Never be caught without a shopping bag again! Each compact heart bag unfolds into a full-sized shopping bag, so they're perfect for keeping in your purse, gym bag, or center console in case of last-minute shopping trips.
Each handmade bag is created by and supports the Tubahumurize Association - an organization that supports and empowers female survivors of violence and marginalization in Rwanda.
From the Tubahumurize website: "Tubahumurize Association serves survivors of violence and other socially and economically marginalized women including: genocide survivors, victims of gender-based violence, women living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses, single mothers, grandmothers and orphaned girls heading up households. Many of our organization's beneficiaries fall into several of these categories. We provide a safe, supportive, female-centered space for women, group and individual trauma counselling, life-skills coaching and gender/human rights education, healthcare education and support services, vocational training, and opportunities for sustainable income-generating activities. To date, Tubahumurize has assisted over 1000 women through our programs. We currently serve about 450 Rwandan women and, indirectly, also support about 1,050 dependent children."
"Tubahumurize" is a Kinyarwanda word meaning "let us console and give them hope." We are honored to support this organization through these beautiful bags.
Please note that the fabric options are random, and therefore we do not have a way for you to choose the fabric you would like for your bag. If you have a general color preference, feel free to include it in the order notes and we will do our best to accommodate.
Dimensions
When folded into the heart shape, the bags are approximately 6"x6".
When unfolded, the bags are approximately 15"x17.5" (not including handles).
Materials
Each bag is made from waxed cotton [kitenge] and plastic zippers.
Packaging + End of Life
These bags will either be completely unpackaged, or wrapped in reused kraft paper, which can be backyard composted or curbside recycled.
At the end of their life, the fabric from these bags can be composted, but the zippers should be sent to landfill, or reused!
Origin
Handmade in Rwanda.
Ethical Guarantees
Give-Back Program
Vegan
We ship ugly boxes
Our commitment to sustainability doesn't end when you press that checkout button.
We pack all of our orders in reused boxes and envelopes, with reused paper packaging, post-consumer recycled paper labels, and even paper tape.
You may not get an IG-worthy unboxing, but you will get the most sustainable packaging we can possibly find.
Oh and did we mention our shipping is always carbon negative?
Don't take our word for it...
1% for the Ocean
We're on a mission to use business as a force for good. That's why we donate at least 1% of your purchase to our ocean conservation partner, Vermilion Sea Institute.
In 2021, we donated $1,304 to VSI.
You've got questions. We've got answers.
We ship worldwide!
If you're in the Tacoma, Washington region, we probably deliver to your doorstep. Check out the Delivery FAQ below!
Shipping costs are determined by weight and travel distance, and automatically calculated at checkout.
If you're in the continental US, we offer free shipping for all orders over $50.
If you're in Alaska, Hawaii, or any of the US territories, we offer free shipping for all orders over $75.
A Drop in the Ocean is an online zero waste and sustainable living boutique based out of Tacoma, Washington. We do not have a brick-and-mortar shop, but we do offer local delivery around the South Sound region, including refills of your household essentials.
We do all of our deliveries on Tuesdays. Orders must be placed by 5pm on Monday for guaranteed Tuesday delivery. At checkout, select the "South Sound Local Delivery (Tuesdays)" shipping option, and we'll add you to our route.
Note that we do have a $20 order minimum for delivery, and a $5 delivery fee for orders under $50.
For full details on our delivery system, check out our Local Delivery page.
We do not, and that decision is highly intentional for the planet. Check out our post on the impacts of online shopping and why we don't have a local pickup option for the full details!