image from ABLE
In need of a new handbag? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite sustainable & ethical handbag brands for you to shop through. There are totes, crossbodies, wallets, evening purses and basically anything you need in a bag, but the more sustainable & eco-friendly option. You can find vegan leathers made from plants (rather than all virgin plastic materials), veggie-tanned leather (instead of chemically-dyed) and natural materials (like wool & straw). There is most definitely an eco-friendly bag for everyone here!
You may also be interested in:
8 Sustainable Luggage Brands for Eco-Friendly Travel
7 Sustainable Backpacks for Work, Travel & School
14 Affordable, Sustainable & Fair Trade Handbags
Abby Alley
Categories | Backpacks, Belt Bags, Bucket Bags, Clutches, Crossbody Bags, Totes, Doctor Bags
Price | $195-425
Materials | Veggie-Tanned Leather
Abby Alley partners in East Africa because they value their craftsmanship, and commitment to ethical practices. They also make a lasting high quality product.
code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off
ABLE
Categories | Totes, Backpacks, Crossbody Bags, Crossbody Totes, Shoulder Bags, Clutches, Wallets
Price | $24-268
Materials | Veggie-Tanned Leather
ABLE was one of the 1st fashion brands to publish their lowest wages as part of the Lowest Wage Challenge. The leather used in their bags is vegetable-tanned and everything is handcrafted by artisans.
Allégorie
Categories | Totes, Wallets, Backpacks
Price | $58-325
Materials | Apple Leather, Mango Leather, Cactus Leather
They use waste from mangos and apples, and sustainably-harvested cacti leaves to create a line of handbags that you would never know weren’t actual leather. What a great way to avoid waste!
code: 2021SC for 10% off
AWL Snap
Categories | Wallets, Clutches, Bags, Totes
Price | $48-315
Materials | Leather
A Richmond, VA based brand, AWL Snap sources their leathers from the most respected & renowned tanneries in the world such as Horween and Wickett & Craig, which are both in the US! These factories follow ethical practices, & work to keep their environmental impact low.
Central Grazing Co.
Categories | Shoulder Bag
Price | $599
Materials | Veggie-Tanned Leather
This farm is surrounded by land with depleted soils. They are working on restoring its health through holistic management of their flocks. With their livestock byproduct, they have created a line of handbags through a closed-loop fiber production process.
Hope Made
Categories | Wayuu Bags, Mochila Bags, Straw Bags
Price | $60-328
Materials | Arrow Cane, Fique, Wool, Cumare, Hoja Blanca
Founded on the principles of sustainability and fair work, HOPE Made wants to help preserve original craft, and support artisans & indigenous communities. Many of the designs tell a story of their heritage.
Jenn Lee
Categories | Totes, Backpacks, Bucket Bags, Crossbody Bags
Price | $85-295
Materials | Leather, Organic Ata Grass, Organic Canvas, Coconut, Batik, Palm Leaf
These are such sweet bags!! Everything is made in collaboration with a community of artisans in East Bali called Tenganan using techniques that have been passed down through generations.
MZ Fair Trade
Categories | Clutches, Totes, Shoulder Bags, Crossbody Bags, Messenger Bags, Fringe Bags, Backpacks, Laptop Sleeves, Yoga Bags
Price | $34-164
Materials | Leather, Wool
MZ is bringing the beautiful artistry of the designers and artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico to our closets. Their designs are stunning!
code: sustainablychic for 20% off
Nisolo
Categories | Clutches, Crossbody Bags, Totes, Backpacks, Wallets
Price | $38-225
Materials | Veggie-Tanned Leather, Vegan Waterproof Nylons
A certified B Corp, Nisolo ensures that everyone involved in their supply chain is paid a fair wage, and you can find out more about their specific factories (which they own & operate) right on their website.
Rothy’s
Categories | Clutches, Crossbody Bags, Totes, Bucket Bags, Saddle Bags
Price | $95-275
Materials | Recycled Plastic Bottles
Can you believe their bags are made from recycled water bottles with 3D knit technology?! I own one of their totes – and a few pairs of their shoes – , and the material is very sturdy and strong. You can even clean them in your washing machine.
Soli & Sun
Categories | Clutches, Cross Body Bags
Price | $128-235
Materials | T’nalak fabric, Rattan, Wood, Brass, Pinatex, Jute
They use an indigenous fabric called T’nalak, which is made by the T’boli people of lake Sebu, Mindanao, and Inabel on large antique wooden looms via a process called ‘Abel’. This tradition has been passed down generation after generation.
The Tote Project
Categories | Tote Bags, Pouches
Price | $20-30
Materials | Organic Cotton
The Tote Project donates 10% of gross profits to Two Wings to support survivors of human trafficking in the US. Plus, they partner with factories who support women survivors. Every tote is handmade by Oasis Bags in a sustainable factory in India from fair-trade certified cotton.
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