We believe that change starts with simple, actionable steps.
Our Story
Our journey began with a vision: to create a product that empowers people to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change. It started with a memory of traditional bamboo baskets used in the Philippines - durable, reusable, and long-lasting. Inspired by this time-tested approach, we set out to design a modern solution that embodies sustainability and practicality.
Our founder, Jocelyn, saw the need for an alternative to conventional reusable grocery bags made of polyethylene - bags that only last for months, breed bacteria, and contain microplastics that eventually end up in our food and linger in the environment for centuries. She knew we needed a better solution, and something had to be done.
From the beginning, our mission was clear: to develop a product that not only replaces polyethylene reusable grocery bags but also encourages a shift toward a zero-waste lifestyle. After years of research, experimenting with different materials, and rigorous testing, Clean Market Bag was born. Crafted from Manila hemp, our bags offer a sustainable alternative that combines strength, durability, and environmental responsibility. Unlike plastic, cotton, jute, or polyethylene-based reusable options, our bags are designed to last for decades and ultimately decompose, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
We launched two core products: the Classic Everyday Market Bag and the Classic Weekend Grocery Bag. These bags are more than just practical items - they are part of a larger movement. With each bag sold, we foster a community of individuals and businesses committed to sustainability. We also support our artisans in improving their quality of life, and we are working toward creating a non-profit organization to support tree planting and mangrove restoration in coastal areas of the Philippines
From market visits to grocery shopping, our bags help people make small yet significant changes that collectively contribute to a healthier planet. Our journey doesn't end with a single product. As we grow, Clean Market Bag remains dedicated to minimizing waste, supporting a circular economy, and providing sustainable solutions for our customers. We are committed to quality, transparency, and environmental stewardship, and we are excited to see how our products continue to make a difference worldwide.
The urgency remains. Our climate continues to change, and the stakes are higher than ever. But with every Clean Market Bag carried, we take a step in the right direction. It may be a small step, but it is a step toward a future where sustainability is not just a choice but a way of life - a future where our children inherit a world worth protecting and nurturing. Clean Market Bag is our small contribution to climate change. It’s not the entire solution, but it’s a seed. And if enough of us plant those seeds and choose better, the forest of change will grow.
Jocelyn with Founder of Burts Bees ; Burt Shavitz
Giving Back to Grow Futures
People continually ask me why I’m deeply passionate about creating a better future for both people and the planet…
I grew up poor in a remote town in the Philippines. Life was simple, but not easy. From a young age, I understood what it meant to struggle — and I also learned the power of community, resilience, and respect for nature.
When I left home to build a life abroad, I never forgot my roots. And I never forgot that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change — facing rising temperatures, devastating typhoons, and growing environmental challenges that hurt the most vulnerable people first.
Clean Market Bag is my way of giving back — by creating something that helps both people and planet.
Our bags are made from 100% natural Manila hemp fiber — zero microplastics, biodegradable, compostable, designed to prevent bacterial growth, and built to last up to 20 years. Each one is handwoven by artisans in the Philippines, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with modern sustainability.
OUR COMMITMENT:
Today, we are proud to support over 200 workers — from artisans, sewers, to farmers — across different communities in the Philippines. And we are just getting started.
The Clean Market Bag company is committed to giving back to the communities that inspire and support us. Up to 1% of our revenue will be contributed to tree-planting initiatives, ensuring we balance impact with sustainable growth in vulnerable areas of the Philippines.
As we grow, we are committed to expanding our impact and supporting climate change initiatives in the Philippines and beyond, because environmental justice must go hand-in-hand with economic opportunity.
Our focus too is on engaging elementary school children in planting calamansi or dalandan trees behind their schools. These trees not only restore the environment but also provide a source of fresh fruits for students. Over time, these children will learn to care for their trees, harvest sweet oranges and turn them into fresh fruit juices or snacks, creating a sustainable and nutritious source while fostering environmental stewardship. Together, we’re planting seeds of change - one tree at a time.