Pick up any green magazine or read any eco blog and no doubt you will run into the plastic bag issue. With billions of them going to the landfills annually, it’s not surprising you keep hearing about it.

But before you go off to buy some, below I give you a few tips on how NOT to buy a reusable bag.

1. Don’t Buy A Brand – It’s not necessary to spend $125 on a reusable bag. Don’t buy the hype, get a bag that does the job in style but doesn’t break the bank.

2. Don’t Buy From Half Way Around The World – If the bag you’re buying is coming from Egypt, Chile, Canada, the UK or Zimbabwe – the eco benefit is canceled. The cost of transport, shipping, etc is too great.Try to keep your purchases at least in the same continent.

3. Don’t Buy Leather – Leather is not eco friendly. Instead try canvas, hemp, straw, jute, bamboo, or organic cotton. If you’re heck bent on leather, look for recycled leather bags.

4. Don’t Buy Silk - See above.

5. Don’t Buy, Make – If you’re the least bit crafty, challenge yourself to a cool DIY reusable bag. And for extra points – reuse household items like an old t-shirt, ties, coat, jacket, or heck – even floppy disks.  Search google for “DIY eco bag”.

These are my ideas on how NOT to buy a reusable bag.

image via web ecoist

*the bag pictured above is not affiliated or available through Keetsa