5 functional and fashionable alternatives to single-use plastic bags

A friendly reminder to all Quezon City residents and visitors: Quezon City is going all-out eco-friendly this 2020, by prohibiting the distribution and use of all single-use plastics or disposable materials, as stated in Ordinance No. SP-2876, signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte last Oct. 15, 2019.

So, this means that all single-use plastic products will be banned including plastic bags, cutlery, cups, coffee stirrers, condiments cups, Styrofoam products, and even plastic containers for soap, shampoo, and conditioners.

You may have already experienced coming home from the grocery store with paper bags, instead of the usual plastic bags, since some establishments have already started the implementation of the said ordinance.

While using paper bags is good for the environment, it may be a bit uncomfortable to carry and not sturdy enough, especially if you bought a lot of items.

So, to avoid any hassle, it's best to stock up on eco-bags or other plastic bag alternatives and bring them with you whenever you go shopping.

We found functional and fashionable plastic bag alternatives that you may like. Check them out below.

1. Canvas bags

Price: PhP 60-80 for plain canvas tote bag

*inquire for prices of customized & printed bags

Canvas bags are perfect shopping bags because they're easy to carry and most of them have cute and trendy designs.

2. Cotton bags

Price: PhP 959

Go for cotton bags if you need something more durable than the paper bags they provide in grocery stores.

3. Mesh bags

Price: PhP 80-250

Mesh bags are suitable as market bags, and some that have more modern and hip design can also serve as a shopping bag.

4. Denim bags

Price: PhP 100-450

Denim tote bags and drawstring bags are the best option for fashionistas who want something more stylish than an eco-bag and sturdier than a mesh bag.

5. Bayongs

Price: from PhP 200-2,200

*prices vary depending on brand, design, and size

Bayongs are handwoven native bags that are made of pandan leaves, buri, or abaca. Their designs have changed drastically over the years, and they've definitely leveled-up from being uncool market bags to swanky bags that can also double as a plastic bag alternative.

We bet after seeing the design of these alternatives, you would never want to go back to using single-use plastic bags. Who would've thought eco-friendly bags can look so fashionable, right?