With the threat of global warming and climate change looming large on our existence, we realized the extent of destruction caused by our actions. Though we cannot go back into the time and change our misdeeds nor can we now renounce every material thing on this Earth and live like our ancestors who lived thousands of decades ago. Nevertheless, little things in our life, such as donating old clothes and buying recycled clothes, using read newspapers for wrapping books or gifts, re-using polythene bags while going for shopping and many such things can surely make huge differences to our future.
Here we present a list of 10 eco-friendly handbags for all eco-conscious people. These are not only a simple way to contribute to save our planet but also make a great and unique fashion statement.
1. Webe bags
These bags, made from recycled feed, flour and coffee sacks imported from around the world and stitched in the US. These bags carry a dual message for the consumer “I care about the environment….and style!” Their unique looks, simple prints, and quirky accents will surely make you stand out of the crowd. What adds to their uniqueness is that no two bags have the same design. They have an interesting range of purses, totes, drawstrings, etc, which are durable and will work with every outfit or style.
2. Ecoist handmade handbags
The unique handbags made by designer firm Ecoist are not only eco-friendly (they claim to have saved more than 40 million wrappers from going into landfills) but are extremely stylish, chic and will definitely make your gal pals green with jealousy. They have a unique collection of stunning handbags, purses, coin pouches, shoulder bags, etc., which are made out of recycled newspaper, candy wrappers and many such recyclable items. They also have a Confetti collection and some collector’s items. Their popularity can be made of the fact that to get these handbags one need to order way in advance unless these are sold out.
3. Escama studio bags
Escama Studio, a collaborative design studio based in San Francisco, combines eco-friendly art with fair trade principles for you to go on a guilt-free trip to your ‘fashion-land’! The ‘Wow’ factor of these bags is that these are made out of recycled aluminium tabs which are hand-crocheted together. Their collections range from shoulder bags, clutches, messenger bags to even accessories and jewelries which look unique and stylish. Written off by experts many years ago, today they have proved that right conviction combined with innovation can really make a difference in the fight to save our environment.
4. Bags made from recycled tyre tubes
This bag has been made out of inner tubes of trucks which imparts it a stylish look of a croc-textured leather purse. This uptown bag has an open interior pocket with a smooth zipper closure. This and many such bags can be bought at Groovy Mind, an online retailer of eco-friendly products.
5. Momaboma eco-bag
Maserati is a brand synonymous with ‘luxury’ and ‘elegance’. The same goes for these limited edition totes made out of recycled Maserati brochures that were slated for round file. Not only the brand associated with these totes make them unique but also the fact that they are eco-friendly adds to their exclusivity. Only 150 such bags were made and each one of them are different from the other.
6. Solar handbag from Noon Solar
This one is definitely for the eco-conscious geek girls. This hand bag from Noon Solar has a 12 inch by 12 inch flexible solar panel on the side, to which gadgets can be connected via a cable present in the inside pocket using the USB or iPod cables included with the handbag. The handbag comes in 2 colors; chocolate and steel.
7. Solarjo power purse
This solar powered purse was created by the genius Joe Hynek in a competition of an experimental garment design class. It is covered with laminated solar panels and has a built-in USB port for charging gadgets. You can keep it on the window sill to charge while you are busy in your work. It is sturdy and resilient to scratches and is estimated to be around 150 pounds.
8. Keyboard bag
A bag made out of the keys of your keyboard! The rate at which the IT industry has grown in past 2 decades, this innovation was not far behind. Definitely a style statement but also without any environmental costs attached to it. It is available in two colors; black and white. To own one of this, you can contact Joao.
9. reMade USA upcycled jacket bag
reMade a brand owned and started by Shannon South, recycles leather jackets and used leather found at thrift stores into cool leather bags. As each jacket has a different design and style, each of these bags have unique look.
10. Recycled handbags with a class
If you describe yourself as classy but environment friendly, these bags are a must-haves for you. These hand-made bags are made out of recycled materials and vintage hardware and can be found in Italy, China, Argentina, Canada and Macedonia. Though steeply priced ($3000 to $5000), these will make a nice addition to your collection.
