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People On The Move: Sue Princitto
03/05/2009
BAGGING GREEN
Did you know that you get $.05 back for every canvas or paper bag you use at major grocery stores in New Jersey? If you bring four of yourown bags each trip…that’s $.20. Multiply that times 52 weeks and you’ll save over $10 a year!In this economy every dollar counts, so why not re-use bags? Current trends across the country show more people recycling and going green. Holmdel resident, Sue Princitto, picked up on this fad and has designed a bag that will outlast any plastic, paper, or canvas shopping bag.
It’s not paper and it’s not plastic: “It’s laStik,” and boy, can it stretch! A 3 oz bag can hold a laptop, a 6-gallon water cooler, and two plastic bags worth of groceries. The bag even bounces up and down, and it’s not too heavy to carry. Sue also makes fashionable “It’s-laS-tik” bags that can be used as a purse or wristlet. Celebrities such as Kristin Chenowith, Hoda Kotb, and “West Wing’s” Nicole Robinson are all in awe of this new green product. Eartha Kitt’s granddaughter even gave them out as her Bat Mitzvah party favors. L’Oréal® bought her gold bag collection to give as gifts to the presenters at this year’s Grammy Awards. A craft that started out as merely a hobby (initially selling about 100 bags) has turned into a success, and is now selling in the thousands.
“It’s been fun,” she says, styling her own black patent leather-“esque” Lycra® and Spandex bag over her shoulder. After raising three kids – Jasmyn (Holmdel High School, class of ’94) Kristen (class of ’97), and Marc (Christian Brothers Academy, class of ’05) – and retiring as secretary of the Holmdel Stallions soccer team, Sue had no responsibilities left.
“Everyone was out of the house. My dog died. I took care of a lot of old people and they had all passed.” It seemed the perfect time for her to try something new and exciting. Sue’s husband describes her as Lucille Ball, never knowing what she’s going to do next. Now, after taking care of her family, it was time for her to do something for herself. “One day I was watching CBS’s “Sunday Morning” and they were doing a special on how plastic was going to be banned. I started to do research and I thought, boy, there is a big hole here.” So Sue put her creative edge to use and started creating a plastic bag substitution. “I tried hemp, corn, bamboo…all the natural materials. They all looked alike, so I thought…if it’s pretty, someone might actually use it and wear it.” Sue then went to the garment district (in New York City), found a fabric she liked that had many bold patterns, and sewed her first model bag.
There is more that’s interesting about Sue’s company, “What’S ur Bag.” Everything is manufactured in New Orleans. The bags are made in a factory that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and rebuilt by survivors. New Orleans natives have jobs because they are working to produce “It’s-laS-tik” bags. In addition, 5% of all profits go to the Hope House in New Orleans, a center for people to stay, receive an education, and get help finding jobs. Sue says the bags’ quick popularity may or may not be a result of her charitable contributions to those who are struggling after Hurricane Katrina. It may, however, also be a result of the many people who are now eco-friendly.
As government officials propose taxes on plastic shopping bags, the most cost-efficient way to shop will be to use recycled bags. In some cities (like San Francisco) plastic bags are already banned for shoppers. Here in Red Bank, starting on June 1, recycling bins must be present where plastic bags are used and distributed. Failing to do so will result in a $100 fine for the first offense. It seems that Sue launched “It’s-laS-tik” bags just in time, before the big changes ahead for grocery shoppers. Her advice for others who are thinking about starting some bold new idea – just do it!
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Osho Sushi, Holmdel
FAVORITE MUSICIAN
Steve Tyrell
FAVORITE MOVIE
Shawshank Redemption
PET PEEVE
having to press 24 numbers on the phone before reaching a human
THREE PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
Oprah, Richard Branson, and my parents
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