This year's recycled banner bags include a gift/wine bag and a zippered caddy/cosmetic bag. Photo by Bob Elbert.
They're colorful and practical. They promote Iowa State while tipping a hat to recycling. And each is one of a kind.
Cousins to the tote bag sold two springs ago, "banner bags" are back at the University Book Store in the Memorial Union. This year's models are a 9-inch zippered caddy/cosmetic bag and a 16-inch gift/wine bag with handles.
Over the winter, the office of University Marketing sent about 40 banners to priorLife in Traverse City, Mich., including 11 cloth banners that formerly hung in ISU Extension's Des Moines office and more than 30 vinyl banners that once were displayed on campus buildings or University Boulevard light poles. Remember some of these themes: ISU Sesquicentennial, multi-language "Welcome," National Special Olympics, Reiman Gardens, Cytennial homecoming, Eye on Cy? In some cases, the promotion or event ended; in others, sun, wind or rain took a toll on a banner.
priorLife converted the retired banners into about 450 unique bags. The zippered caddy/cosmetic bag sells for $14.99; the gift/wine bag retails for $19.99. Net proceeds from sales go back into the university banner program.
The bags will be sold in the bookstore through June. Any remaining bags will be available through the ISU Alumni Association's online shop.
