When celebrities started snapping up Anya Hindmarch's fashionable, affordable (yet controversial) "I Am Not a Plastic Bag" reusable tote, sales went through the roof. Kiera Knightley was spotted with one, then Jessica Biel went out shopping with hers (pictured), and suddenly no consumer in the UK or U.S. could find one. Though the $10-$15 bags now seem to be available again, the more important lesson learned here is that one can forgo plastic and paper for the more environmentally friendly reusable bag, and still be chic.

For instance, take these adorable bags from Skeeda. Bright colors and hip and funky designs make these sturdy looking U.S-made bags perfect for a quick grocery store run. I also might use them as a purse, throwing in my wallet and a few diapers and any small purchases I made throughout the day.

If you're looking to buy several bags for those bigger shopping trips and don't want to shell out $15 a bag, take a look at these adorable totes from Envirosax. Each Australian-made $7.95 bag holds the equavilant of two plastic grocery sacks. For $35, you can buy five different designs at once, complete with their very own tote. The entire package fits into your glove box.

ReusableBags.com has an extensive collection of bags, from sturdy, old-fashioned canvas to attractive and modern. My favorite are these b.happybags. Because they're created with a footprint of a paper grocery bag, they're really easy for self-bagging or if you shop at a store (like I do) where you get an eye roll or a deep sigh every time you pull out your cloth bags. They sit nicely for bagging, hold an incredible amount of groceries, and are much sturdier than paper or plastic alternatives...and prettier too!

If you're looking for something cheekier, check out these bags from Origins that proclaim "I don't get wasted." These "re-user friendly" bags will accompany a brand new line of organic skin care products that will be available next month.

The fact is that the U.S. alone consumes at least one billion plastic bags every year. Less than 1% of those bags are recycled and many end up in our waterways or littering our natural landscapes. Even if you don't want to carry a reusable bag, there may come a time in the future when you don't have much of a choice. Bag taxes -- where stores charge a small fee for every bag you use -- are becoming more popular worldwide and many cities are considering banning the plastic pests altogether. Plastic bags are a serious environmental issue, but stylish bags like these are making carrying a reusable tote a little more popular. Carrying them isn't only useful and earth-friendly...it's fun too!