SOURCE: Half the Sky Designs

July 08, 2008 15:53 ET

Eco-Friendly Rebagz Hit Canada's Bay Stores

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - July 8, 2008) - The Bay is now selling Rebagz™ by Half the Sky Designs. These chic and eco-friendly handbags are made from recycled juice packs and recycled nylon rice sacks. Cinchy Totes, Messenger Bags, Sleek Totes, Sport Pouches and the Limited Edition Panda Messenger Bag will be available at select Bay department stores in Canada. Other styles, such as backpacks, business card/coin holders, cell phone cases, clutches, mini bags and wallets are available at www.rebagz.com.

"I grew up across the border in Buffalo and have always been impressed by how forward-looking Canada is, so I was just thrilled when the Bay called about our Rebagz. We're honored to be sharing our handbags with all our eco-fashionable friends up north through such a respected retailer," says Marty Stevens-Heebner, founder and president of Half the Sky Designs. The Bay, a full line department store chain concentrating on exclusive fashion merchandise in apparel, accessories, and soft home categories, shares Half the Sky Designs' mission of delivering high quality products and excellent customer service.

Two Rebagz lines are currently available: the woven line is made from recycled juice packs that are cut into strips and woven together to make vivid, durable bags. The other line is crafted from artfully designed recycled rice sacks from the Philippines. Celebrities who own Rebagz include Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow, Serena Williams and America Ferrera, who has worn hers on several episodes of ABC's "Ugly Betty."

Half the Sky Designs is committed to helping the environment by using recycled materials to make beautiful designs. When Stevens-Heebner learned that some of the rice sack designs that she treasured were being discontinued, she created the Rebagz Limited Edition line. The Limited Edition line illustrates the beauty of limited resources and demonstrates how quickly they can be depleted. "Canada has been smart about protecting its natural resources. Most municipalities have had recycling programs since the 1980s. Rebagz's growth into the Canadian market is only fitting since we know our company's environmentally friendly attitude will resonate with Canadian consumers as well as the Bay," explains Stevens-Heebner.

Former human rights worker Stevens-Heebner ensures that the people who make Rebagz are treated well and paid fairly. Her aptly named company references the adage, "Women hold up half the sky," paying homage to the many women who work with Half the Sky Designs.

Rebagz are sold in stores throughout North America, Central America and Europe, and distribution continues to expand. Rebagz range in price from $15 to $135. For more information and additional styles visit www.rebagz.com or call 818-376-0125.