Cork Tote

Our cork tote is handmade in Portugal and designed by our dear friend Elisabet.

We’ve named her Mary Ellen and she is a medium tote is a versatile addition to your daily commute.  In a simple feminine shape, it features beautiful chain handles that add pure luxury to this bag, and the option to carry it crossbody when you need to. Perfectly sized for a laptop or magazines, while multiple interior pockets will keep all your other essentials in order.  This cork handbag will become your favorite.

• Large open inside compartment
• Designated water bottle or sunglass pocket
• 1 Zippered interior pocket
• 1 Exterior back zippered pocket
• Beautiful gold hardware
• Measurements: 14″ x 10 ” x 5″ approximately
• Removable shoulder strap

Cork is easy to care for.  Our cork is of premium quality, so cleaning it will not scratch or tear the cork.  Simply use a soft damp cloth with mild detergent and rub gently, let air dry.  If you notice dirt is very ingrained, especially in the natural cork color – repeat the process.

Alternatively an eco friendly gentle baby wipe or make up remover works as well.

SKU:  Mary Ellen

The Eco-Friendly Cork Tree

The cork tree it is one of the most highly renewable and eco-friendly resources on the planet. In fact, harvesting the cork tree helps fight global warming.  How you ask?  All trees are eco-friendly because of respiration.  Tree respiration is the process of a tree taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. The amount of carbon dioxide being held by the tree is called carbon sequestration.  The trees sequester carbon dioxide and stores it in their trunks, branches, leaves, roots, and bark.

The Bark of the Cork Oak Tree

The cork tree is in the family of oak trees.  There are over 600 species of the genus Quercus oak.  The dead outer layer of bark of the cork oak tree or Quercus (oak) suber (cork) is amazing and remarkable. It is remarkable because the bark is unique throughout the plant kingdom.  The tree is not killed by the harvest.  The harvest does not damage the tree. The harvesting of the bark from the tree allows new bark to grow in its place. Each tree is a renewable source of raw material. In fact, each piece of cork bark is unique.

Cork Fabric

Because of the unique properties of the cork bark, the cork fabrics are vegan, stain-resistant, water resistant, durable, and lightweight.  The fabrics are silky soft and easy to clean.  Just use water to clean your cork product.  If needed, add a little bit of mild soap.  You will be amazed at how easy restoring your cork to it’s original appearance.  By the way, cork is extremely durable.

Our Customer

We make our products for the environmentally conscious person.  Yet, many or our customers buy our products for their natural beauty, because they attractive, lightweight, and functional.  Purchasing one or more of our cork products supports many people in Portugal.   Purchasing a cork purse or cork jewelry also supports the environment.  The trees are one of the most important filters around the world.