in large part to

Oakland lost the suit, due in large part to the virtual smokescreen set up by the plastics industry arguing that paper bags were worse for the environment than plastic and that not enough compostable resin was available to meet demand." http://www.moncleroutletvip.com/

Despite the loss, the East Bay (known for our tree hugging ways) prevailed and reusable bags can be found at virtually every retailer across the Bay Area. Most stores have jumped on the reusable bandwagon and why not? They charge you for the bag and they get free advertising every time you carry it. There's only one problem for fashionconscious consumers they're hideous. The gambit runs from red nonwoven polyproplene to Hawaiian prints.

Despite the bleakness of the selection in stores, there are two basic, majorly stylish (and local) options for shopping totes: Baggu and Flip Tumble.

Baggu's original and best selling bag, Baggu, is the superman of shopping bags. It comes in vibrant colors and patterns and can be carried over the shoulder or by hand. It can hold 3 plastic grocery bags of stuff, up to 50 lbs. It's made of ripstop nylon, folds flat into a pouch for easy storage, and is machine washable. Understanding that people rarely need just one bag while shopping, the company offers a discount for purchasing more bags. Six or more Baggu bags retail at $7.50 each. Best of all, they are warehoused in San Francisco so you don't have to wait long for your bright new bag. Check out how fantastic these bags look on the street.