UPDATE: Congrats to our 2 lucky winners – Shannon and Michelle and thanks to everyone for participating. Please feel free to check out our next Giveaway, you gotta be in it, to win it … original post:

Bag the plastic bag, and shop with sustainable style by using Envirosax planet-loving bags. Compliments of trend-setting reusable bag designer, Envirosax, 2 lucky readers will each receive 2 eco chic totes.

We’re giving away 2 prize packs, each will include: 1 Minisax (pictured above) & 1 tote from the full-sized Organic Series (pictured below) in your choice of fabric and design — choose from: fine grade hemp, linen, organic cotton or bamboo. Retail value of each prize pack is approx $26-$31, depending on your choice of style…plus free shipping to anywhere in the USA or Canada.

Entering is simple:

• Visit envirosax.com and check out their amazing collections.
• Then share you thoughts — How do you remember to bring your reusable bags into the store when you shop?
• For prize notification be sure to add the following to your email address book: m at AlternativeConsumer.com.

OPTIONAL: how to receive additional entries:

• like Envirosax on Facebook – leave an additional comment to let us know.
• 4 more ways to receive extra credit: sign up for our new free monthly Newsletter, subscribe to our daily RSS feed, follow us on Twitter & like us on FaceBook. If you’re already a subscriber, etc just let us know by leaving a full sentence – otherwise our spam detector may bounce your comment.
• Tweet about the giveaway (no more than once per day), include @altCon, and leave a comment on this post.
• Bloggers may post about the giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave a comment here with a link to your blog post.

Winners will be selected in our Random Drawing, and notified by email. Contest ends Monday, April 11 at 11:59p (EST). Winners have 24 hours to claim their prize, or the offer is null and void. Winners’ names will be included on this post.

As always, we will not share your email info with anyone. Good luck!

Tip #3 on our Countdown to Earth Day…(Friday, April 22):

Go Native when planting your spring garden. Native plants are generally low maintenance — they adapt to local conditions and are easier to grow than non-native species – even if they require some watering. Xeriscaping is the act of planting strictly drought-resistant plants. Depending on your geographic location, you may want to marry the two concepts for optimum results. eNature provides a list of various types of trees, shrubs, grasses, plants and species native to your state. Try to include some nice edibles in your sustainable garden, your taste buds & wallet will thank you.

More reasons why we love the natives:

• they can withstand droughts or freezes
• they’re perennials or self-sowing biennials so they’ll reappear year after year
• they’re non-invasive so they won’t overrun natural habitats
• they require less fertilizer, water and pest control they stabilize soil and reduce erosion (critical to maintaining topsoil today)
• they improve water quality by more effectively filtering storm water
• they promote biodiversity, providing food and cover for local wildlife (birds, butterflies and mammals).

photo credit: colorado.edu

Need a new, eye-catching handbag for spring? This little number from Zaum is green in more ways than one. Handmade from organic cotton canvas with an apple green organic twill lining. I have a Zaum tote and can attest to its high quality material and fine craftsmanship. (made to order) $140

Related: previously on altCon – Zaum