Upgrade Your Bags

ENCORE bags have seen it all. Groceries, school runs, sports gear and the odd beach trip. And it still looks great! They won't quit and certainly get some enquiring comments from strangers. 

These bags have been part of my range since approx 2017 and I am very proud to see them out in the wild. It blows my mind how many people send me pictures of their bags in use from the local pool & beach, to exotic islands or up skifields. Absolutely the best!

This blog will cover a bit of the history behind the material & concept, to the making and different sizes on offer. Then let's reflect back on the sustainable wins from removing material and straps from landfill. 

Have a look at my full range of sizes, colours and styles. You'll thank yourself next time you're lugging half the supermarket home. 

A few pro tips:

1. ENCORE: if it gets grubby just wipe it down or if dirty - hose it down.
2. Goodie + Loot Bags: Pop one in your car or handbag so you are never caught short.
3. WEDGE: store wet togs + goggles OR alternatively as your bag fills with wet things pop your phone + keys inside.

DID YOU KNOW: our new bag label is made from recycled silicon. AND I’ve repurposed the equivalent of over 5 full 4msq skips into our ENCORE bags. It’s certainly motivating to look back and reflect on these numbers. I look forward to seeing what the future holds, and what else I can save with my eco products.

BANNER BAGS: These are made from expired exhibition or event banners. Often these are folded after use and popped into a dusty cupboard until someone decides to throw it out. I rescue as many of these as I can find to turn them into bags. The difference of these from ENCORE Bags is the material. It's still strong, waterproof and wipeable however a bit thinner and therefore lighter. One incredibly fun aspect of these banners is the random colours, patterns and text snippets that can be created when cut into different bag sizes. Handles are the same strong expired seat belt straps.


Our bags are designed to be both functional and stylish, with a variety of colours and patterns to choose from.  Made from high-quality and durable materials, these are your alternatives to single-use plastic bags, and one season lasting tote's.Whether you need a bag for grocery shopping, carrying your daily essentials, or packing for a weekend trip, we have got you covered. They are lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry, making them perfect for any occasion.

✔ ECO-FRIENDLY: Fabric is up-cycled, recycled or organic. 

✔ MULTI-PURPOSE: More uses than we can fit on this page. These are too good to be true!

✔ EASY CLEANING: Music to our ears.

✔ HANDMADE: Made locally in Nelson. Sewn with strong, industrial thread & made to last.
Carry on, Emma
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Eco reusables you'll love to use everyday:

Guest Towels #83 DUO SET - Tulip Quilt

Guest Towels #83 DUO SET - Tulip Quilt

Guest Towels #83 DUO SET - Tulip Quilt

$57.00 NZD
$57.00 NZD
HANK-ies

HANK-ies

All designs are back in stock. Enjoy x HANK is our reinvention...

HANK-ies

Handkerchiefs, bags, cloths + bold design collabs.

About The Green Collective:

The Green Collective: Sustainable products designed in Nelson, NZ since 2014

Every product we sell gets used in our house. Every single day. But I was so bored of beige, boring reusables.

That’s where it started. Back in 2014, we couldn’t find eco products that were actually built for real family life. Tough enough to survive three boys, a cat called Kiki and our five chickens (Maudie, Bertha, Honey, Sheila and Mabel). 10+ years ago everything eco was beige. Think back to stainless steel drink bottles and the original totes. All were plain to signify that they were in fact ‘eco’. We discovered certified eco inks and processes that allowed colour to be added safely so we could create art on our sustainable designed products.

The rules were simple: we had to want to use the products ourselves, and they had to handle our months of testing and trials.

Our Impact:

Since 2014, The Green Collective has:

Kept 174 tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill!

Taken over 9 million single-use plastic bags out of circulation. That’s nine million plastic bags that didn’t end up in oceans or blowing down our streets. Mind blown.

Cut down on more than 143,000 plastic sponges - meaning no more microplastics sneaking down your sink. (Your dishes, and the fish, say thank you.)

Saved 17.7 million single-use tissues from being used once and tossed. Who knew tissues could add up like that?

The impact of these achievements is significant. They demonstrate that small actions can lead to substantial change over time. Every plastic bag that is kept out of circulation contributes to a healthier environment. It’s a reminder that conscious choices matter.