
I want to introduce you to ReJAVAnate reusable bag program because it is a really good story!
They take burlap from coffee roasters that would be otherwise sent to landfill, work with The ARC which serves individuals with developmental disabilities to hand make the bags, and sell them to individuals and organizations who want to make a statement about reducing paper and plastic bag consumption.
The bags can be custom printed and make a good statement for organizations that have or want to make a commitment to the environment.
Contact them about their wholesale program by emailing ReJavanate@Renovos.com or filling out the form on their Contact Page.
Recycled Packaging:

Rejavanate Shopping Bag with Logo
They Renovos company “shamelessly” uses recycled packaging. When you receive your shopping bag it will be packaged in an “already used” box. They have this cute stamp on the bottom of the box which reads, “Shamelessly using recycled packaging”. Such a great idea.
Did you know?
- Coffee is the second largest commodity in the world
- 800,000 tons of burlap are put into landfills every year
- The ARC helps 140,000 people find housing and employment
- US consumes over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps
- 14 million trees were cut to produce 10 billion paper bags for grocery stores in the US
These bags address three important issues:
1) They reduce a significant source of landfill waste
2) They provide jobs to those that often have difficulty finding jobs
3) They provide a good way to reduce our paper and plastic bag consumption

Rejavanate Shopping Bag
http://www.rejavanate.com/
What is The ARC?
The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 850 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
http://www.thearc.org/
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THE GIVEAWAY:
Douglas Farquhar, President and COO of Renovos, has generously given 2 bags to giveaway to our readership. One bag is unlined and has no design on the front. The other bag is lined and has the Rejavanate logo on the front. One winner will receive both bags.
These large bag are 15 inches wide by 15 inches tall. They are rugged and great for everyday usage, going to the store or trips. Good for personal use or if you a merchant, good items to resell.
Open to the U.S. Only!
This contest giveaway ends on August 1, 2008 at 11:59 PM EST.
The winner will be chosen by random drawing and notified by email.
HOW TO ENTER:
Four (4) Ways:
1. Visit at least 2 of the Renovos supported websites.
To do that click the following links:
http://www.buygreen.com/
http://rejavanate.com/
http://www.ecostreet.com/
http://www.renovos.com/
http://www.thearc.org/
2. Come back here and leave a Comment at the end of this post telling us that you have visited their sites and give us your opinion of their Javanate program.
Make sure to include your email address so we can contact you.
3. Join the Shopping Gems E-Newsletter through an RSS Reader or Email. Current subscribers already get one entry for being a reader.
Click here to join through an RSS Reader.
Click here to join by Email.
4. Post this contest on your blog and let us know you have done that by creating a new Comment below or by sending us an email to shoppinggems@live.com.
Thank you for your support!

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