It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the 92 billion plastic bags used by American consumers each year—most of which end up as litter or in landfills. A reusable bag can save more than a thousand plastic bags in its lifetime, but only if it actually gets used. And let’s face it, even well-intentioned shoppers often find themselves bag-less at the checkout, their bulky, unsightly sacks stashed at home in a closet. Hetal Jariwala, MS ’07, and Eva Bauer, MFA ’07, aim to change that. Last fall the pair, who met in the product design graduate program, launched flip & tumble, a line of roomy yet easily compactable totes. Taking a cue from sock balls, they designed the bags with an elasticized pocket on the inside; just scrunch up the fabric and stuff it in the pouch, then toss the peach-sized orb in a purse, briefcase or glove box. When unfurled, the lightweight ripstop nylon can hold up to 25 pounds—enough for a complete pasta dinner for two, including a couple bottles of vino. When its useful life is over, Jeriwala and Bauer will take the sack back and see that it’s recycled, so you’re not left holding the bag.
