Either at the beach, at the mall or even the supermarket, you should always carry a functional and chic bag, like the famous tote bag. The tote bag is a very useful article that can also help save the environment. By using a tote bag while shopping, and not a plastic bag, which is not biodegradable, you are reducing the contamination in our planet. This is why designers like Stella McCartney, Anya Hindmarch and other famous designers have designed reusable bags with the purpose of educating and spreading the ecologic conscience in consumers.

Other than this use, the tote bag makes you look chic at the beach and at the mall, for example. It is also very practical and comfortable, with sufficient space to conserve your belongings. There are millions of designs with different types of compartments and also others that include a smaller bag to help you organize your things better, including smaller pieces like makeup and accessories.

Tote bags are available in millions of prints, solids and materials like cotton, leather, impermeable material, nylon and linen, among others. You can also find some design with wooden or even rope made handles. The most practical fabrics can even fold practically and are resistant to water.

If you still don't own a tote bag, this is the perfect moment to do it since it is one of the #1 items for this summer. It was part of all the proposals for the 2008 spring and summer season of different acclaimed designers like Oscar de la Renta and Cynthia Rowley. Also, popular retailers like Mango, H&M, Ann Taylor, The Gap, and even Old Navy are selling their exclusive models also.

The different varieties in designs make it difficult to choose one for you, but it opens up a world of options for your decision. You should always consider the construction of the model; verify that the handles and corners are well elaborated to sustain your belonging's weight. Also, keep in mind that a bag with a shorter handle can be a little uncomfortable to carry. One good tip to follow when buying a new tote bag is to do a little experiment by putting your own handbag inside the model you are interested in buying, this way you can feel if the weight is too much for you.

If other than going shopping or to the beach with your bag you are planning to use it as your handbag to more formal affairs, remember that your outfit can loose visibility with a bigger tote. If you are looking for a more formal bag, try considering one adequate for your size.

On the green side, the typical family accumulates an estimate of 60 plastic bags with four visits to the supermarket. By using a tote bag to carry your new bought articles you reduce the waste of plastic material that affects so much our ecological balance. Fashion can make the world a better place, consider being part of this.