Eco Friendly Bags To Check Out (UK & US)
W&S Editorial Staff
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Not all bags are created equal. While they may seem the same at first glance, it’s easy to tell when bags are made consciously to last season after season by looking closer at the fabric and design. Below, these small businesses offer wonderfully made eco-friendly bags, all available on Etsy (not sponsored), for every occasion and need.
Sustainable bags are not just made with quality materials sourced with care; they are also bags accessible locally (to minimise the resources needed to get them to you).
Please check out these women-owned brands making sustainable bags in the US and UK that you can’t pass up!
Eco-Friendly Bags: Why They Matter
In the contemporary landscape of conscious consumerism, the term "eco-friendly" encompasses a multifaceted approach that extends beyond mere sustainability. At Women & Sustainability, we embrace a comprehensive brand shopping ethos rooted in four fundamental pillars: (1) consciousness of marginalized groups and individuals, (2) meticulous attention to product quality and lifespan, (3) deep-seated awareness of natural processes, and (4) unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Our dedication to these principles underscores our mission to empower consumers to make informed and ethical choices. We invite readers to explore these tenets further on our shop page, where we delve into our unwavering commitment to conscious consumerism.
The fashion industry, including accessories like bags, is a significant contributor to global waste production. In the United States alone, the fashion sector generates a staggering amount of waste each year, with accessories accounting for a notable portion of this output. From discarded handbags to single-use totes, the excess waste not only strains our natural resources but also exacerbates social inequalities and environmental degradation. It's imperative to confront this issue head-on and seek sustainable alternatives to minimize our collective impact.
Transitioning to eco-friendly bags is a pivotal step in reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future. While reusing and repurposing existing bags is ideal, opting for sustainably made accessories when purchasing new ones can make a significant difference. By choosing bags crafted from eco-conscious materials such as organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics, consumers can actively contribute to positive environmental and social change. Moreover, selecting bags produced through ethical and sustainable practices ensures that the entire supply chain, from sourcing to manufacturing, upholds principles of fairness and responsibility.
When seeking eco-friendly bags, consider various factors beyond just material composition. Look for brands that prioritize transparency and ethical manufacturing processes, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and working conditions are safe. Additionally, prioritize bags with a durable construction, versatile design, and timeless aesthetic, ensuring longevity and minimizing the need for frequent replacements. By adopting a discerning approach to bag selection, consumers can align their purchasing decisions with their values of sustainability and social responsibility.
In conclusion, eco-friendly bags offer a tangible way for individuals to enact positive change and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. Through conscious consumerism and the embrace of eco-friendly options, we can collectively work towards a world where fashion fosters environmental stewardship and social justice.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of our favorite eco-friendly bags:
Eco Friendly Bags To Buy In The UK
no.1
SHOPPING & GROCERY
Reusable Handmade Linen Eco-Friendly Bags
£4.79 (starting)
In love with linen? These handmade eco-friendly bags are made from natural linen, coupled with a cotton drawstring. Linen is the perfect textile for shopping bags as it creates a fabric that is equal parts breathable and durable. Linen is three times more durable than cotton, quick-drying, and naturally antibacterial. What’s more, linen is one of the most environmentally conscious fabrics to produce! This makes it great for shopping and a reasonable alternative for single-use plastic bags that usually store your at-home foods like nuts, fruit, and vegetables. RopodesignStore is offering these bags in sets of three in various sizes and colors.
no.2
EVERYDAY AFFORDABLE
Hand Dyed French Market Bag
£13.37 (starting)
Hand-dyed, pure cotton bags are a new trend in the sustainable bag market, although hemp being used to create textiles is nothing new. It’s a low-impact, conscious design and makes for incredibly durable textiles. SunFreckledStudio offers their version of the french-style market bag, which is handmade and super cute! Their store features neutrals like sand, lilac and pumpkin that are super versatile and can go with any outfit. You’ll be sure to get your money’s worth.
no.3
EVERYDAY SPLURGE
Vegan Rucksack (Upcycled)
£110
Okay, so you might be thinking that the phrase "vegan leather" is an oxymoron; but it doesn't have to be. Vegan leather products are more accessible than ever before. These sustainable bags are an excellent option for those looking for that classic leather feel without harming any animals or the environment in the process. The KatchaBilek store on Etsy is the perfect one-stop-shop for eco-friendly leather classics, like their upcycled rubber intertube rucksack. This handmade, waterproof black bag designed in the tradition of Spanish leatherworking patterns is an ideal investment for your everyday needs. Its measurements can hold anything from a small laptop or tablet to a diary and notebook. Not all vegan leather is made equal, and this recycled rubber model means you don't have to worry about the plastic waste that comes from cheaper, less durable leather alternatives offered at high street stores.
Eco Friendly Bags To Buy In The US
no.1
SHOPPING & GROCERY
Mesh Market Bag
$6.00 (starting)
This net grocery bag is a perfect alternative for US shoppers looking to end their usage of plastic bags. Its retro design channels the classic French-girl aesthetic, coming in various colors, including peach, pumpkin, lime, pear, sunflower, turquoise, and lake. Each handmade bag is hand-dyed with organic cotton and shipped directly from the WasteNotWants' store headquarters in Rocky Mount, VA, in 100% biodegradable packaging. Even more, all dye is plant-based and non-toxic! The bags are meant to appear small but stretch out large, with customers raving about its ability to hold more than their usual share of groceries. You also have the choice to have your package sent as a gift, so this bag makes the perfect gift for those looking to surprise someone special.
no.2
EVERYDAY AFFORDABLE
Crossbody Canvas Cotton Bag
$36.60
Etsy's Happylemonade1 store offers another everyday sustainable bag for those looking to buy in the US. This eco-friendly bag can serve as your go-to everything bag in its neutral color options of black, green, white, and brown. It’s made 100% from canvas, a material made from cotton and linen. What's more, this sustainable bag is decorated with two short hand straps alongside a long, crossbody strap for versatile use and wear. With measurements listed at 32cm X Width 10cm X Height 28cm, it's equipped to hold most laptop styles, books, notebooks and water bottles. There is also free shipping available to customers ordering to addresses located in the continental US, so be sure to take advantage while supplies last!
no.3
EVERYDAY SPLURGE
Cork Bag with Zip
$184.19
This tote combines the classic tote style with one of the most sustainable materials out there: cork. Cork is a hydrophobic material made from the bark of cork oak trees. Cork rocks because the trees from which it’s sourced aren't harmed in the process! Also, in its natural, purest form, cork is 100% biodegradable. Hence why we love that MyCottonHouse is offering this beautifully designed bag with sustainable cork harvested from Portugal. Its 37cm wide x 26cm tall x 9.5cm depth measurements (approximately) mean it can hold any and everything you need. Customers rave about its soft and subtle feel as much as its feasibility for everyday use. While it may be on the pricier side for bags, it's a versatile, eco-friendly bag that's made to last and worth the investment.
