One-of-a-kind messenger bags are fashionable, functional and forest-friendly
Whether you're lugging books, wanting to make a statement at work or seeking a unique and special gift, messenger bags and totes made out of Urban Forest Project Tacoma banners are a great way to get a unique look and a quality bag all in one.

Now available for $75 each, these one-of-a-kind bags are fully functional pieces of art. All proceeds go toward planting and maintaining trees in Tacoma.

The Urban Forest Project Tacoma was a community collaboration which featured nearly 100 tree-themed banners designed by Tacoma area artists, designers and students to raise awareness of the importance of trees in the city while celebrating the Tacoma's vibrant creative community. The banners hung in downtown Tacoma this past spring.

Once the banners were taken down, they were "upcycled" into unique messenger bags by Alchemy Goods in Seattle, a company known for making high-quality bags out of bicycle tires, seat belts and event banners. One messenger bag was made out of each banner; a limited number of small tote bags were crafted out of the remaining material.

Urban Forest Project Tacoma bags are available for sale in the lobby of the Center for Urban Waters, 326 East D Street, Tacoma, and at Alchemy Goods, 1723 First Ave. S., Seattle. Prices listed do not include applicable sales tax.

•     Messenger bags: $75
  

•     Small tote bags: $20
  

Other Urban Forest Project Tacoma products available online at www.ufp-tacoma.comhttp://www.ufp-tacoma.com:

•     T-shirts featuring banner designs: $30
  

•     Posters featuring banner designs: $30
  

Learn more about Tacoma's urban forestry program and how you can get involved in increasing Tacoma's tree canopy at www.cityoftacoma.org/evergreentacomahttp://www.cityoftacoma.org/evergreentacoma.

NOTE: Photos of the Urban Forest Project messenger bags and tote bags can be viewed online at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.273320722687059.75017.116606088358524.

Nominations for the City of Tacoma's 26th annual City of Destiny Awards, which spotlights exceptional volunteers who have worked to drive Tacoma forward, are being accepted now through Jan. 13, 2012.

Eligibility requirements for the nine award categories - which includes an Environmental Sustainability category - are available on the current nomination form. The current nomination form is available in hard copy at the various Tacoma Public Library branches, the City Clerk's Office (Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Room 220) and the Community Relations Office (Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., Room 11).

A nomination form, and additional details about the City of Destiny Awards, is also available at cityoftacoma.org/destinyawardshttp://www.cityoftacoma.org/destinyawards.

Nominations for the City of Tacoma's 26th annual City of Destiny Awards, which spotlights exceptional volunteers who have worked to drive Tacoma forward, are being accepted now through Jan. 13, 2012. A nomination form, and additional details about the City of Destiny Awards, is available at cityoftacoma.org/destinyawardshttp://www.cityoftacoma.org/destinyawards.

Nominations for the City of Tacoma's 26th annual City of Destiny Awards, which spotlights exceptional volunteers who have worked to drive Tacoma forward, are being accepted now through Jan. 27, 2012. This represents a two-week extension from the original deadline of Jan. 13, 2012. A nomination form, and additional details about the City of Destiny Awards, is available at cityoftacoma.org/destinyawardshttp://www.cityoftacoma.org/destinyawards.