I Helped Plant the Country Living Forest ; Tree Saver reusable bag
Tree Saver Bag, " I Helped Plant the Country Living Forest."
The donor, Trisha Hood was the creator and founder of Tree Saver. She sold the company in 1999 and has preserved its history and recorded her own story as an innovator, leader and spokesperson for an innovative environmental concept, which is now commonly accepted today.
The collection of bags and accompanying documentation show how during the late 20th century Coloradans were very aware of the importance of conservation of the environment. It also ties in with the development of food cooperatives (Alfalfa's Market, Wild Oats Market), organic and local farming options. The company Tree Savers also supported local elementary school garden education programs developing curriculum about the environment while having children draw/paint on the bags as an educational activity. This collection exemplifies how innovation and grassroots cottage industries in Colorado impacted markets and industries in the US and perhaps throughout the world overtime.
The Company "Tree Saver, Inc.," Denver, Colorado 1988-1999 targeted the negative impact of plastic and paper bags on the environment. The Colorado based company identifies itself as the first to widely commercialize the concept of canvas shopping bags and other products across the U.S. The name, "Tree Saver" is the registered trademark company and was the first reusable 100% cotton canvas bag to obtain a Design Patent Number (Des.328,523). The design featured handles like those on plastic bags, and a square bottom similar to a paper bag. Local Denver women were hired to sew the bags to assure that the products manufactured were as sustainable as possible -- as opposed to out sourcing to foreign countries. The Tree Saver products were sold to local Colorado grocery store chains, natural food stores, libraries, bookstores, and featured in magazines. The Tree Saver branded product made bags designed for private-labels as well for various chain stores such as King Soopers. Later Tree Savers distributed bags across the United States and the concept was imitated and became commonplace.