Hybrid Living

PRODUCT: Joey Totes reusable bags that comes in two sizes; big and regular.

USES: Groceries, travel, the library, sleepovers, and more.

MATERIAL: Made with ripstop Nylon.

COST: $8.50 per big Joey Tote; $7.00 per regular Joey Tote. Also discounts when you buy more and available in a mixed set.

PROS:

They’re reusable – obviously this is the largest eco-perk of any reusable bag. Plastic disposable bags are a huge eco-problem. If you’re not using reusable bags, you’re missing one of the most basic green steps you can take.

A total value. These bags are far less expensive than many of the reusable totes out there right now. PLUS because they’re made with nylon they’ll last and last saving you even more money. NOTE: Nylon is strong, but it’s also an eco-con (read below).

Crazy strong and well made. I loaded, and I do mean loaded the bags pretty much to full capacity just to see what would happen. Then I handed one to my son Cedar, who always helps me carry the groceries and he (like he always does) partially dragged it on the ground, and this bag stayed together. Cedar bangs into doors, roughs bags up, and these bags took it on and survived. They also held up in the washing machine. Note that I line dry though; so I can’t say if the dryer would be ok.

Hold a lot of stuff. Of all the reusable bags I’ve tested thus far, these ones seem to hold the most. I normally suggest about 7-9 reusable bags per average sized family (say for a cart full of groceries) but with the large Joey Tote I’m guessing you’d only need about 5 for a cart of groceries. Plus they hold heavy stuff, while I’m not suggesting you swing a child around in one (see picture above) I bet you could. Joey Totes notes that their bags carry 40 lbs, and I believe it.

Joey Totes are ethically manufactured. Which as they note, is why they don’t cost 99 cents.

Pack up tidy so you don’t forget your bag. Each bag can be tucked into itself via a little built in pouch (awww prob where they came up with “Joey”) and slips right into a purse or other tote. When folded the bags are super slim and portable.

I like the color gray; it hides dirt and it’s not obnoxious. Well, actually they’re sort of a grayish green.

CONS:

The number one con is that these bags are made with ripstop nylon. This is a HUGE pro for durability, water resistance and strength but it’s not an eco-friendly material.  Nylon is one, a partial petroleum product which means it comes from non-renewable resources. I haven’t been able to find anywhere that will recycle these bags and so at the end of its life it’ll end up in a landfill. You can’t burn it down because nylon will form a hazardous smoke when burned. You can incinerate them at a proper facility, but it costs a ton of money, so most nylon products are simply tossed in the trash.

The small bag won’t fit over your shoulder. It’s a carry tote only which means more trips to the car for bags, although, if you just get the big bags, you’d be good to go.

It’s only offered in the grayish green color with pink writing. I’m not sure if these bags will appeal to everyone style wise. I thought they were fine, but I’m not a fan of writing on bags as a general rule.

OVERALL SCORE:

Three out of five little trees. While I liked these bags for their size and strength, the eco-minded me can’t give them a four or five when you can buy bags made from recycled or organic cotton instead, which can be recycled or used as rags til they die. However, for people who want a good price deal on reusable bags, and want them to hold tons of stuff these would work. Also, in the grand scheme of things, the nylon, while not eco-friendly will last a super long time, and one Joey Tote alone will still save someone from using thousands of plastic bags, so that’s a huge perk. I know people who refuse to carry cotton bags because they’re not water-proof, so these would also work for those folks.

Visit Joey Totes to learn more.

[images via Thorsen Photography via Joey Totes]

Post from: Blisstree

Reusable Bag Review: Joey Totes