Green Cotton

Looking for an eco-chic way to tote your lunch?

Fulfill at least two New Year’s resolutions at once – go green AND eat out less – with the 3 R’s lunch sacs from Print Pattern Paper.

Made from fair trade, organic cotton, these bags are the perfect size to tote all your goodies. And the playful, colorful images? They’re inspired by Print Pattern Paper founder/artist/designer Rebecca Peragine’s quirky-cute recycled paper prints.

Explore the company’s site, and you’ll find more eco-friendly totes, along with unique artwork that would cheer up any living space. Peragine, both an artist and a mom, crafts bright, whimsical paper pieces that are “inspired by daily life.”

Peragine is a Wisconsin native who moved to Mexico, opened a coffee shop, and started her first company Art & Philanthropy by crafting collages entirely out of recycled textiles. In Mexico, Peragine also became involved in a woman’s co-op and the PEACE organization. Though living back in Wisconsin, Peragine continues to work with PEACE and other grassroots organizations that help support women and children.

My favorite of Peragine’s prints is “Paz,” part of the PEACE collection. It serves as a great reminder of environmental stewardship and responsibility – I want to display it above my recycling bins! – as well as a symbol of harmony and equality.

For bags, I love the Oliver Owl lunch sac (similar to top bag). It’s so cute and boho-chic, it could easily pass for a purse! The adorable appliqué is only part of the appeal—this tote is also washable and has drawstring and Velcro closures. Now lunch is a piece of cake (and who doesn’t love cake?)!

And for shopping trips or days when you need to carry a little extra, Print Pattern Paper has the roomy market tote. Perfect for a trip to your favorite food store or even an overnight, the bag also has an internal pocket to fit a cell phone, sunglasses and change purse.

For a lighter trip, the library chic tote is appropriately named, as it makes the perfect bag for books, folders or magazines. I love the Green Peace design; in white cotton, it’s subtle, chic, and still makes a bold statement. And at $9.50, it’s both eco-friendly and affordable!

With unique, eco-friendly artwork and bags, there’s much to love about Print Pattern Paper.

Not surprisingly too, Print, Pattern, Paper’s blog is also great. There you will find insights into how the printing and paper-making process is done and how her fabulous designs come to be. You will also find adorable models wearing P*P*P’s products.

Check out the website and find your own favorites; at great prices, you could score a fun print and a bag and still have enough left for your organic groceries!

Print*Pattern*Paper has graciously offered a 20% Discount for Green Cotton readers. Just enter in the code GREEN09 at checkout. Happy shopping!

By Erin Dale