Tote Bags and the Crocodile Farms of Zimbabwe

A tote bag is a simple, lightweight bag made from cotton. It was first designed in 1997 by a British designer in collaboration with an environmental charity, sporting the slogan, ‘I’m not a plastic bag.’ Speaking of plastic bags, it reminds me of the times in the U.S. when I’d be asked this at the checkout counter.

‘Paper bag? or plastic bag?’

Every time I heard that question, I’d picture those plastic hard cases used for carrying tools like drills and hammers. I used to opt for the plastic bag over the paper one, always saying, ‘Plastic bag, please,’ (my apologies to the environmentalists out there). 🌿

High-end bags are usually made using animal leather. There was a time when PETA highlighted the cruelty involved in obtaining crocodile leather for these bags, sparking quite an uproar. 🐊

The video exposed scenes where crocs had their noses clamped—yes, they have noses too, folks!—then a knife was inserted at the back of their heads, pushed down the spine to peel off their skin. Even those not particularly invested in environmental issues would be appalled watching such a scene. Crocs may not be the cutest creatures, but thinking about them being killed so cruelly, you can’t help but want to save them—assuming they’re not trying to bite your arm off. 😢

Zimbabwe’s crocodile farms once supplied leather to Hermès. After watching the documentary, Jane Birkin (the British singer and actress who inspired the Birkin bag) requested her name be removed from the bag until international standards for manufacturing processes were established. While I’m unsure if such standards exist today, the Birkin bag is still sold under her name, and reportedly, each one requires the sacrifice of three crocs. You can’t help but wonder, ‘Three crocs for one bag? Is it meant for climbing the Himalayas?’ There must be a reason, I suppose. 🤔

Humans tend to use every part of a cow, and since I’m a fan of beef myself, I can’t criticize crocodile farms without some guilt. However, if luxury bag companies want to counter the logical criticisms of environmentalists who argue that it’s not ‘just about survival,’ maybe they should enter the food business and sell crocodile burgers or something. 🍔

Perhaps due to this sentiment, tote bags have been consistently loved and sold well, with recent ones even priced over $200. They seem to be selling quite well, so you’ve got to respect those businesspeople. At San Francisco’s MoMA gift shop, they sell NOT-A-BAG (a cloth backpack similar to those used at supermarkets) for $45, and during my visit, several people picked them up and headed to the checkout. Whether it’s worth $45 is debatable, but at least no crocs were harmed in its making. 👜 Speaking of which,

Imagine tourists peacefully exploring the Amazon River when suddenly a massive crocodile appears, ready to attack. Enter a special forces soldier hired by Hermès, battling the croc to save the tourists, then calmly saying,“Would you like a bag made from this guy’s hide?”The tourists cheer and clap, replying,“Clamp its nose and start from the back of the head!”

How would it be if this were a real video? Just a random thought. 🤭