Local designers are making a commitment to Hawai'i's environment by creating eco-friendly tote bags that can be used to carry everything and anything: groceries, textbooks, diapers, or beach and athletic gear.

Each artist or company has its own aesthetic, with a nod to our island environment. With art both serious and fun, they make a fine fashion statement in addition to helping save environmental resources.

Their message: Just say no to paper and plastic.

Above, from left:

1. Len & Jen fold-up totes created by Jennifer Gonsalves and Alena Heim (www.lenandjen.biz). See how small it folds up to pop in a handbag? At Split Obsession (Ala Moana and Koko Marina centers), Adore (Kahala Mall), Red Ginger (Manoa) and Shanghai Tang (Ala Moana), $10.

2. Makeke 'eke (market bag) HoloHolo tote with art by Dietrich Varez, created by Peter Apo (www.peterapocompany.com), Na Mea Hawai'i (Ward Warehouse), $60.

3. Mahi mahi Gathering Bag by Linda Van Alstine and friends of Maui Monkey Business (www.mauimonkeybusiness.com), Na Mea Hawai'i, $54.

4. Hula Daddy Omiyagi tote from recycled burlap coffee bags by Barb Sasaki of Sasaki Bags on the Big Island (www.sasakibags.com), Na Mea Hawai'i, $42.

5. Soozou Bag by Pia Kuhlemann, made from recycled sails of yachts sailed in Hawai'i waters and sewn by women from Kokua Kalihi Valley (www.soozou.com), eTown (Chinatown), $98.

6. Tiare Lani bag made from recycled burlap coffee bags, created by Ed Fernandez
of The Organik on the Big Island (www.theorganik.com), Whole Foods (Kahala Mall), $34.50.

7. Recycled vintage Hawaiian print tote by Mu'umu'u Heaven, (www.muumuuheaven.com), Whole Foods, Mu'umu'u Heaven (Kailua), $25.

8. Nightmoves Hobo Ecolicious canvas tote bag with art by husband-and-wife team Carol D'Angelo and Dexter Doi, (www.doidangeloartworks.com), Na Mea Hawai'i, Whole Foods, UH-Manoa bookstore, $48.