FAQ
1) What materials are your bags made from?
Recycled: Our lightweight ones are made from #5PP, which is recycled and recyclable. The "Billboard" Totes are made from used vinyl billboards.
Designer: Our mid- line is made from regular lightweight 100% cotton fabric by designers such as Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, and Joel Dewberry.
Premium Organic: Our upscale line, which is the most environmentally friendly, is made from 100% certified organic cotton fabric featuring designer Harmony Susalla- a pioneer in getting organic prints on the market. Although not as durable as some other synthetic materials (such as Nylon, Polyester), cotton is more natural and sustainable, and an overall better choice for environmental considerations.
2) How do I use your bags?
Buy enough bags for an entire grocery shopping trip, and make sure you also get a "handy tote". If you roll up the
bags in the handy tote, and take them with you to the store, have
the cashier bag your goods in your bags instead of the store’s disposables. After
you get home, just roll them back up into the tote, and hang them up until your
next shopping trip. Keeping an extra bag rolled up in your purse or your briefcase is also a good move- you would be suprised how many bags you can save between regular shopping trips.
Each tote will hold up to six designer or organic bags. Our recycled bags are bulkier and are not suitable for carrying in our Handy Totes.
3) How many bags do I need to buy?
Here is a chart to use as a basic guideline. The number of bags you will need depends on how much cooking you do and whether you are a city shopper (buy fresh frequently)or country shopper (stock up occasionally).Don't forget to get your "Handy Tote Holders" and Reusable Produce Bags to complete your shopping set! Your can also browse our shopping sets to see if they fit your reusable shopping bag needs.
Number in household |
Number of Bags plus handy tote |
1 |
3-5 + 1 tote |
2 |
5-7 + 1 tote |
3 |
7-9 + 2 totes |
4 |
8-10 + 2 totes |
4)What is OBL-organics? OBL-organics is the parent company of Organic Bag Lady. We are located in Longmont, Colorado. Our mission is to produce products that are affordable, sustainable, and stylish that people can use to make the world a "greener" place. We aren't environmental advocates or activists- we just want to provide excellent products that people love. We are owned by a woman who is also a disabled veteran- who is dedicated to making beautiful products for a better world.
5)Why should I buy your organic bags versus your other ones- what makes "organic" cotton superior? Organic cotton is grown without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. According to the World Health Organization, about 20,000 people die every year as a result of chemicals used in the production and finishing of regular cotton. Farmers in developing countries are better able to provide a healthy home and work life for their families, and increase their profits when they have a demand for organic fibers. Making an "organic" purchase benefits everyone positively except the chemical companies.
However, not everyone can afford the extra expense of organic products, so Organic Bag Lady offers other products as well, that are better for smaller budgets. The goal is to eliminate disposable bags that deplete forests and that are manufactured with toxic petrochemicals, and to move towards a sustainable and organic way of life. This must be done over time, and every little bit helps.
6) What are the sizes of your products? Our recycled line is modeled after a paper bag, and measures 15" W, 16" H, with an 8" gusset. Our designer and organic cotton bags are modeled after a plastic bag, and measure 12" W,15" H, with a 7" gusset. The reusable produce bags are 12" W by 17"H. The Handy Tote Holders are designed to carry your rolled up bags, and measure 10" W, 10" H, and has a 3" gusset.
7) Do any of your bags have "hard bottoms"? No, they do not. We have spent thousands of dollars on engineering products that are usable, and require a minimum amount of materials for their use. We discovered in our research that "hard bottoms" were unnecessary for shopping tote purposes, although some customers do prefer them.
8) Do you wholesale any of your products? Absolutely. Pleaseemail uswith your company information, including your reseller/tax I.D. and we will get back to you with pricing. We offer very flexible policies for small/new retailers.
9) How do you wash these bags? Well, first of all, your bags will not get very dirty, so don't worry too much about this one- with the exception of produce bags that you will wash often.
Recycled Bags: Just wipe with a wet cloth. You may handwash and hang dry if necessary.
Designer/Organic Cloth Bags: Handwash in COLD WATER. Hang to dry. This is best for the environment, and your bags, and will keep them looking nice and they will last longer.
Produce bags: Handwash in COLD WATER. Hang dry.These may still shrink even in cold water, but they work wonderfully even if they have accidentally been through the regular wash.
10)How "green" is your business? We use recycled and biodegradeable materials wherever possible even down to our office furniture. We minimize packaging and shipping materials, and reuse these materials when possible. Also, with our commitment to organic lifestyles, we are working on long term production with fabrics that are environmentally friendly, and hope to one day be completely sustainable/organic. Our company car is a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid, and we consciously plan out all trips and errands to minimize driving time.
For 2008 we also hope to purchase energy credits to offset our carbon emissions and become carbon neutral. We also aim to donate a percentage of profits to environmental initiatives. Any suggestions for a non-profit that needs donations, or any other "green" business solutions, please contact us.
11) Why are your bags expensive? I can get other bags for much cheaper. Our company is working towards a completely "Made in the USA" line. Bags that are Made in the USA are better for the environment because they reduce their carbon footprint, and employ American labor at a living wage. Our shopping bags are for enlightened consumers who recognize that "Made in the USA" means a stronger economy, better quality, and a "greener" product overall.
12)Do you do custom printing/promotional totes? No, we have discontinued custom printing. If you would like to buy one of our established products in bulk for an event, we can have them shipped to a custom printer in your local area. Please email us at service@organicbaglady.com for bulk pricing information regarding your inquiry.
