Tote-ally eco friendly

Newbie management graduate Shreya Shanbhag is on mission possible -- to replace plastic bags with her eclectic collection of eco-friendly totes

Newbie management graduate Shreya Shanbhag is on mission possibleu00a0-- to replace plastic bags with her eclectic collection of eco-friendly totes

When 21 year-old Shreya Shanbhag travelled to London in July last year, she was surprised to find that cotton totes were all the craze. From tourist spots to gift shops and supermarkets, the colourful and convenient tote was selling like hot cakes.

"Incidentally, extra charges are levied in Great Britain on the use of plastic bags. Hence, the locals choose to keep a tote handy since it's re-usable and proves economical in the long run.

Plus, it makes a positive difference to the environment as well," said Shreya. Even in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland, a tax on plastic shopping bags cut down their usage by more than 90% and raised millions of Euros in revenue. This was a far cry from Mumbai where despite a ban, people freely use plastic carry bags.

"If we want to stop the use of plastic bags in the city, we need to offer jazzier alternatives so the younger generation gets hooked. As of now, in India, it's mostly the elderly who use cloth bags for grocery shopping,"
she adds.

So, after completing her Bachelor's in Management Studies (BMS) from Mumbai's Jai Hind College, Shreya chose to steer away from the corporate grind and instead started an eco-friendly ventureu00a0-- Tote-ally, which kick started operations on New Year's Day.

Tote-ally (pronounced as totally) offers biodegradable totes made from fair trade cotton, that sport screen-printed logos, illustrations and catchy slogans on them. For those with the memory of a goldfish, her "For the love of groceries" tote is apt since it has an illustration listing essential items including sugar, onions, salt and milk.

Other totes display slogans such as "Bring your own bag, bugger" and "Give green a chance". If you've just been through a break-up, soothe your senses with the "Almost everything can be recycled" tote that has a picture of a recycle sign shaped as a heart.

She has also roped in graphic designer friend, Friyan Sutaria, to create quirky, kick-ass designs. Friyan's designs include a Hot and Chic collection that depicts a sketch of a young girl in blue and dark green stilettos, respectively.

Shreya is open to designing for individuals, corporates and brands. You can browse through her collection on Facebook or even suggest an idea for a design. Word of advice: place a bulk order, it's economical.
Tote-ally might just be a few weeks old but Shreya's already planning her next move: totes for weddings and bachelorette parties. Tote away, we say.

Call 9819233367
Email toteally.shoppers@gmail.com
Cost Rs 350 onwards

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