Sea Bags: Musings from Maine

Earlier this week TreeHugger Editor, and our guest poster, Meaghan O’Neill mentioned that the sails that Sea Bags uses come from a sail loft in Rhode Island. That would be North Sails! We’ve recently parthered with them for the “Think Green, Buy Blue” program to encourage more people to recycle their sails.

Here’s how it works: From now through September 3rd if you place a new North sail order you’ll automatically receive 25% off the purchase price of your new North sail. They’ll send you a FREE UPS shipping tag along with your new sail so you can ship your old sail to the North Recycling Center. But of course that’s not all! You’ll also get a FREE large tote bag made from recycled sail cloth by Sea Bags, designed by Beth herself!

Not only are you helping to save the planet, but you’re saving money on your new sails as well! Visit the North Sails “Think Green, Buy Blue” page for more information and to register.

When it comes to style, I have a few guidelines for myself: Quality over quantity. Don’t buy it if you don’t love it or if it’s not practical. Go shopping in your own closet. Notice, here, how I am not talking about “fashion,” but something much more universal, less time sensitive, and, frankly, more important. Though my husband doesn’t believe there’s a difference between the two (to wit: his style is bit sloppy; his fashion sense is non-existent), if you’re reading this (which you are), chances are you understand the difference between the two. Fashion is fleeting; style endures. I happen to like style that has a sense of place. And as the editor of the environmental news and lifestyle site TreeHugger, increasingly the pieces — be they throw pillows or brooches — that I like most are those that pass my personal test of sustainability, too.

But going green means a lot more than simply looking for organic cotton or eco-friendly dyes (though these are good characteristics). When I buy stuff I ask myself the following: How long this will last? Do I need it? If it’s clothing, does it fit and drape well? I’m not afraid to spend a little more money on something if I know it will last for ages — nor am I afraid of hand-me-downs, vintage, or stretching basics as far as they can go. I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist, but I don’t like the idea of having too much stuff. I buy for keeps.

So when my sister came home with a Sea Bags tote a few years ago (above), my eyes were drawn straight to it. And when she told me the bag was made from recycled sails from the sail loft where her husband works, my eyes lit up. Here was a Bag I Could Get Behind! If you’ve ever gotten up close and personal with a sailboat sail, then you know just how long-lasting these textiles are. But Sea Bags aren’t just durable, they’re also adorable. And if you live in a place like Newport, RI, as my sister and I do, then carrying a good-looking tote made from reused materials from a local company makes for a great story to tell when you turn heads with one (which you will).

Longevity, style, reuse, and local flair, all tied together with soft cotton rope? Sea Bags can drop anchor in my closet any day.

Image via: SailMaine.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with SailMaine to create a scholarship fund to introduce and encourage students ages 8-18 to learn the sport of sailing.

Individuals who drop off a sail to Sea Bags will receive a complimentary Sea Bags accessory, or, they can donate their sail to the “Sea Bags Scholarship Fund.” We will then donate to SailMaine, made as a quarterly donation. The program started in 2007 and has just been enhanced by this commitment to work together. 

SailMaine is a non-profit organization formed to support sailing in Maine at the grass-roots, community level. SailMaine connects people of all ages and abilities to the coast of Maine through fun and affordable sailing education, recreation, and competition, stimulating individual growth and creating community.

“We know that all children should have the opportunity to sail and we’re thrilled to be a part of these efforts,” said Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler, co-owners of Sea Bags. “Partnering with SailMaine is a perfect match for our business and we’re extremely proud to support our local community.”

Sails can be dropped off at Sea Bags located at 25 Custom House Wharf in Portland, ME. For further information about the program, call Sea Bags at 1.888.210.0744.

July’s issue of Marie Claire features a feel-good fashion page, which includes our Wine Tote! We’re in good company with other great summer finds to make your vacation one to remember. It features a TO – FROM label at the back to record the names of all the gifters and giftees on its way around the globe, eventually begging the question, “Where has your wine bag been?!”

Marie Claire says, “Reduce your carbon footprint with eco-friendly Cape Cod style: It’s how Jackie O would hit the Vineyard today.”

Our Wine Tote can be purchased through our website for $29. It also makes a great hostess gift!