Summer is wrapping up but we can be reminded of our salty sailing expeditions all year round when we tote around bags from Sea Bags. The company has been creating bags and accessories from reclaimed sailcloth in the historic Old Port district of Portland, Maine since 1999. Today they have a wide assortment of not just duffles and tote bags but wine totes (hello!), iPad cases, dog bowls and shaving cases. All the sails have been used in the past so markings, weathering and various stamps and stripes are part of their charm.
Seabags has collaborated with many different companies but recently they worked with a great charity, Gulf of Maine Research Institute to create a limited edition tote bag and bucket bag. Fifty percent of every bag purchased will benefit GMRI’s scientific research around the sustainability of our natural resources and working waterfronts.
“Commitment to community has always been a cornerstone to our business model,” said Beth Shissler, President of Sea Bags. “This project underscores the broad sense of community around our largest natural resource and our traditional working waterfronts. And GMRI’s mission nicely complements our company’s commitment to sustainable practices.”
The special design features interconnecting bright green and vibrant blue waves – made from recycled spinnaker – wrapped around the white Dacron bag. Each bag is unique. Inside the large tote (14″ h x 18″) there is a hanging zip pocket in additional to the typical slip pocket located between the rope handles. The bucket bag is 9.5″h x 7″w and hangs by a rope handle knotted through grommets.
Even though beach days are over, these are great weekend bags, grocery bags (eco-shopping bro!) or even a laundry bag at school. And take note all you boat owners, send in your sails and they will make you a bag. Now that’s sailing sustainability!
