From Mercadona to Favorite Bag: The Green Tote as a DIY Statement

From the supermarket shelf to the seaside promenade

Almost everyone knows it: the large, sturdy green bag from Mercadona. In Palma you see it in the hands of neighbors, on the beach and at the weekly markets. That such a humble shopping bag can become more was recently shown by a creative content creator — and I tried it myself when the heat was still hanging over Plaça Major at 5 p.m. yesterday.

What you need

No special tools, no sewing machine. Just three things: a Mercadona bag, a colorful cloth or pareo (about 1.5 m x 0.9 m is enough) and a bit of time — five minutes at most. If you like, add a small metal chain or a carabiner to give the bag more character.

How it works (super simple)

Lay the cloth on a table, place the green bag in the middle and wrap the edges once around the handles. Then tuck the cloth into the bag's opening and pull the edges out so the cloth effectively lines the inside. Done. No sewing, no gluing. The bag stays sturdy on the outside, the cloth provides pattern, color and a soft touch.

I did it like this: a blue patterned pareo that had otherwise been collecting dust in the closet, and suddenly the bag no longer looked like a grocery carrier but like a bag you'd happily take to the cove bar. Small trick: secure excess fabric at the handle with a knot — it holds better and looks deliberately casual.

Why it works

The Mercadona bag is simple but robust. It carries butter, wine bottles and beach toys without complaint. With an inner fabric it can be personalized very easily — and it costs almost nothing. For many on Mallorca this is more than a craft project: it's genuine upcycling, a small statement against disposable goods and the idea that good bags have to be expensive.

Some friends thread a chain through the handles, others tuck a small handbag inside as an inner pocket. Yesterday I saw an older lady on Passeig des Born who had decorated her bag with colorful fabric flowers. It looked charming and completely original.

In short: If you want a quick, cheap and practical upgrade for everyday life, try this. No designer logos, but a bit of character and plenty of space for beach towels, books and espresso to go. And yes: the bag is indestructible — at least until you rub it on the rocks.