Alchemy in action In 2007 Alchemy Goods was approached by Whole Foods Market to design a shopping bag using old promotional banners. First we tested the material to see how it washes and performs over the long haul. We then created a new bag design that minimizes waste material in the pattern. Closing the Loop Each of the 300 Whole Foods stores goes through a couple banners each month. When the old ones come down, they are sent to our workshop in Seattle. We transform them into stylish, functional shopping bags and send them back to Whole Foods where they are sold to customers. Everyone Wins Our environment: Reusing material means we don’t have to manufacture new material. This saves natural resources and energy and prevents pollution. Shopping with reusable bags avoids throw-away grocery bags. By some estimates, the US consumes 100 billion shopping bags per year(1). Whole Foods: Stores carry an attractive, recycled product Because the bags are sold where their material comes from, customers can see and understand the recycling process. They become a part of the cycle. Garbage fees are replaced with sales revenue. That’s Alchemy!