Categories: Philly

Go Rise Up – Philadelphia Bag Company

A few weeks back, I purchased a sweet reusable dinosaur bag at the Philly Green Fest.  While browsing the bag selections, I met Chris Rossi of Go R.I.S.E. Up.  They sell hip reusable bags (so you look stylin’ when shopping in downtown Philly) and sustainable apparel.

Based in Matawan, NJ, Chris and his wife Susan founded the company to increase recycling through education, community involvement and eco-friendly products.  Their company  is very involved in local causes. They run hands-on training and education programs designed to start and support recycle programs for schools, businesses and municipalities.  Implementing recycling education programs for schools and bin collection programs for businesses shows their dedication to a greener world. 

Another project of their initiative is to collect plastic bags that are sent to TREX, a composite decking manufacturer.  The plastic bags are turned into an eco-friendly alternative to wood lumber.   

Chris explaination the Go R.I.S.E. Up business model:

“Our business model is very unique as we have put together a solution from the ground up as most businesses in the industry tend to focus on one area which leaves gaps in the loop of sustainability. We have closed the “Loop” as we provide reusable bags, plastic bag collection bins, recycling education, as well as work with municipalities/businesses/schools to collect the bags and have them recycled into composite lumber in the United States.”

Go to their website to browse their products.  The bag I picked up can be wrapped up so it can easily fit in a purse or pocket and used for those unexpected shopping trips.  (Get a head-start on holiday shopping & spread a green theme this year!) 

  Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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