Terri Bly
Recently, I wrote about my need for a new, eco-friendly wallet after mine had been stolen. Twice. To be honest, I kind of wish the perp had stolen my handbag, too.
You see, I’m not one of those women who has, like, 25 bags in my closet. I usually have one or two purses, and then a clutch for the 2 times per year when I attend something clutch-worthy. And the one I’d been toting around for a couple of years was in an embarrassing need of a replacement.
With the situation deteriorating rapidly, I went to one of my favorite new green mega-stores, Pristineplanet.com. I stumbled upon Celery Street and their collection of Engage Green handbags, made from a variety of eco-friendly materials. The patterns were modern and unique; in particular, I was drawn to the line of handbags, totes, messenger bags and wristlets made from 100% recycled, post-consumer PETE bottles. 
I settled on this one, placed my order, and was delighted to see that, up close and personal, it was well-made, beautifully designed, and study enough to withstand the beating it would be taking from me. The fabric I would describe as similar to a high-quality backpack. The design I would describe as definitely not what you’d expect from a backpack. Or from recycled plastic bottles, for that matter. With plenty of interior space, two sizable interior pockets (one that zips) and a large exterior pocket (also zips), I had ample room for all the junk I insist on carrying around. Even better, I no longer looked like I was showing off a trophy from a recent dumpster-diving expedition.
My next challenge will be to avoid becoming one of those women with 25 handbags in her closet; no easy feat, you see, because I really want the Black Satchel, the Spanish Mosaic tote bag, the Blue Buttons wristlet…and then there’s this funky little number, made from organic cotton, hemp and cork:
