VANCOUVER TRENDZ [THURSDAY]

Baggy Good Fun

December 6, 2007

If you have hundreds of plastic bags stuffed under the kitchen sink because guilt prevents you from throwing them away, it’s time to switch to a reusable shopping bag and say bye-bye to plastic forever. Vancouver’s AuMarché offers gorgeous alternatives that any style-conscious shopper would proudly carry on her shoulder. Made of a 55 per cent hemp blend, each bag is embellished with original artwork whose motifs include fennel hearts, baby bok choi, persimmons, and “Ying Ying,” an image of two children’s heads entwined with what looks like carrot greens. Nab yours at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street.) Shop, or buy online here. Details: www.aumarchebags.com. (Oh, and that cupboard-full of plastic bags? SPCA and St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores will gladly take them off your hands.)

Feeling cheeky? Then check out yesterday's Brand New. Have you entered this week's Contest yet? Win 4 tickets to Volcano's production of The 4 Horsemen Project, valued at $100, as part of PuSh Festival 2008.