I am the proud owner of a colorful assortment of Chico Bags — in my opinion, the coolest and most useful of the eco-friendly bags available.

The bag is made of woven polyester and folds up into a small drawstring pouch that slips easily into a purse or glove compartment. When needed, it quickly unfolds to a full size grocery bag that can hold up to 25 pounds! Oh, and the pouch even has a small carabiner that can attach to a keychain, backpack, or belt loop!

While other reusable shopping bags are bulky and are not well suited for much other than grocery shopping, I carry my ChicoBags wherever I go. I have used them at the convenience store, the toy store, the craft store — virtually anywhere I purchase anything . And as I noted earlier, it never fails that someone will ask where I got my bags!

The bags that are pictured here are the original style ChicoBags. The company recently debuted the Vita style shoulder bag version, a larger bag that holds up to 40 lbs.

Not only are the bags colorful, practical, and environmentally responsible — but when they have passed their prime and are ready to be discarded, ChicoBag requests that they be returned — to be recycled unto beautiful woven rugs! Through a company called The Grateful Thread, the creation and sales of these rugs help provide job training opportunities to victims of domestic violence and others re-entering the work force.

ChicoBag is another company with a great product line, great service, and a strong commitment to making a difference.

Check them out. You’ll be the talk of your local supermarket!