Candy Wrapper Handbags

Candy wrapper handbags are just that – super-cute handbags made out of discarded candy wrappers. It's a way to recycle, support excellent causes and small businesses, and be on the cutting edge of fashion all at the same time.

Sweetiepurse Candy Wrapper Purses at Boomingdale's

Many designers are getting in on the act because the bags are so eye-popping and charming, but the originator of the handbags is Ecoist. Founded in 2004, the company's goal was to combine great design with a social and environmental consciousness. Taking things that too often get thrown away, even when they can be recycled, Ecoist saw a way of turning those items from landfill to high style, while also creating great jobs and promoting awareness of sustainability.

Many people think that small efforts don't count in the fight against global climate change, but this is far from the case. Every conscious decision to keep items out of landfills is important. And when you buy a candy wrapper handbag, you are also supporting small businesses and making a bold fashion statement!

All of Ecoist's bags are handmade and, although they might bear some similarities, each one is of course one-of-a kind.

So where do they come from? In the case of candy wrappers, they are not sent in by individuals but rather, the companies themselves. Candy wrappers, soda labels and various food packages regularly have manufacturing accidents that lead to unusable wrappers. These used to go straight to landfills, but the brilliant designers at Ecoist saw an opportunity to repurpose them in a fun new way. The wrappers are folded by hand and laid out in visually enticing patterns. The bags are finished with care, each one being strong, sturdy and – surprisingly – water resistant.

The basic "baguette" is the classic candy wrapper handbag. It's small and yet holds everything you need for a fun day or evening and has a detachable wristlet. Patterns may change depending on what's available, but each bag is a delight.

Of the best-selling bags, you can choose from such very handy items as The Daily, a shoulder bag with classic structure and padded handles. It is capacious and features a magnetic snap closure.

The Every/Any clutch is one of the most popular bags – you can toss in a phone, keys, cash and a lipstick and attach a plastic wristlet if need be. Perfect for a night on the town.

The coin purses are also a big hit – an easy way to jazz up an ordinary handbag and also a great gift.

While Ecoist is the biggest name in candy wrapper handbags, so well-established that they can now plant a tree for every bag sold and are famous for their commitment to fair trade, there are other designers creating the bags as well.

• Nahui Ollin makes an enormous selection of candy wrapper bags in a variety of useful shapes and sizes. You may not be able to carry a laptop in one, but you can otherwise have a candy wrapper for every one of your bag needs. You can get shoulder bags, totes, satchels, messenger bags, clutches and wristlets.

• Sweetiepurse offers a delicious selection of candy wrapper bags, including clutches, smaller purses, and larger tote-like styles. Sweetie purse purchases also support Grupedsac, an organization that assists villages in improving water and agricultural conditions for survival.

Other places you can purchase recycled candy and other wrapper purses include:

• Save the World Designs
• It's Our Earth

The bags are becoming so popular, individuals are interested in learning how to make them at home, either for themselves or to start small businesses.

A candy wrapper handbag may not going to be the cheapest bag you ever buy, but it will last well and always get you a lot of compliments. Best of all, it's an investment in the planet – in carrying one, you are helping to keep landfills empty and supporting small businesses. And of course, you're showing off your great style!

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