Eco-Friendly Mom Honored by Martha Stewart

A mother of two from Corona del Mar is in the running to be featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine for creating an eco-friendly business dedicated to reusable bags.

DeAnna Reposa, 45, is one of 100 nationwide finalists for the Audience Choice Pick in Martha Stewart's American Made Awards which recognizes entrepreneurs who make innovative and inspiring products.

"I wanted to use reusable bags but I couldn't find any that I liked. They were too flimsy and I wanted something that stands up when people are bagging groceries versus a plastic bag that would fall all over the place," Reposa told Patch. "So I decided to make my own."

Reposa's Simple Peace business, which she founded in 2007, produces reusable bags that are both stylish and environmentally friendly. The reusable bags are made out of organic cotton and hemp, which is naturally pesticide free, and can be used for grocery shopping, at farmer's markets, as a purse or even a book bag.

"The whole thing started because my dad had cancer and I started to research organic foods and plastic," Reposa said. "I stopped using plastic bags and got into the reusable bags and from there one thing led to another." 

The contest's winner will receive a feature in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, $10,000 and the chance to attend a four day workshop with Martha Stewart. If she wins, Reposa says she will donate a portion of her winnings to charity. You can vote for DeAnna Reposa through the end of Monday at simplepeace.com.

"It's an honor to be recognized by Martha Stewart because she has done so many great things for women and she has such a huge brand," Reposa said.

Simple Peace reusable bags range from $40 to $80 and can be purchased online at simplepeace.com.