Plastic bags from shops, the sort that we’re given every time we buy something, have become a huge problem for sea life who mistake them for jelly fish and eat them. Now I know that you are not dumping your plastic bags in the ocean, but somehow, thousands of them find their way to the coast by being blown there or being carried down by river and they are responsible for sea creatures dying in their thousands every year.

Planet Ark reports that plastic bags, once ingested, can’t be digested so they stay in the gut preventing food digestion and leading to a very slow and painful death.

Fortunately for us, there’s a very stylish alternative to plastic bags. So you can look great while you’re helping to save the dolphins and turtles. To help you get kitted out with shopping bags, here are my pick of some of the coolest bags available.

Cambodian Recycled Rice Bag

Eco-friendly, reusable, reversible and eye-catching, you can’t fault these fantastic shopping bags. If you aren’t already sold on them, here’s something that I know will tip you over the edge. They’re not made in sweatshops. Oh no! They’re made by an organisation who provide shelter, education and employment to vulnerable women. Isn’t that just the coolest? Fair trade all the way baby! (£12.95 each)

Earth Fair Trade Shopping Bag

I just love products that display their Fair Trade credentials for all to see. It’s the perfection of advertising as far as I’m concerned, using something that can be so destructive for a good cause. This cute bag features a Fair Trade Bag logo surrounded by jaunty figures on the front and has delicate beads hanging off one strap. Buying this bag helps to fund health-related projects in India. (£7.00)

Truly Radley Deeply Recycled Tote Bag

Oh-so understated! This stylish bag is easy on the eye, and easy on the planet. It’s made of 100% post consumer waste plastic bottles and features a ‘Truly Radley Deeply’ print with ‘Please Recycle Me’ motifs. It folds up tiny to fit in your handbag, ready to whip it out whenever you find yourself being asked by a shop assistant whether you’d like a plastic bag. You can say “No!” (£20.00)