Any bag that reduced the number of cheap disposable plastic bags is a step in the right direction. The more user-friendly the bags, the larger the number of plastic bags they will usurp.

Of course, poly-nylon lacks the environmental gold star — I’m hoping to check out Envirosax’s brand new line of sustainable fabric bags, but at $25/ea that brings up another point — cost. Toting groceries requires many bags, not just one beautiful courier bag. I think the idea of spending $150 for a collection of cotton bags might scare people away.

Lastly, I wonder if material considerations apply equally to other items like backpacks, ski boots, jackets, and bathing suits. Anyone questioning the green merits of Envirosax better be planning to do their hiking in canvas boots, pitching their canvas tents, swimming in cotton bathing suits, and enjoying toting their heavy oilcloth raingear along. It’s very difficult to avoid man-made fibres these days. Merino Wool makes a lovely alternative to Polar Fleece.. but damn, it’s pricey.

From Envirosax to motorcycle helmets, to salvaged-material items, the issue is how we manage the manufacture and disposal of these products in our lives, not squashing every small attempt to improve what’s truly broken.