Many of us are adapting the way we shop by saying no to disposable shopping bags. As a result many designers are helping us acclimate. This is the case with Halle Merdahl and the Expand Me series for Muuto. These great little totes expand from 17.7 inches to 25.6 inches. So if you want to shoot for a little more pizazz than a Trader Joes reusable, these may be a good alternative.

Muuto is a new Scandinavian design house whose names means “fresh perspective” in Finnish. In the designer’s words: “With the shape of the jug I wanted to tell a straightforward story about its functional anatomy: A large hole to fill the jug, a small hole to pour, a low center of gravity, and a middle area to get a firm grip. At the same time I wanted to create a flowing balance between these four elements in a way that makes them come together in an organic unity, like a heart and its veins or a tree and its branches. The end result almost makes the jug come alive.” Hand made fine bone china - unglazed and hand polished outside, glazed inside. Hold 1.15 liters, or 2.5 pints. 9.5″ tall x 5.5″ wide.

Great as a carafe or as a sculptural object. You can pick it up here for $95.

Designed by Harri Koskinen for Muuto. Regarding the concept he says, “The basic idea was to create a lamp series with space and atmosphere. I put my trust in the natural material of glass, in its beauty and its changing reflections. The lamp series consists of a white and grey version that both, and in their own way, bring forward the beauty of electrical light. The lamps are at their best in the late evening, creating a cosy mood around them.” Made of mouth-blown glass and textile cord in transparent gray or white. The white lamp comes in two sizes.