You are grabbing a bottle of organic vino and jam purees for a lovely night in, and the grocery store clerk asks: Do you prefer paper or plastic, Madame? A seemingly harmless question …Or is it? Dun, dun, dunnnn! The decision between paper, plastic and reusable bags can have a huge impact on the world around us. Mother Earth said so.

The production of paper bags causes 70-percent more pollution than plastic, while plastic bags that get buried in landfills take up to 1,000 years to breakdown. In the process, they separate into smaller and smaller toxic particles that contaminate soil and water. Not to mention, when plastic “photo degrades,”it ends up in our oceans. Incidentally, it looks like plankton to be consumed by fish before coincidentally winding up on your dinner table. Seconds, please!

Choose a more stylish, eco-friendly alternative to tote your groceries, laundry and knickknacks in a way that is fun and functional. There is no quick fix to the problem of global warming, but a lot of small steps in the right direction will add up to one big hurrah.

#1. Planet Saver Sacks. Get your bouquets from local farmers who practice growing sustainable, organic florals without the use of toxic pesticides. By buying locally, you are also avoiding transportation pollution from overseas, provide local jobs and get fresher local produce. $20.  Visit www.planetsaversacks.com.

#2. Artecnica + TBWA Recycled Billboard Stretch Bag.* Inspired by Artecnica’s Design w/Conscience program, TBWA Advertising Agency has piggybacked on the savvy design leader to recycle their large-format billboards for a reusable stretch shoulder bag. The hip carry-along can support up to 33 pounds and is available in a handful of perky colors of 100-percent recycled billboard. The minimal 2-D design cleverly expands into a 3-D form for easy storage in the smallest of spaces. $16; Visit artecnicainc.com *Tip: Though sexy, stay away from the leather one, which is naturally not animal friendly.

#3. Envirosax. Envirosax Organic Series bags are printed with vegetable based inks and are packaged in a recycled cardboard box that has been printed with organic soy-based waterless inks. The bags come with their own little pouch for easy storage in a glove compartment or handbag. $8.50 – $24.95; Available at www.envirosax.com

Pick up a few varieties and store some at home or in the trunk of your car so you always have a bag accessible. Might even give the ‘bagger’ another reason to walk you to your car. Wink, wink.

-Rebekah