Review: Envirosax Botanica Bag 2

Envirosax is based in San Diego, California. Last Saturday, I put to the test their Botanica Bag 2 ($8.50) from the Graphic Series eco-friendly bags. The bag I tried was literally green, complete with a leaf design.

But first, here’s what the Envirosax website had to say about the Graphic Series bags:

“Lightweight polyester, portable, waterproof, and weighing just 1.4oz each, these groovy bags are available individually or as a series of 5 contained within a handy pouch. With reinforced seams, each surprisingly large bag can hold a weight the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags.

Bag dimensions (unrolled) 19.5″ x 16.5″
Bag dimensions (rolled-up) 4″ x 1.5″
Weight capacity 44 lbs
Bag weight 1.4 oz”

Empty, it hardly weighs anything. Folded, it fits in my palm, so it can easily fit in your bag, your purse, your pocket. The Botanica Bag 2 is both colorful and eye-catching, adding that “oomph!” to your daily shopping routine.

I brought it with me when I went to buy produce. Of course, not only did it generate questions from other female shoppers, it also stood up to the challenge of carrying the produce I bought.

Now, the bag is made of polyester. I don’t know whether or not the verdict is out on how eco-friendly polyester is, but there is such a thing as recycled polyester, which, in my book, makes it better. I did send an e-mail to Envirosax to ask about the polyester they use. Here’s what I learned:

“It is actually made from virgin polyester which is not recycled. The reason we make it out of this material is because it is in its strongest form which can hold up to 45 pounds. Also makes it easier to roll. It is a give and take as most people forget the big canvas bag and end up n the grocery line having to use a plastic bag. The compact size of our bags allows people to always have them with them because they can carry them in their purse or back pack.”

Anyway, the price, the color, the convenience, the portability, the fashion “oomph!” and the green-ness all add up to make Envirosax Botanica Bag 2 a worthwhile buy.