New York City : Fashion : Umbrella Bags
Umbrella Bags

Blame It on the Rain

10.28.2009

Submitted by bdisylvester on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 11:00pm.
The Bite:
Break about a Milli-on umbrellas every winter? Sync up with Himane, a company that'll upcycle 'em into waterproof bags. You can recycle yours by dropping it off at Sustainable NYC (which'll send it to Himane), or take it in and have Himane make it into a custom bag - or just pick up one that's already made. There's the embroidered BKekoBrella tote with sturdy straps (great for groceries); the big Maxi Shopper (see photo) made from umbrellas, reused upholstery, and jeans found on Freecycle; or our fave, a Planner Convertible Tote, which starts out stashable but then triples in size when you unfold it. For real. 
Why Care?: 
By reusing materials like umbrellas and denim, Himane keeps tons of stuff out of landfills and it helps preserve resources by, er, bagging production of new materials.
We're going to have our past-its-prime polka dot 'brella turned into the BKekoBrella for the perfect gym bag this winter. It's waterproof (take that rain and snow) with inside pockets for our cell, wallet, and iPod.
Wanna Try: 
Himane, email for custom orders or buy bags at Sustainable NYC, 139 Ave. A (212-254-5400). Maxi Shopper, $35.

Map It 

Cocktail Fact

Rain drops can fall at speeds of about 22 miles per hour.

Small Changes Add Up

If 10,000 NY Biters recycle five umbrellas, we'll keep the weight of over 4,000 gallons of rainwater - enough to fill 80 kitchen sinks - in waste from pouring into landfills.

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