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I’m Not a Plastic Bag, I am a Human Being!

Mike Catherall
October 23, 2007
Sales of the trendy environmental tote designed by Anya Hindmarch labeled ‘I’m not a plastic bag’ were put on hold in Hong Kong a few months ago, due to fear over chaos from the waiting crowds.

Huge numbers of people, hundreds of who queued overnight, demanded to be let in for the launch of the designer bag, forcing the shopping center to call the police.

One police officer estimated that by Friday morning as many as 2000 people were waiting outside Hong Kong's up-market Landmark centre to buy the creation.

While it’s safe to assume that environmental consciousness wasn’t the driving force behind this fashion trend, the bag does serve to raise awareness. The plain cream tote with the large black lettering simply states ‘I’m not a plastic bag’.

The fashion industry in general is moving in a more sustainable direction. Even Nike recently released a new line of sustainable shoes called ‘Considered’. The plastics and adhesives have been removed, and recycled rubber is used in the construction process.


Of course consumers are justified in their skepticism, as it is a long road before any of the major companies can be considered green. For now, there is no comprehensive list of which companies are eco-friendly, nor is there an industry-wide standard that clothing lines must adhere to.

Alternatives do exist though. Many online stores offer a wide-range of eco-friendly clothing lines, as well as cosmetics and food. Check out veganessetials.com and responsibleshopper.org.

Of course the more environmentally friendly option is to buy locally, but even with the fashion industries current embrace of sustainability, shopping green at home is not always an option for the consumer.

Conservation, environmental awareness and recycling seem to be becoming much more than a fashion statement, destined for the back of the closet with last years shoes. It’s becoming a way of life.

Co-written with Maria Hruschak
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Mike Catherall

Mike Catherall is the founder of Immersion Creative. 



The idea behind this new Vancouver advertising agency is that the best solutions are often found by completely immersing the writer in a client's environment, to get a true feel of the business. 

Working from within, Mike can produce everything from TV ads, to websites, to brochures, radio and ambient, all the while creating an online presence that will keep you on the first page of Google.



Also, unlike other Vancouver advertising agencies, Immersion also has complete access to a fleet of ice cream trucks.



Ice Cream Truck Advertising - for ads they'll chase after.

 To find out more, visit Immersion Creative, or call 604 537 1874.

Mike is an award-winning English copywriter and columnist as well as a former Native English teacher. He has worked for some of the world's most prestigious agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather and Publicis on clients such as Disneyland, Mercedes-Benz, Citibank and Western Union.

For years, Mike worked as a copywriter in Hong Kong. He has also written novels, radio plays, children's books, screenplays, and more than ten blogs.

His adventures as an English copywriter can be found here. In his American Chronicle columns, Mike's focus is on sustainability advertising. His current clients include Toronto psychologist Donna Ferguson, mattress Vancouver retailer Simmons Mattress Gallery, Victoria mattress retailer, Mattress Choice, as well as CRNE prep course instructors - Primed Educational Associates and companies to help you get a pardon in Canada.