (at least in California) and they are great! The insulated bags (blue side saying ‘Cool Down’ and the red side saying ‘Warm Up’) work wonderfully for all frozen and refrigerated items or for hot items, if you’ve bought dinner at the prepared-food stations. The bags themselves are much more usable than the ones they sell at Trader Joes because I’ve tried them both and yours are designed and sized the best.
October 30th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Are these bags made in China though? I have trouble supporting that, even though the bags reduce waste. Please try to make bags locally and from recycled materials-
Thanks!
October 30th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Ditto on the request for reusable bags for fruits/veggies/bulk. Someday? I too second the notion that longer handles would help the commuters, AND, of course made in the USA would absolutely make a better statement. I know that the consumers would pay more for something with handle options and made locally. Cheers!!
October 31st, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I would happily pay more for a bag made in the USA!!
November 1st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I have found that the WF bags hold up better than any others with the exception of GreenBags, purchased on line. For someone who was looking for the bottle bags, they are available at GreenBags as are compact bags for your purse. However, WF bags are made well, hold up to many uses and are affordable because it is a pain to have to order, pay for shipping and buy multiples unless you are sharing. My daughters and I have been using our own bags for many years and are glad to see it has now come into vogue although I do wish there was more advertising to promote this practice. I have friends that have never heard or thought of the concept. I will also add that the WF bags have handles that work well over the shoulder which is great! Love them, keep up the good work
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
I have to ask: why are we still making bags from non-renewable resources (petroleum-based polyprop) and I’ve heard that these are just ending up in the landfill with all the other 99 cent polypropylene bags (according to our county solid waste management personnel)! Granted they are better than single use plastic, but they are likely to last 6 mo- 1 year depending upon usage. WFM should be supporting organic cotton - I’ve had my EcoSac brand of cotton canvas, string and produce bags for over 18 years! Raised a family of four, shopping farmer’s markets and grocery shopping w/ weekly washings & although faded and worn, still going strong!!
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I’d love to see the design opened up to the public to submit they’re own. There are a lot of designers/illustrators/artists that care about the environment and it’d be nice to see different peoples interpretations about being green. It’d be even more fun to let everyone vote on which one they’d like to be seen carrying!
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Sheryl’s bag is not recyclable. Why not think this whole thing through and market a bag made from recycled materials that can be recycled over & over?
November 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
We think that you should not use plastic bags as an option for bagging groceries. We know that you give out bags that are recycled and you often give out paper bags but plastic bags are just awful for the environment and wildlife. If you would please go to the the site below we would appreciate it very much. The site will tell you about the affects of plastic bags.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/environmental-pollution-the-harmful-effects-of-plastic-bags.html
Sincerely,
Emma and Madison
November 7th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I bought the little today and absolutely love it! It held more items than I expected; I walked a mile home and it is strong; however, I would love a long strap too! (suggested above). I was brainstorming on my way home and I thought of a few other ideas that I would love to create… If I could design my own bags it would be so much fun! What do you think of the possiblility of having a bag designing contest?
November 16th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
[...] A Better Bag designed by Sheryl Crow that benefits the Natural Resource Defense Council? These affordable bags have been flying off the shelves – you may even have one (or more!) already in use as a grocery [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 am