Gecko Traders Recycled Wave Tote

I was one of the first to purchase Gecko bags - Market, Wave and Bucket - when they first appeared on this site. I still use them A LOT and am now in awe at how well they have held up given the way they've been used all these years.

Yes, these bags start at $20 plus, but they prove the adage "You get what you pay for". These bags are an investment, not just a purchase.

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The Gecko Traders bags are beautifully designed, and I owned a few of them before I realized they cannot be used to transport anything wet, as there is, in fact, the real possibility of color transfer. Granted, it takes a lot to get the color to transfer, but the point is, the color is not permanent and can either rub or bleed off. Here is how I found out: Worried about this possibility, and wanting to know if the bags could be washed intermittently, I tried washing a couple of them in the machine (cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle). They came out fine, if a little faded. I did notice some of the color on one of them had been removed in places. I also noticed what looked like color transfer on one bag, so I dabbed at the spot with a little rubbing alcohol. To my horror, the color completely dissolved! Then I decided to try hand scrubbing them to remove the graphics entirely, but it proved to be way too labor intensive. Now they sit in a closet unused, while I try to figure out what to do with them. So sad! If only, if only the recycled fabric had been somehow sealed before the bags were sewn so they could be safely used for the many purposes they are designed for!

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The best part about this bag is that it is large enough to hold everything I carry on a daily basis with room to spare (and I carry a lot), and the straps are long enough to comfortably use it as a shoulder bag (something that is extremely rare in totes of this size). I also like the deep outside pockets, although I have had a hard time retrieving small objects from them, lol. The appearance and colors are just as pictured - a wonderfully unique, good-looking bag. It is lightweight and folds up to a very small size, yet is surprisingly durable and well-made. The straps don't slip off of my shoulder either! As per previous comments, there was an odor when it arrived, but I sprayed it with febreze and hung it outside for an hour and that took care of it completely. The only complaint I have is that the edges of the fabric sewn onto the top part of each strap (the sections which rest on my shoulder) are VERY scratchy and uncomfortable on bare skin. If you don't wear sleeveless shirts, you won't notice it. I tried snipping and filing the edges, but I still ended up with very red, scratched shoulders. The solution I came up with was to wrap each edge with a strip of black electrical tape - this worked wonderfully and isn't as noticeable as one would think. Since I figured out how to fix the scratchy strap problem, I will definitely buy more of these bags in the future. Please don't let this dissuade you from purchasing this bag because it is everything (and more) that I hoped it would be - the best everyday bag I have ever owned! And the fact that buying it is helping people as well as recycling is just icing on the cake : )

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This is my 3 or 4th wave bag purchase...given as a gift to my Aussie sister!...I have two that are 4 years old they go to the market, beach and travel as a carry on tote...HIGHLY DURABLE never had an ink issue. A real useful and feel good purchase... thanks again for helping the earth and the people most in need!

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The previous reviewers of this product are insane. While I agree that, conceptually, this bad is great, there is one major flaw that trumps all of its positive features. Specifically, the bag comes with a disclosure statement that basically tells you that the ink used in printing the bag for its original, intended use is not stable in its new purpose. As a result, if you purchase this bag, you may very experience what I have experienced: both discoloration my hands (easy to wash off) and staining of your clothes if you sling the bag over your shoulder - both at the shoulder itself and where the bag rubs along your torso. Buyer beware. It would have been helpful to see the disclosure BEFORE purchase.

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The recycled wave tote is the best bag ever! I fold it up and put it in my suitcase for travel, With no weight and lots of space, it is perfect once I get to my destination. You can tuck money and keys into the bottom of the outside pockets, and not have to worry about them falling out. As for use toting groceries, I liked my bag too much to dirty it up with that. So I finally broke down and got another one. It makes sense that they are quite strong and durable. I like the fact that they have sewn extra onto the handle. By the way, I bought five of them for graduation gifts. They are great for the pool or beach.

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WARNING!! DO not use this bag in humid weather!!!! I used the Gecko Tote bag as a beach bag in Cancun and the ink rubs off staining beach towels, clothes, your hands.. etc... DISASTER!!! When we got back to the San Francisco, the ink on the bag dried and hasn't rubbed off since...but of course I am not putting anything in it that really matters..

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I love this bag. It is sturdy, folds up flat, holds a lot, and the hangle is comfortable even when the bag is very heavy. Other people complained about an odor, but to me it was extremely mild and I haven't even noticed it since I first opened them.

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I love these bags! They are extremely well made and can fit a huge amount of groceries in them. I have not noticed any smell at all, and the colors are beautiful. I'll be back for more!

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I love this tote. It's large and very sturdy. In addition, it's easy to carry.

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I love you bags-use them every day and have given many for presents in an effort to be "green"

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The bag arrived and it is as lovely & roomy as it looks on the site. Unfortunately, it smelled like it had been stored in a wet basement. I aired it out for 2 weeks in the hopes I could keep such a cool-looking, useful bag, but alas, the smell didn't go away so I will have to send it back.

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I love this bag! I got two, and I've used them for so much. It's amazing how many groceries can fit comfortably into this tote, and I love the pockets to tuck away fragile items. With all of the bags out there, no one else seemed to think about that! I haven't had the color bleeding problems that others have, but I make sure not to get it wet or to touch any sensitive fabrics. I definitely recommend this bag to anyone considering getting one.

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I love my Recycled Wave Tote! It is super spacious and very attractive. I get tons of compliments on it. I plan on purchasing more of these Gecko Traders recycled bags for Christmas gifts. Not only are these bags practical; I love the fact that they are made out of recycled material and are fair trade. Great eco-friendly gift for you or your friends!

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