I first met Andy Keller in 2009 when I was launching the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy and his company, ChicoBag, joined the Alliance. Since he joined, the Alliance has grown to over 1,170 business members from around the state who are committed to California’s clean energy economy – I consider Andy to be one of our “founding members” given his early commitment as well as his encouragement of other Chico-based businesses to become engaged.
Andy has a great story. In 2004, he took a trip to his local landfill and was horrified by how many single-use bags dotted the landscape – literally – from fence posts, to gutter puddles, to those that were blowing in the streets. Inspired, he bought a sewing machine and began sewing what would become the first ChicoBag brand reusable bag. And so the ChicoBag Company was born.
Today, the company continues to provide innovative solutions to reduce unnecessary waste, and Andy spends his time helping people kick their single-use bag habit.
Without hesitation after joining the Alliance, Andy became engaged as a spokesperson for businesses committed to clean energy policies, and he also helped out on the “No on 23” campaign (Prop 23, which would have rolled back the state’s landmark climate law, AB 32, was defeated 2 to 1 by voters in November 2010).
Proudly representing the Chico area, he was always willing to lend his name for a quote or pen an op-ed to defend California’s right to regulate its own air quality.
He has traveled the country on a motorcycle dressed as a Bag Monster, a costume that anyone can wear to visually show the impact single-use plastic bags have on the environment. Andy says: “The Bag Monster makes people laugh and realize how many bags they use. Most people are shocked by the Bag Monster and quickly realize they can use significantly less.”
Andy is an active blogger and activist as well, so much so that he has gotten the attention of the plastic bag industry. Three of the largest plastic bag manufacturers are suing ChicoBag for “irreparably harming” their business.
The San Francisco Chronicle has the full story on the lawsuit:
Three [plastic bag manufacturing] companies have sued ChicoBag in South Carolina, accusing Keller’s business of causing them “irreparable injury.” The suit argues that ChicoBag’s website and marketing material contain false or misleading information in a deliberate attempt to “misappropriate … customers and potential customers.”
Keller considers it an attempt to silence and smother his company
“The plastic bag is under attack all around the world,” he said. “I think the plastics industry doesn’t know what to do, and they’re scared, in my opinion.”…
The companies want the court to block ChicoBag, its executives and employees from publicly blaming disposable bags for environmental damage or claiming that ChicoBag’s products are better for the Earth. They want ChicoBag to hand over any profit resulting from the allegedly false statements, and to pay for any damages suffered by the plastic bag makers. They also want the court to triple those damages as punishment.
Andy Keller is the kind of “green” business person that others aspire to be, and he does what he does not only because of his commitment to the environment but also because it is a sound business decision. We are all fortunate to have someone like Andy – whether he is selling ChicoBags, dressed as a Bag Monster, or doing battle with plastic bag manufacturers – working on behalf of the planet.
Susan Frank
Executive Vice President, Better World Group
Director, California Business Alliance for a Green Economy
Vice-Chair, CLCV Board of Directors
