Long has the discussion raged about paper versus plastic when it comes to the green choice for grocery bags.

Neither, of course, is the eco-friendly answer.

But simply buying a cheap reusable bag, which requires non-renewable resources — such as, ahem, plastic — for its manufacturing isn’t exactly green, especially if your new bag wears out in a year and you have to buy a new one.

Today, however, I have the perfect solution.

Buy a durable reusable bag made of recycled materials from a local company.

Who?

Seattle’s own Alchemy Goods, also known as Ag, offers a machine-washable, bulletproof-yet-light “Ad bag.”

Though Alchemy is more known for messenger bags, the company’s multi-

purpose Ad bags carry much more than your average reusable grocery sack and are far tougher because they’re made of old mesh vinyl advertising banners – hence the name Ad bag.

Don’t just take my word for it, however,

Rebecca Ruhoff of Stanwood wrote me recently to say she ordered one online after reading about them here and was pleased with the results.

It was, she said, “one of the best purchases I’ve made in a while. It is HUGE! I put my big heavy purse in it while shopping and then take out the purse and fill with my purchases. Thanks so much for the answer to ‘paper or plastic?’ Neither. I brought my own!”

Ad bags — 8 inches by 12 inches by 16 inches — have comfy handles constructed from recycled seatbelt straps and recycled bike inner tubes.

Mine, purchased about a year ago now, looks good as new. It was apparently made from an old Seattle Seahawks banner once displayed at Qwest Field.

Was it worth the $30?

Oh, yeah. I love that the handles are large enough to fit over my shoulder for easy carrying of the heaviest of loads. It doubles as a great super-size lunch box and miscellaneous tote for work. No two Ad bags are alike and they’re guaranteed for life. They have an urban, hip look to them too.

Ag just recently introduced wallets made of the same materials as their Ad bags. They’re called Banner Folds and you can see them here.

I just can’t say enough good things about Alchemy Goods, whose mission is “Turning useless into useful.”

Don’t we need more companies like Ag turning garbage into gold, as Business Week described their endeavors?

Oh, yes, I think so.