I picked up a copy of LouLou Magazine while I was getting my hair done at Envy the other day. Geez, look at me, reading fashion magazines and sitting in a salon for the second time in as many weeks. It was the first time I’d ever glanced at LouLou and the one-page green shopping guide caught my eye. It featured a laptop bag made from recycled seatbelts, a Cargo PlantLove lipstick case made of corn, and a purse that consisted of an old skateboard deck fashioned with a clasp. Admittedly, the skater clutch caught my attention the most and with the url “BeckyCity.com” posted at the end of the page, I knew I’d remember to look it up when I got home.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in New York City, Beck(y) is a shrewdly designed collection of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bags and accessories constructed with recycled skateboards and plush, high-end fabrics. [Beck(y) Bags]

The Sk8bag handbags look pretty awesome and come in square and curved mini-tote clutches, but Beck(y) also makes two styles of unisex messenger bags, belts, buckles, money clips and even an iPod case.

My neat-meter peaked when I also found out that whenever anyone donates a used deck to be made into a handbag, Beck shares a slice of the profits with skateboarding-related charities.

Beck established the Boards 4 Bowls program. For every used board she receives Beck donates $3 to a variety of non-profit organizations dedicated to building and maintaining public skateparks across the country. Beck currently works with the Tony Hawk Foundation, Jeff Anderson Memorial Fund and Elemental Awareness. [Beck(y) Bags]

On the Beck(y) website it says the Sk8bags should be available in Vancouver at Lark 8th Ave. I may just have to take a trip to Lark (which also has a blog) so I can hopefully spend the rest of my happyfrog funds on something eco-nifty… although I may only be able to afford the money clip, still - it’s worth checking out.

Update: D’oh! I might not be able to count this as a happyfrog purchase cause they’re not made in BC or by a BC company… will be on the lookout for more goodies to share!