{Giveaway ENDED} Wrap Up The Year With A Candy Wrapper Ecoist Bag

The Brand - In Their Own Words

It began with a family trip to Mexico in 2004. Strolling through a street market in Mexico City, we were exposed to some fascinating handbags crafted by Mexican artisans using post-consumer waste, such as candy wrappers and chip bags. Inspired by this concept, we flew back to our Miami-based home and decided to develop a business making products from waste.

Since then, we've partnered with multinational brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Frito-Lay, Mars, Cliff Bar, and Aveda, to repurpose all their post-industrial waste. Instead of having their misprinted and obsolete packaging end up in landfills, we reuse them to make our handbags. So far, Ecoist has saved more than 40 million wrappers from landfills.

Today, Ecoist collaborates with fashion and industrial designers to develop limited edition handbags and other fashion accessories by using waste as raw materials. Ecoist handbags are 100% handmade from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soda labels, subway maps, newspapers, and other waste-bound materials.

Ecoist's commitment to sustainability goes beyond recycling waste-bound materials. We practice fair trade. In 2009, Ecoist founded EcoDiseño in Ancon, Peru, employing workers and artisans in an impoverished community. We care for each and every one of the artisans.

They are the ones that put their skills and love into making the products. We pay fair and meaningful wages, not the minimum wages that dominate the industry. Ecoist is a family-owned business, so we see the value inherent in investing in the lives of our workers, their families, and their communities. So far, Ecoist has improved the lives of almost 40 women artisans.

Ecoist plants a tree for every handbag sold. In partnership with Trees for the Future, Ecoist has contributed to reforestation efforts around the world. So far, we've planted over 100,000 trees in places like Haiti, India, and Uganda.

In 2010, wet strengthened our commitment to sustainable retail by partnering with TerraPass to offset the carbon emissions created in shipping our handbags to consumers. By 2011, Ecoist plans to offset 32,000 lbs of carbon, the equivalent of 100,000 driving miles.

By definition, an Ecoist is "an individual that lives a modern, eco-minded lifestyle." We hope to inspire people to become "Ecoists" so we can all live in a healthier, better, and more peaceful planet. We hope to make a difference.

The Bag

Brand new style! The Clutch is slightly bigger than our popular Every Any. Stash your phone, keys, glasses, some cash, make-up plus other goodies. Smaller weave creates a sophisticated look.

• Strong, sturdy, and water resistant.

• Handfolded, recycled candy wrappers.

• Detachable plastic wristlet.

• Zip close. Self-lined.

• 8.5L x 4H x 2W (inches)

The Giveaway - Confetti Clutch (featured above)

Carry the Confetti Clutch with you to holiday parties or every day. With a this roomy bag handmade from candy wrappers, you will be the eco-belle-of-the-ball!

Here is how you enter...you must complete ALL THREE STEPS to qualify {and please don't forget to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can notify you if you win}:

Step One - Like @EcoistLifestyle on Twitter

Step Two - Follow @Ecoist on Facebook

Step Three - Answer this in the comment below: What is one of your green New Year resolutions?

Additional Entries - Please leave separate comment for each additional item below you completed with link if applicable ;)

* Tweet this post & leave the tweet in a comment
* Like Greenwala on FB
* Share on FB
* E-mail a friend
* Follow This Blog

Winner will be chosen on January 3rd 2011 at midnight by the Beauty/Family Editor at Greenwala and Random.org.

Please note: Greenwala Master Contest Rules Apply for All Contest and Giveaway

Good luck!

And the winner is: