17 Eco-friendly Purses for Ethical & Sustainable Style
Purses are a practical everyday accessory and can be a fashion statement. So it’s a good idea to include purses in the process of living a more sustainable lifestyle.
While the most sustainable choice is to use the eco-friendly bag in your closet, if you're looking for a new purse this guide features some incredible options.
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What To Look For When Buying Sustainable Purses
It’s clear that buying the sustainable way is great for the environment and it helps those that make the sustainable products.
The question is how do you know that a bag is eco-friendly?
There are a few things you should be on the lookout for when shopping for a new bag.
Recycled Materials: Recycled materials are a great material to look for while shopping for an eco-friendly wallet. This not only helps to reuse items found in the landfill but gives a second life to those materials. There are quite a few purses made from plastic bottles which tend to be durable.
Vegan Leather: If you choose to look for a vegan leather wallet try to look for a plant-based leather alternative such as apple or cork and avoid synthetic vegan leathers that might have plastic. Consider exploring Peta’s guide to vegan leather to learn more about cork, pineapple leather, and more.
Natural fibers such as cotton are a good option especially organic natural fibers as these have less environmental impact.
Leather is known for it's durability, but isn’t the kindest to the environment. So if you choose to go with leather make sure to try and pick a more sustainable option such as sustainable options such as up-cycled leather or leather by-products.
How To Pick Out An Eco-Friendly Purse
Along with the materials, here are a few other points to consider when shopping for a new purse.
What is the reason: The fashion industry has created a bag for almost any scenario. From a convertible backpack to a crossbody bag, and everything in-between. Try to pick a purse that works for multiple occasions.
Consider the durability: When purchasing a new bag it's important to have a durable purse that will last for years to come. It's not too sustainable if you have to replace a cheap purse every so often.
Ethics & Sustainability: Now it’s time to focus on the company. You want to do research on things like their environmental standards and social responsibility. Does the brand pay their employees fair wages through out the supply chain? What are they doing to reduce their carbon footprint?
Now that you know what you are looking for in an eco-friendly purse, here are some innovative companies that are doing it right.
15 Eco-friendly Purses for Sustainable Style
These three ethical handbag brands have some great options for handbags made with fair trade practices and sustainable materials.
Malia Designs: Affordable Fair Trade Purses Made with Upcycled Materials
The dream of Malia Designs came in the year 2000 when the founder, Lia Valerio, was visiting Cambodia. Five years later this accessory brand was born.
This fair trade brand makes affordable purses with eco-friendly materials such as up-cycled cotton, up-cycled cement bags, and more.
They don’t stop there though.
When you buy a Malia Designs bag you are supporting fair-trade working conditions, and making a difference in the fight against human trafficking.
Through all of the work and sales, Malia Designs have been able to donate over $160,000 to chairitable organizations in both the United States and Cambodia that fight human trafficking.
Malia Designs have a lot of popular styles for their handbags, such as crossbody purses, messenger bags, and more.
Here are a few bags that are great options from Malia Designs.
Ikat Large Shoulder Bag: This bag can serve multiple functions. Whether you are looking at laptop bags, or need something for a weekend getaway, even just an everyday bag, you’ve got options. Speaking of options, there are two different color options to choose from, black and sage. The price for these shoulder bags are $68 and they are made from sustainable alternatives like handwoven fabric and durable upcycled cotton.
Convertible Clutch: This fashionable clutch can serve three purposes, a cross body bag, wristlet, or something similar to a fanny pack. It’s perfect for a quick trip to the store, or to carry if you are going somewhere that doesn’t allow big bags. It’s a screen print made from upcycled cotton and sells for $36.
Canvas Sling Bag: If you’re looking for something small, but mighty, this bag is for you. With its deep pocket you are able to fit a variety of your small everyday items. This practical crossbody bag sells for $45 and is made out of deadstock canvas fabric with an organic Monstera leaf print design to give the bag a little more pop.
Cement Crossbody: If you are into fun, vibrant colors and designs in your bags, you’ll love this one made from recycled cement bags. There are a few different eye-catching designs. It’s perfect for making a statement in your look, and light-weight so it won’t weigh you down. You can grab yours for $38.
Mini Crossbody: Spring vibes are strong with this bag. You can choose from three different bright and fun designs. It’s a cotton screen print bag that is the perfect size for a travel bag or just for everyday use if you don’t like large bags. Order yours for $30.
Carry Courage Vegan Cork Bags Made in the USA
Carry Courage founder, Marisa, has created a company that values and seeks out sustainable materials when creating their products.
Two of the biggest materials they use are cork fabric and linen. Their bags are handmade in Oregon, so you know you are getting a high quality product that was made with ethical standards in mind.
They offer a variety of different bags from cosmetic bags to tote bags, and everything in between.
Here are a few of their ethical handbags that I recommend.
Dreamer Foldover Bag: This is a linen and vegan leather bag. Because of it’s classic look it’s perfect for a day at the office, or a night out. This handmade bag is $142.
Overcomer Tote Bag: While the previous vegan bag gave classy vibes, this one gives off an unstoppable conqueror vibe. You can get this bag made from faux leather and organic cotton for $239.
Giver Wristlet: If you are looking for a sustainable bag that is a little smaller, this wristlet is perfect! You’ve got three different color options to choose from. It’s handmade with vegan cork fabric and linen lining fabric, so you know you are making an ethical choice. Grab yours for $59.
Rothy's Bags Made from Upcycled Water Bottles
Rothy's is a sustainable brand that upcycles plastic water bottles and post-consumer materials into their unique fabric blend, which is then crafted into beautiful handbags, totes, shoes, and more.
These bags are durable and easy to clean which is great.
The Mini Handbag: The washable, elevated mini handbag comes in a variety of fun colors. This purse also comes with an adjustable, detachable strap—so it also doubles as a chic crossbody. Plus, it’s made with marine plastic. This sustainable mini bag can be purchased for $175 and is crafted to last.
The Belt Bag: This bag is light, washable and keeps your hands free. With an adjustable, removable belt and four ways to take it around time, this style is incredibly versatile. This bag made from recycled materials can be purchased for $165.
The Lightweight Tote Bag: This tote bags is great for everyday use with easy top handles and a handy key leash. The vibrant color selection makes this eco-friendly tote unique. This roomy bag can be purchased for $175.
Deux Mains: Deadstock Leather Bags
Deux Mains is a social enterprise in Haiti ethically crafting shoes and accessories with deadstock leather and up-cycled tires.
They work with skilled artisan partners and pay fair wages. Fun fact, I got to visit their factory when I studied abroad in Haiti and they truly do work so hard to create high quality goods crafted to last.
Ideal Crossbody: Made in small batches from from dead stock leather that is meticulously woven, showcasing artisanal wisdom and accentuated with a hand-wrapped leather handle for extra artful detail. This bag comes in vibrant colors such as bright pink and blue. The Ideal Crossbody purse can be purchased for $225.
All Day Tote Bag: This oversized leather bag can fit it all and make a fashion statement. Made with leather that is responsibly sourced from overstock runs you can truly see the detail in this bag. This tote can be purchased for $450.
Nisolo: A More Sustainable Option for Leather Bags
If the durability of real leather is on your check list for the perfect purse Nisolo offers a more responsible product. Nisolo is a certified B Corporation crafting high quality, ethically made leather goods using socially responsible practices.
Through their sustainable leather shoes, Nisolo provides steady employment opportunities for shoemakers in Peru & Mexico, allowing artisans to support themselves and their families.
Nisolo uses sustainable practices such as eco-friendly waste disposal systems, leather byproducts from the meat industry, & carbon offsetting to craft leather goods that are meant to last a life time.
Lori Tote Bag: This tote ismMinimalist on the outside, maximalist on the inside with a spacious layout perfect for carrying essentials and a laptop. This is a high-quality, everyday catch-all bag that will have you looking pulled together wherever you’re headed. This bag can be purchased for $170.
Simone Convertible Shopper: This bag has it all with it's structure, shape, and size. Made to hold all the essentials for your day out of the house and make a fashion statement. This chic leather purse can be purchased for $170.
Cleo Convertible Crossbody: A clutch, a belt bag, a crossbody, a half-cross, an over the shoulder bag, and an interior wallet to keep you effortlessly organized—you name it, this bag is perfect for it. This unique crossbody can be purchased for $150.
Canvas Tote: This is a great everyday tote bag. Made with cotton canvas, vegetable tanned leather straps, hammered copper rivets, and an interior zipper pocket and key chain clip, the Canvas Tote will easily transport all your belongings around in style. The canvas tote comes in a few fun colors for $80.
Fossil’s Cactus Leather Tote Bags & Purses
Fossil’s line of cactus leather purses and bags are high quality, durable, and unique. The exterior features a beautiful cactus leather.
In order to create the cactus leather, the cactus leaves are dried in the sun for 3-6 days, an energy-efficient processing technique. Then each cactus’ trunk is left intact to enable repeat harvesting. Its leaves regenerate every 6-8 months.
This process does not require herbicides or pesticides and features a natural tanning process.
The interior of these bags feature High-quality REPREVE® lining made from 100% recycled materials. This fabric is made from post-consumer water bottles that have been converted to a resin that is texturized into a yarn.
The use of REPREVE® recycled polyester reduces energy consumption by 45%, water consumption by 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in comparison to virgin natural polyester. Here are a few bags we love from this line!
Kier Cactus Leather Tote: I personally have the Kier Cactus Leather tote and have loved it! It is incredibly roomy and durable. I’ve had it for over a year and it’s held up really well. This tote features the ability to carry a 15 inch laptop and 2 Adjustable & Detachable Shoulder Straps. It comes in a few different colors such as black and tan. This tote bag can be purchased for $300.
Kier Cactus Leather Crossbody: This crossbody tote is great for minimalists! This purse features 1 Slide Pocket, 2 Compartments along with 1 Adjustable & Detachable Crossbody Strap. This crossbody purse can be purchased for $200.
Hopefully this guide has given you some ideas of sustainable brands and eco-friendly bags if you choose to purchase something new! Purses are also a great item to shop secondhand!
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