Bazurabags

Bazurabags - the newest fashion trend in handbags - are sweeping North America and putting shopper’s money towards a good cause. Made entirely out of sanitized juice containers, a less-fortunate group of Filipino women have created a one-of a kind accessory that puts glamour into recycled goods. Made especially for the ahead-of-the-curve girl, these trendy totes give flavour to fashion and support to fair-trade.

“Basura” means ‘garbage’ in the Philippines. The Bazura bag is symbolic of this meaning – taking garbage and turning it into something fashionable and fun.

The Filipino women saw an opportunity in the millions of juice containers hitting landfills every day. These women decided to transform this ‘trash’ into a collection of eco-chic handbags for the fashion forward female, and create a living for themselves in the process.

With absolutely no start-up capital and only the assistance of the local village council, six women set up a women's cooperative 'Livelihood' project. Today, the co-op has more than 500 members, with 250 working full time on the project. The Co-op pays school children to collect over 50,000 used juice containers per day. These juice containers are then washed, sanitized and processed into a wide variety of bags, accessories, sandals, and home furnishings. These products are now exported and sold in over 15 countries around the world.

Bazurabags are anything but basic and are available in a rainbow of colours and various shapes and sizes, perfect for the girl-on-the-go. Take them to the beach, on vacation, or just out for fun in the sun. Bazurabags are designed for trend setters of all ages. Their stylish flair makes for the perfect accessory while paying tribute to the sprit of giving to a good cause. For the first time, the joy of guilt-free shopping can be celebrated with one accessory.

Unlike most third world factory workers toiling away in sweatshops, these women are entrepreneurs and shareholders. They work for themselves and have a positive impact on their community and, at the same time, they encourage environmentalism.

We are proud to promote their enterprise.

Bazurabags are available for purchase here.