[{"content":{"header":"","main":"[Gothamist](/)\n\nA non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.\n\n[Gothamist](/)\n\n![WNYC](/live-stream-logos-white/wnyc-fm939.svg) Listen Live\n\n[Donate](https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/gothamist/?utm_medium=partnersite\u0026utm_source=gothamist\u0026utm_campaign=homepage-header)\n\n \n\n \n\n[Arts \u0026 Entertainment](/arts-entertainment)\n\n# The \"I'm Not A Plastic Bag\" Craze Hits New York\n\n* * *\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/327430/fill-60x60%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-70/)](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nBy\n\n[Jen Carlson](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nPublished Jul 18, 2007\n\nModified Mar 7, 2008\n\n* * *\n\nShare\n\nFacebookTwitterRedditEmail\n\n* * *\n\nNever miss a story\n\n Email address\n\nBy submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our [Terms](https://www.wnyc.org/terms/) .\n\n* * *\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/327430/fill-60x60%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-70/)](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nBy\n\n[Jen Carlson](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nPublished Jul 18, 2007\n\nModified Mar 7, 2008\n\n* * *\n\nShare\n\nFacebookTwitterRedditEmail\n\n* * *\n\nWe rely on your support to make local news available to all\n\nMake your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. [Donate today](https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/gothamist/?utm_medium=partnersite\u0026utm_source=gothamist\u0026utm_campaign=article-top)\n\nGothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations\n\n![2007wfoods.jpg](https://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2007wfoods.jpg)Yesterday we mentioned London designer Anya Hindmarch's *I'm Not A Plastic Bag* was finally [arriving at Whole Foods](http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/bowery/) today. The canvas tote was made popular by a combination of things including [celebrity](http://www.imnotobsessed.com/category/petra-nemcova/) and unavailability. Hindmarch told the [NY Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/dining/18bags.html?_r=1\u0026oref=slogin) “To create awareness you have to create scarcity by producing a limited edition. I hate the idea of making the environment trendy, but you need to make it cool and then it becomes a habit.”\n\nWe're all for everyone using reusable bags, but why spend hundreds of dollars on this particular one? That's the going rate [on eBay](http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40\u0026_trksid=m37\u0026satitle=i%27m%20not%20a%20plastic%20bag\u0026category0=), where we're sure some New Yorkers will be making their rent money later (the retail price is $15). When the bags hit LA last month, [LAist](http://www.laist.com/2007/06/21/im_not_a_plasti.php) and [TMZ](http://www.tmz.com/2007/06/23/im-not-a-plastic-bag-just-a-fool-for-waiting-for-one/) reported from the front lines. Bags sold out there by 2pm, however here in New York at the Columbus Circle location (with 3,000 bags in stock) they were sold out [in 29 minutes](http://www.ecorazzi.com/?p=3358). Even in the morning downpour! The Ecorazzi also report that \"a fight broke out on line as a woman pushed her way to the front, feeling she should have priority because she works for the NYC schools. Another woman is said to have fainted.\"\n\n![2007wholefoods.jpg](https://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2007wholefoods.jpg)Of course, there are many options for reusable bags that can be obtained without violence: Trader Joe's sells a variety of [reusable bags](http://www.flickr.com/photos/pondblue/475601019/) for a few bucks, and even rewards customers who use any reusable bag with a monthly lottery for free groceries. The website [Reusable Bags](http://www.reusablebags.com/) has a ton of great eco-friendly options. And there's always the reactionary [\"I'm Not A Smug \\_\\_\\_\\_\"](http://www.ekmpowershop4.com/ekmps/shops/frommarissav/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT\u0026productid=24) imitation bag.\n\nWhether you stand in line for 3 hours to get the next big \"It\" bag at Whole Foods or not, keep the facts about plastic bags in mind next time you're buying groceries. Over 380 billion plastic bags are consumed in the U.S. each year, they take about 500 years to degrade and less than 1% reuse them. Get the facts [here](http://www.reusablebags.com/facts.php), and then get your own canvas bag and [\"just say no\" to plastic](http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/do_something/actiondetails.php?pid=1).\n\nUpdate: [Here's a video of the craziness](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXaLdRdMK-M).\n\n*Photos via [Ecorazzi](http://www.ecorazzi.com/), by Melissa Rosenberg.