Whether you’re lugging books, wanting to make a statement at work or seeking a unique and special gift, messenger bags and totes made out of Urban Forest Project Tacoma banners are one way to get a unique look and a quality bag all in one. Now available for $75 each, these one-of-a-kind bags are fully functional pieces of art. All proceeds go toward planting and maintaining trees in Tacoma.

The Urban Forest Project Tacoma was a community collaboration which featured nearly 100 tree-themed banners designed by Tacoma area artists, designers and students to raise awareness of the importance of trees in the city while celebrating the Tacoma’s vibrant creative community. The banners hung in downtown Tacoma this past spring. Once the banners were taken down, they were “upcycled” into unique messenger bags by Alchemy Goods in Seattle, a company known for making high-quality bags out of bicycle tires, seat belts and event banners. One messenger bag was made out of each banner; a limited number of small tote bags were crafted out of the remaining material.

Urban Forest Project Tacoma bags are available for sale in the lobby of the Center for Urban Waters, 326 East D Street, Tacoma, and at Alchemy Goods, 1723 First Ave. S., in Seattle. Prices listed do not include applicable sales tax. Messenger bags are $75; small tote bags are $20. Other Urban Forest Project Tacoma products (T-shirts featuring banner designs: $30; and posters featuring banner designs: $30) are available online at ufp-tacoma.com. Learn more about Tacoma’s urban forestry program and how you can get involved in increasing Tacoma’s tree canopy at cityoftacoma.org/evergreentacoma.