Hong Kong’s plastic ban—which prohibits the sale and giving away of plastic cutlery, bags and other products—came into effect of April 22, also known as Earth Day.
There will be an transitional period of six months for the project to roll out, so businesses can adapt accordingly, but in the meantime, you can make an impact with the simple action of bringing your own bags when going shopping. Whether for necessity or pleasure, there are plenty of chic bags that can double as everyday wear too. These are our picks for most stylish options.
Live Zero cotton mesh bag
Live Zero cotton mesh bag (Photo: Live Zero website)
One reusable bag that has became popular in the last few years is the cotton mesh bag as, while seemingly small, it can expand to fit a surprising amount of fruit and veg—and also doubles as a cute gym tote. Eco-lifestyle shop Live Zero offers a short and long handled version in various colours such as blue, green and off-white.
Price: HK$95
Moma x Baggu heavyweight canvas tote
Moma x Baggu heavyweight canvas tote (Photo: Moma Design Store website)
While Baggu is best known for its foldable tote bags in fun colours and funky patterns, it has collaborated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on a larger, structured bag made of heavyweight canvas. The green and yellow colour-blocking details add a pop of colour to an otherwise traditional tote, and make it a head-turning everyday shopping bag.
Price: HK$738
V°73 logo-print tote
V°73 logo-print tote (Photo: Farfetch website)
This denim bag from V°73 is reminiscent of British designer Anya Hindmarch’s I’m Not A Plastic Bag tote from 2007 with its eco-conscious messaging. With both a handle and a strap, this piece can be worn different ways for different functions, be it more casual or practical.
Price: HK$1,094
One Milano linen weekend bag
One Milano linen weekend bag (Photo: Farfetch website)
Linen is a chic upgrade from the usual canvas material tote bags are often made of, yet just as durable and easy to launder. Once Milano’s weekend bag is a great option for travelling as well as for taking a trip to the supermarket.
Price: HK$1,259
A.P.C. logo print tote bag
A.P.C.logo-print tote bag (Photo: Farfetch website)
This vegan leather, orange-red tote from A.P.C. will add a dash of brightness to any outfit this season. It's a great size to pack a book, water bottle and picnic blanket for a relaxing day outdoors, and would likely fit a few bits picked up from the shop on the way home.
Price: HK$1,899
Harago upcycled tote
This yellow tote dotted with blue flowers from Jaipur-based label Harago takes sustainability seriously. Yes, it is a plastic bag, but it's woven using upcycled materials. The cheerful colours and design details make this a great choice for the beach or livening up a grocery run.
Price:HK$2,930
Marni large basket tote
Marni large basket tote (Photo: Ssense website)
Embrace texture this spring with woven raffia, featured heavily in this Marni basket tote. The deep brick shade is timeless and, complemented by the olive tones of the shorter and longer straps, will look chic whether you’re on a junk trip or filling it up with produce.
Price: HK$7,200
Bao Bao Issey Miyake cart tote
Bao Bao Issey Miyake cart tote (Photo: Ssense website)
Fans of minimalism and geometry will revel in this two-tone black and grey tote from Issey Miyake’s Bao Bao collection. The triangular panels that make up the tote give it plenty of flexibility and also creates a unique texture which can mould to the contents of the bag.
Price: HK$7,570
Bottega Veneta medium brown bag
Bottega Veneta medium brown bag (Photo: Bottega Veneta website)
A brown paper bag might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an American grocery store experience, and Bottega Veneta has elevated this classic item by giving it a makeover in calfskin leather. With clean lines and a simple, twisted handle that mimics the original, it's the perfect incognito bag for shopping and more.
Price: HK$19,900
Balenciaga Antwerp medium tote bag
Balenciaga Antwerp medium tote bag (Photo: Balenciaga website)
Another low-key yet high-brow option, Balenciaga’s Antwerp tote bag looks like one of the bags-for-life that you can pick up at a gourmet supermarket, thanks to the bread print, mesh texture and boxy shape. Made from calfskin, it makes for a tongue-in-cheek handbag option for daily use.
Price: HK$23,400
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