Hi I’m Rieva

& this is what I hope to accomplish with what a bag!

  1. Raise awareness about the devastating impacts single-use plastic items are having.
  2. Provide well-made products designed to replace single-use plastic, and other plastics.

a bit about me

I am someone who wants to do their part to make things better for those around me, and for those who will come after me.  I have been interested in nature from a young age, and pursued environmental studies after high school.  I have always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do more.

I have become increasingly aware of plastic pollution both locally and globally.  This has included the dire consequences single-use plastics are having on our waterways, oceans, creatures, and our own selves. I have learned about the complexities of plastic waste management, and how little is actually recycled.  I ask myself on an ongoing basis what I can do and how, and have taken steps to reduce my plastic use at home and in my daily life.  There is so much more I want to do!

a turning point

I became hyperaware of one major source of single-use plastic – the plastic bags I used at the grocery store for apples, lettuce, and other produce.  What changes could I make to avoid using these plastic bags and the larger shopping bags I took groceries home in?

In the summer of 2017 while camping with dear friends near my home in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, I shared my idea of reusable produce and tote bags while sitting at their picnic table.  I’d never have taken this journey without the encouragement and support of my friends and family.

It has been a blast!

join me!

what a bag! has given me the chance to connect with people who are READY to do something different!  It has allowed me to engage and connect with others on what their needs are, and how my  reusable products can reduce and even eliminate their daily use of plastics!

what a bag! has also provided me the chance to teach my son that changing our ways is possible, and to lead by example.

We can make a difference, and collectively, we will make change.