*\n\nTagged\n\n[celebrity](/tags/celebrity)\n\n[columbus](/tags/columbus)\n\n[columbus circle](/tags/columbus-circle)\n\n[dining](/tags/dining)\n\n[ebay](/tags/ebay)\n\n[environment](/tags/environment)\n\n[food shopping](/tags/food-shopping)\n\n[la](/tags/la)\n\n[laist](/tags/laist)\n\n[london](/tags/london)\n\n[money](/tags/money)\n\n[new york](/tags/new-york)\n\n[new yorkers](/tags/new-yorkers)\n\n[ny times](/tags/ny-times)\n\n[nyc](/tags/nyc)\n\n[photos](/tags/photos)\n\n[plastic bag](/tags/plastic-bag)\n\n[plastic bags](/tags/plastic-bags)\n\n[retail](/tags/retail)\n\n[schools](/tags/schools)\n\n[the environment](/tags/the-environment)\n\n[Trader Joe](/tags/trader-joe)\n\n[trader joe's](/tags/trader-joes)\n\n[video](/tags/video)\n\n[Whole Foods](/tags/whole-foods)\n\n* * *\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/327430/fill-86x86%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-70/)](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\n[Jen Carlson](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nJen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.\n\n[Read more](/staff/jen-carlson)\n\nGothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations\n\n* * *\n\nGothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations\n\n* * *\n\nMORE arts-entertainment\n\n[](/arts-entertainment/lina-bradford-icon-of-new-yorks-queer-club-scene-celebrates-3-decades-of-djing)\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/356513/fill-897x598%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-80/)](/arts-entertainment/lina-bradford-icon-of-new-yorks-queer-club-scene-celebrates-3-decades-of-djing)\n\n[Lina Bradford, icon of New York's queer club scene, celebrates 3 decades of DJing](/arts-entertainment/lina-bradford-icon-of-new-yorks-queer-club-scene-celebrates-3-decades-of-djing)\n\nHow she's maintained relevance and power behind the decks — from witchcraft to protest.\n\n[![](/avatar.svg)](/staff/rich-juzwiak)\n\nBy\n\n[Rich Juzwiak](/staff/rich-juzwiak)\n\nPublished Apr 17, 2026 at 1:53 p.m. ET\n\n* * *\n\n[](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/356497/fill-433x289%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-80/)](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\n[Head to the Queens Night Market for a smorgasbord of cheap street food](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\nThe Market returns this weekend for its 11th season, and everything is $6 or less.\n\nBy\n\n[Walter Wuthmann](/staff/walter-wuthmann)\n\n[](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\n[![](https://api-prod.gothamist.com/images/356497/fill-318x212%7Cformat-webp%7Cwebpquality-80/)](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\n[Arts \u0026 Entertainment](/arts-entertainment)\n\n[Head to the Queens Night Market for a smorgasbord of cheap street food](/arts-entertainment/head-to-the-queens-night-market-for-a-smorgasbord-of-cheap-street-food)\n\nThe Market returns this weekend for its 11th season, and everything is $6 or less.\n\nBy\n\n[Walter Wuthmann](/staff/walter-wuthmann)\n\n* * *\n\n[The increasingly rare breed of New Yorkers who drink hot coffee year round](/arts-entertainment/the-increasingly-rare-breed-of-new-yorkers-who-drink-hot-coffee-year-round)\n\nBy\n\n[James Ramsay](/staff/james-ramsay)\n\n[The LES is the city's new vintage district. With prices high and supply low, can it last?](/arts-entertainment/the-les-is-the-citys-new-vintage-district-with-prices-high-and-supply-low-can-it-last)\n\nBy\n\n[Quinn Moreland](/staff/quinn-moreland)\n\n[Martha Cooper photographed graffiti's origins. Decades later, she's still at it.](/arts-entertainment/martha-cooper-photographed-graffitis-origins-decades-later-shes-still-at-it)\n\nBy\n\n[Walter Wuthmann](/staff/walter-wuthmann)\n\n* * *\n\nNever miss a story\n\nCatch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.\n\n*Sign up*Email address\n\nBy submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our [Terms](https://www.wnyc.org/terms/) .","footer":"\n\n[Advertising](https://sponsorship.wnyc.org)[Contact Us](/contact/)[Our Team](/our-team/)[RSS Feed](https://gothamist.com/feed)[Diversity (DEI)](https://www.nypublicradio.org/diversity-dei-overview/)[Careers](https://nypublicradio.org/careers/)\n\n[Gothamist](/)\n\nGothamist is a website about New York City news, arts, events and food, brought to you by New York Public Radio.\n\n[Advertising](https://sponsorship.wnyc.org)[Contact Us](/contact/)[Our Team](/our-team/)[RSS Feed](https://gothamist.com/feed)[Diversity (DEI)](https://www.nypublicradio.org/diversity-dei-overview/)[Careers](https://nypublicradio.org/careers/)\n\n* * *\n\n[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/gothamist \"https://www.facebook.com/gothamist\")[Twitter](https://twitter.com/gothamist \"https://twitter.com/gothamist\")[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gothamist \"https://www.instagram.com/gothamist\")[Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_2VeS5Q9_sMZRhtvF0c5Q \"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_2VeS5Q9_sMZRhtvF0c5Q\")\n\n[Terms Of Use](https://www.wnyc.org/terms)[Privacy Policy](https://www.wnyc.org/privacy)[Accessibility](https://media.wnyc.org/media/resources/2022/May/06/accessibility_policy_5.6.22.pdf)\n\n©2025 New York Public Radio. All rights reserved."},"metadata":{"title":"The \"I'm Not A Plastic Bag\" Craze Hits New York","description":"Yesterday we mentioned London designer Anya Hindmarch's I'm Not A Plastic Bag","imageUrl":"https://gothamist.com/gothamist_og.png","author":null,"published":"2007-07-18T16:09:56Z","modified":"2008-03-07T10:19:10Z"},"rate":{"price":{"priceMicros":0,"currency":""},"license":{"cuid":"","licenseType":"","licensePath":"","permissions":[],"validUntil":""},"error":""}}]