Earth to Urth

The "Shannon" Recycled Magazine Tote Bag features magnetic closure and expandable sides, spirited magazine images, and an exterior made from salvaged plastic.

UrthBags

Do you have the guts to really make a statement with your purse?

Not something like, “Hey, look at me, my bag cost $600 because of the name on it,” or “I really like purple leather,” or “My bag is so huge because my life is this crazy.” By slinging one of designer Monica Ralli’s UrthBags (www.urthbags.com) across your shoulder, you’re saying that you care about women, the planet, and our impact on it. UrthBags are hand-crafted from recycled materials by fair trade women's organizations and artisans, protecting the environment while providing jobs to underprivileged women world-wide. Choose from vibrant recycled juice box bags, chic recycled seashell purses, and recycled newspaper/fashion magazine handbags. Sashay caught up with Monica to find out why she loves Urth and Earth.

Where did you get the idea for UrthBags?

The UrthBags Eco-Chic Handbags concept stemmed from my on-going mission to find the most innovative, effective ways to reduce the amount of waste in this world. In 2007, before I sold The OC Spa & Wellness Center, I was determined to incorporate an exclusive, creative green, fun and fashion-forward product line into our retail store. One evening, while at home and attempting to organize my somewhat chaotic closet, I realized that I had an obvious handbag and purse obsession.

Then a light bulb went on in my head: Why couldn't I create a recycled handbag line made from discarded materials that were contributing to the many land-fills?

When/why did you become interested in eco-friendly ways of living?

While I've always been extremely conscientious about the environment and recycling, I never really considered it to be any specific way of living; it was just who I was. From the food I eat to what I buy, toss, reuse and how I live in my daily life, I'm constantly working to reduce my environmental impact. Observing the whole "green" movement take shape and grow has been incredibly refreshing and inspiring for me. I am so thankful for having such an effective vehicle to encourage others to live more "eco-consciously". I feel that there is no limit to where this "green" movement can take us and the positive impact it will continue having on our entire planet. [Image at left: Margareta Recycled Juice Box Handbag]


What specific environmental issue are you most passionate about?

Sustainable nutrition and animal rights certainly top my list! I am a certified nutritionist and follow a raw, plant-based diet. I've just recently created a green-living blog where I hope to educate and inspire others to become more eco-friendly, fit and healthy. In my mind, once we work towards changing our mindset about how each of our thoughts, choices and actions directly affect our surroundings, health and well-being, we will make the most long-lasting environmental impact.

What specific environmental issue would you like to learn more about?

Aside from sustainable world-wide nutrition and disease prevention, alternative green energy technology such as solar and wind power along with the development of electric cars are of great interest to me. There's nothing that sounds much better than our country becoming independent of foreign oil while improving our air quality, overall health and maximizing the use of the abundant natural, planet-friendly energy sources that surround us. [Image Above Right: Recycled Sea Shell Bag. Satin lining.]

What natural phenomena do you love the most?

Natural cloud formations are truly amazing to me.