Sarah Rose
Sarah Rose

SAN FRANCISCO, May 19, 2009 / FW/ — Sustainability is no longer a fad; it has become a way of life. And though we can credit Al Gore for putting it on the forefront, the current global recession made humankind realize that natural resources are finite and should be conserved.

Imparting that knowledge to its students, San Francisco-based Academy of Art University through its Textile Design department encouraged students to create organic tote bags that are both eco-friendly and artsy, and thus making them more attractive to carry than the non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Using eco-friendly water-based ink, the students produced over 100 totes printing their original design on 100% organic cotton bags.

Available in two sizes ([18” W x 14” H x 5” D] and [16 ¼” W x 14” H x 4” D]) and Made in the U.S.A., each bag retails for $40.00 with all profits going to the student scholarship fund.

According to the EPA, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. Not only are the students attempting to change those numbers, they are urging that their one-of-a-kind creations be repurposed as pieces of art when retired as shopping bags.

Inside each bag is the following ‘Care Instructions’ statement that is both cute and heartwarming.

“I am a one-of-a-kind creation made with love by an Academy of Art University Textile Design student. Only the most earth-friendly cotton and dyes were used to produce me. Fill me with groceries and picnics. The day when I become too threadbare to be worn, repurpose me into a print for your wall. The planet will thank you for creating art and not waste. As an added karmic boost, all profits go to the student scholarship fund.”

Press Preview:

Thursday, May 21st at the Academy of Art University Annual Spring Show Opening Night
Reception from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
601 Brannan Street at 5th Street.

Open to Public:
Thursday, May 21st -7:00 – 9:00 pm
601 Brannan Street at 5th Street.
The bags will be on sale at this venue for one week until May 28th.

Hours:
Monday -Friday: 9:00 – 6:00.
Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00.
Closed Sundays.

After May 28th, bags may be purchased at:

79 Gallery, 79 New Montgomery Street.
Monday -Friday: 9:00 – 6:00.
Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00.
Closed Sundays.

Eco Citizen Boutique
1488 Vallejo Street
Hours:
Monday by appointment
Tuesday thru Saturday: 11 am – 7:00 pm.
Sunday: 12 noon – 6:00 pm.
Tel: 415.614.0100

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