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If 10,000 Chicago Biters buy only recycled or repurposed fabric goods for one year instead of brand-new stuff, we'll avert the weight of almost two Chicago L cars in textile waste from carpeting landfills.

Posh Spice is rumored to own more than 100 Hermes bags, each costing about $8,000.

Sweet Sensation

The Bite

Looking for a honey of a handbag that’ll make you drool? Get a taste of the arm candy from Volk Handbags, a new line of totes made from recycled clothes and other fabrics. Hand-sewn by Daniel Volk, a 28-year-old barista at the new Elements café, these quirky bags creatively repurpose everything from curtains and tablecloths to old necklaces and leather belts – yours or his. Still can’t bear to part with that pink plaid get-up from the first day of high school? Hand it over to Daniel for a makeover; he’ll custom-sew a bag using any recycled fabrics or clothing your heart desires. Sweet indeed.

Wanna Try

Volk recycled bags; Elements, 741 N. Wells St. b/t Superior St. and Chicago Ave. (877-642-6574). Pre-sewn bags, $76; custom bags, $100 and up.

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