About Our Team
Passionate Australians helping you make sustainable choices, one tote bag at a time.
Our Story
ToteBag.com.au was born from a simple observation at a bustling Melbourne farmers market in 2019. Our founder, watching shoppers juggle flimsy plastic bags that tore under the weight of fresh produce, realised there had to be a better way. That moment sparked a journey into the world of tote bags that has since grown into Australia's most trusted resource for bag guides, care tips, and curated recommendations.
What started as a personal quest to find the perfect market bag evolved into something much larger. We discovered that choosing the right tote bag isn't as straightforward as it seems. Canvas weight, handle length, gusset width, reinforced stitching, material sourcing—these details matter enormously but are rarely discussed. Most shoppers end up with bags that stretch, tear, or simply don't suit their needs because no one taught them what to look for.
We set out to change that. Our team now includes dedicated researchers who spend countless hours testing tote bags in real-world Australian conditions. We've carried groceries through the scorching Perth summer, hauled beach gear across the sand at Byron Bay, and commuted through Sydney's humidity with laptop totes. We understand what it takes for a bag to survive the Australian lifestyle.
Every recommendation on our site comes from genuine hands-on experience. We examine the GSM (grams per square metre) of canvas fabrics, test the durability of handle attachments, and evaluate whether bags actually fit Australian shopping trolleys. Our articles aren't written from press releases—they're written from experience, tested knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping Australians make better choices.
Today, ToteBag.com.au has helped over 50,000 Australians find their perfect bags. From eco-conscious students seeking their first reusable shopping bags to professionals looking for sophisticated work totes, we've guided readers across every demographic. Our commitment remains unchanged: provide honest, thoroughly researched advice that helps you choose bags you'll love for years to come.
What Sets Us Apart
Unlike generic shopping sites, we focus exclusively on tote bags and reusable bags. This specialisation allows us to develop deep expertise that generalist publications simply can't match. We understand the difference between 10oz and 12oz canvas, know why bar-tack stitching matters at stress points, and can explain exactly when a zippered closure is worth the extra cost.
Our editorial process is rigorous. Before any bag earns a recommendation, it undergoes multiple rounds of evaluation. We assess materials, construction quality, practical functionality, and long-term durability. We also consider sustainability factors—where materials are sourced, how products are manufactured, and whether companies maintain ethical practices.
Most importantly, we never accept payment for reviews or recommendations. Our revenue comes from affiliate partnerships, meaning we only succeed when we recommend products our readers genuinely love. This alignment ensures our advice always prioritises your needs over commercial interests.
Meet Our Team
Sarah Mitchell
Founder & Editor-in-ChiefFormer sustainability consultant with a passion for reducing single-use plastics. Sarah has tested over 200 tote bags and leads our editorial direction.
James Chen
Materials ResearcherTextile engineering background with expertise in fabric durability and sustainable materials. James ensures our technical recommendations are accurate.
Emma Rodriguez
Lifestyle EditorProfessional stylist and mother of three who brings practical perspective to our guides. Emma specialises in work totes and family-friendly solutions.
Our Values
Sustainability First
We believe every reusable bag prevents hundreds of single-use alternatives from entering landfills and oceans.
Rigorous Research
Every recommendation is backed by hands-on testing and thorough evaluation of materials and construction.
Honest Guidance
We never accept payment for reviews. Our recommendations are based solely on merit and real-world performance.
Join Our Community
We're more than a website—we're a community of Australians committed to sustainable living. Whether you're taking your first steps toward eliminating plastic bags or you're a seasoned eco-warrior seeking your next premium tote, we're here to help.
Have questions about tote bags? Want to suggest a product for us to review? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch, or explore our blog for the latest guides and tips.