Ontarians use 2.5 billion plastic grocery bags a year and while the sheer amount of plastic bags that end up in landfills is grotesque, it seems like consumers are finally getting the message.

The Keep Six Contemporary Gallery and Project Space is currently hosting their Eco-Bag, Eco-Life exhibit and I have to admit that while I myself own a variety of eco-friendly cloth bags, they spend more time collecting dust than they do slung over my shoulder. But does a greener lifestyle really begin with being diligent about the use of an eco-friendly bag?

Traditionally, cloth bags were bargain-bin items - sandpaper-smooth squares with cheesy tree-hugger messages on them and came in cliched earth-tone colours; however, the Keep Six Contemporary Gallery intends to change people's perception of our favourite eco-accessory.

I took the time to get up close and personal to check out the magnificent hand detailing and playfully creative designs. People seemed very responsive towards the fresh new perspective on the cloth bag.

All the works featured at the gallery are currently on sale. But remember to get yours while they last, as the exhibit will be packing its bags on July the 7th to showcase home-grown Canadian talent around the world.

And if you can't make it out to the event, you can create your own eco-bag with this great template.

Photos by Rafi Ghanaghounian