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From Banner to Bag--Crystal City's Innovative Approach to Fashion Accessories

From Banner to Bag—Crystal City’s Innovative Approach to Fashion Accessories
Chic, Eco-Friendly Tote Bags Will Be Available at the Final Farmers’ Market

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) has developed a new use for outdated street banners…chic tote bags. The durable banner material makes a perfect tote for everyday needs, and its eco-friendly background is sure to put a smile on conservationists’ faces. The banner bags will make their debut at the final Farmers’ Market in Crystal City on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 and will be available to those who spend at least $10 at the market.

“In Crystal City we strive for a no-waste environment, so transforming our outdated street banners into cool tote bags makes perfect sense,” said Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID. “Our green strategy is to expose the community to eco-friendly activities as much as possible and involve everyone we can in the effort. Our hope at the Crystal City BID is that these fun and fashionable banner bags will create conversations on the street and in the community about how ‘green’ is glam.”

For those who cannot make it to the final Farmers’ Market on October 27th, there are other upcoming opportunities to grab one of the chic totes. Arena Stage, Washington’s largest not-for-profit theater, is partnering with the Crystal City BID to offer Arena-themed totes at their Crystal City location, with a portion of the proceeds to be used to support Arena’s efforts in the community. After Arena Stage, “fashionistas” can get their stylistic bags at the 2nd Annual Crystal Couture fashion event in February 2010. When shoppers snag a bargain, they will receive a fashionable “green” bag to tote along all their shopping goodies while enjoying the runway shows, live music, food and drinks.

As part of its Crystal Green program, the Crystal City BID focuses on minimizing the area’s cumulative environmental impact by addressing three areas: energy efficiency, environmental quality (including expanded greening with low-water, no-mow landscape), and recycling/reuse (waste minimization and compost). The “new” tote bags represent the Crystal City BID’s continuing commitment to a low-to-no waste policy, which is a recurring theme with all its sponsored programs and activities.

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The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.