If you've been keeping up with our blog the past few months you're already well aware that cheap reusables are becoming just as big of a waste issue as disposable items. We've talked about cheap promotional giveaways, poorly made $1 bags, cheap bottles... and every day there's more of them to talk about.

The bottom line is, cheap reusables won't last long enough to accomplish the #1 goal of reusables - cutting back on waste. They tear, they break - in some cases they're made from unsafe materials or in factories that do not enforce Fair Trade practices. Over all, a poorly-made items won't save you money and they won't cut back on waste - so what's the point?

The issue hit a little closer to home this past week end when our company founder discovered a cheap knock off of one of our own products being used as a member perk at the Lincoln Park Zoo! There's nothing wrong with a little fair competition, but these ultra-compact bags were clearly a direct copy of our best-selling ACME Bags Workhorse. The worst part though is that they're made from a cheap version of rip-stop nylon that can only be described as "crunchy". Loose threads are exposed, it doesn't feel as nice as the original and we're guessing once we test it out, it's not going to replace 1500 plastic bags like the Workhorse does.  

And it's not the first time. Our customer service representative Belinda actually had a similar knock off from Chicago Public Radio with her the day she interviewed for the job here. We shudder to think about how many people received one of these giveaways, perhaps thinking they were getting one of our bags, and had it fail on them.

ACME Bags, unlike cheap knock offs, are 100% guaranteed against defects in materials or construction for life. Our practical, stylish, durable, innovative, "logo free" designs are made from the most sustainable / high-performance materials available. We pledge 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment and our products are produced in accordance with fair labor/ Fair Trade practice. Take that, cheap reusables. 

You can read more about ACME Bags in our FAQ and check out our growing line of award-winning reusables in our store.