Paper or plastic? By now we've all been educated to respond with a resounding "no thanks!" The benefits of BYOB (bringing your own bag) are overwhelming, but what bag to bring?

The most popular and exclusive is the Anya Hindmarch "I'm not a plastic bag" which has become almost hysterically popular. Retailing for around $15, these rare items frequently go for $100-$200 on Ebay, sell out in a matter of hours in retail stores, and have people queuing up in line well before dawn. And with it's release in the US this month, one has to ask, "Why so popular?" Have so many people decided to end the plastic bag addiction? Unfortunately not. This bag is all brand and trend, which ultimately harms the concept because as the fad moves out of vogue so does the desire to end plastic bag consumption. While the message is important and bringing awareness to the issue is always positive, at what cost does this bag achieve these ends?

The bag is neither organic nor Fair Trade, and is produced in China. A spokeswoman for Sainsbury in England, the store which first carried the bags, claimed the factory "has been visited to ensure high standards of ethical trading," yet the company refuses to release the factory name so that these claims can be substantiated. Additionally, the cotton industry is one that frequently falls far short of ethical conduct and is commonly accused of utilizing child labor. A spokeswoman for Anya Hindmarch has responded that they never claimed this bag is perfect but rather are trying "to use our influence as a maker of luxury goods to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags." It is true that the company never sought to disguise the fact that the bag was made in China, nor that it was not Fair Trade nor organic. But why not? With the opportunity to effect change in so many people, both consumers and producers, why did the company not choose to source organic, Fair Trade cotton and labor?

As an alternative, check out ECOBAGS Fair Trade and recycled cotton bags or Make Trade Fair totes, which is more than a just a tongue in cheek slogan.

For tips on how remember to bring your new bag when shopping, check out Kicking the Plastic Bag Habit.