BYO Bag

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.