Our Story
One tote bag. Two powerful causes. A grassroots mission with global impact.
It began with frustration, sparked by a world in crisis — and turned into action, with hope stitched into every bag.
During Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns, five everyday Australians saw two silent emergencies unfolding: a surge in plastic waste, and critical medical research losing funding and momentum.
Plastic waste was piling up. Single-use bags from supermarket runs and takeaway orders were choking our waterways and suffocating marine life.
Meanwhile, lifesaving medical research - especially in cancer and chronic disease - was grinding to a halt. Universities had lost key funding streams overnight. Promising research projects were shelved. Momentum was lost.
It felt overwhelming. But instead of standing still, we asked:
What if one simple, everyday item could be part of the solution to both problems?
And that’s how Bags for Earth & Science Inc. was born.
We’re a grassroots health promotion charity on a mission to replace single-use plastic bags with environmentally-friendly totes — and to use the proceeds to fund breakthrough medical research in cancer and chronic disease. Every tote we sell reduces plastic in the world.
Every dollar raised goes toward funding brilliant Australian scientists.
Two causes. One tote. A movement anyone can be part of.
We're not a big organisation. Just a small, committed team with a big vision: A cleaner, healthier planet. A future where science gets the funding it deserves. Whether you buy a bag, host a fundraiser, or donate, you're part of something bigger. You're protecting the Earth and advancing science — one tote at a time.
Who We Donate to
100% of funds raised so far have been donated to the Healthy Lifespan and Chronic Diseases Program at RMIT University School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, led by award-winning Cancer researcher, Distinguished Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos and her team of researchers.
Future fundraisers will be distribued to our other approved research foundations.
If you would like to apply to be considered for future funding, please reach out here.
