The tote that counts

MANILA, Philippines - Green is definitely in. The Ayala Malls recently unveiled Greenology, their bid to continue doing their share in helping the environment. As it is, Ayala Malls are already the most environment friendly malls around with lush parks and water features that double as rainwater reservoirs used for the plants. But these trendsetting malls have taken it one step further, marrying green life with high style. Aside from a fun run and an art exhibit, they enlisted the help of like-minded designers and merchants to take environmentalism one step further by integrating it into the daily shopping experience.

Eco Tote

We’ve all been told to use reusable cloth tote bags instead of disposable or plastic ones, as they lessen the trash that gets tossed in the landfill. But tote bags tend to be plain, and when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Greenology makes using reusable totes fun and fashionable. Some of the most creative personalities of contemporary Philippine fashion have designed totes that look so good, you’ll want to use them as regular bags! Each designer’s bag is different, but all of them are roomy, and part of the proceeds from the P400 price tag will go to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the non-profit organization of the designer’s choice.

 “I have a story attached to my bag,” says Michi Calica-Sotto, who is working with Earth Day Network, an environmental campaign pushing for proper waste management, “the red textured canvass symbolizes the scars of the earth. The arrow you see by the handle is the universal symbol for reuse and recycle.”

Randy Ortiz, who is partnering with the shoemakers of Marikina City, created a bag that doubles as a vest — a look back to the time when he did menswear. Vic Barba taps Gifts and Graces Foundation, an organization that helps marginalized communities, which has been making shopping bags for his own boutique. “It’s about function and proportion,” he says of his dark blue piece. “Normally, a tote bag isn’t long. I wanted to make one that can fit a long folder and can be used by men.”

Animal rights activist Louis Claparols created a bag large and comfortable enough to fit a small dog. “It also has a lot of pockets, so it can fit a lot of stuff,” he says. Part of the proceeds from the sale of his bags will go to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

Jun Escario supports the Gasa sa Gugma, a home for the destitute elderly. His chic creation can be swung over the shoulder, and looks more like a knapsack than a tote. Patrice Ramos-Diaz, who supports Haribon Foundation, keeps it simple but stylish. “My tote is roomy and I designed it in several prints. The idea is to make it available in different designs so that you’ll buy more than one.”

The totes will be available at the Concierge of all Ayala Malls for a limited time.

The green line

Another thing that’s going to be available in the Filipino Zone of Greenbelt 5 for a limited time is The Green Line.

Some of the country’s top local brands and designers have come up with limited-edition creations that will be available to the public for only two weeks, from Sept. 16 to 30.

Brands and designers include Aranaz, Arnel Papa, Bonne Bouche, Gaupo, Myth, Paradi, Religioso and Ana Rocha, Bayo and Folded and Hung. Just the perfect things to put in your new, stylish tote.

With so many earth-friendly shopping options around, there is no reason not to go green.