Reusable bags can be made from many different materials, but the two most common types are cotton and non-woven polypropylene, a more durable type of plastic. Even these sleek reusable bags have received criticism from some environmentalists. As mentioned in our essential answer, an average cotton shopping bag would have to be reused 131 times to explain the biggest impact on the production side. So if you’re going to use this bag for the next five years, do it. Finally, if you send the bag to the landfill and it’s full of non-compostable waste, don’t waste the alternative bioplastic materials that go into the plant-based garbage bags.
Using plant-based plastic alternatives instead of fossil fuels is likely to remain part of the solution to eliminate carbon emissions and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. But it’s important to note that using plant-based garbage bags is far from a panacea that gives us permission to continue generating huge amounts of waste. In addition, vegetable garbage bags filled with non-organic material make the material from which the bag is made debatable. The contents of the bag are considered contamination in a composting environment and the bag goes to the landfill.
Their bags and hats are made from natural straw that has been harvested, stripped and dyed by hand. This type of straw fades over time, eventually biodegrading and returning to Earth. London-based mashu brand makes its structured vegan bags with plant-based materials such as Piñatex, cactus leather and bioplastic, as well as hemp and recycled cotton. All bags are made by local artisans in Athens, Greece, where founder Ioanna Topouzoglou was born. Naturae Sacra is a contemporary brand based in Milan that is inspired by nature, sculpture and interiors.
The brand has begun to improve its environmental practices by setting a science-based goal of reducing greenhouse gases in its own operations and supply chain by 50% per unit of sales by 2025. It also has a policy to eliminate environmental pollution from the use of chromium and other chemicals in its tanning processes and implements initiatives to reduce water use. Thanks to this policy, Alexander McQueen is on the right track and distinguishes himself from most luxury fashion houses.
They don’t break down and even release methane, a malignant greenhouse gas, so it’s not a productive way to reduce your carbon footprint. All their products are made from green, ethically responsible and socially conscious materials. Anson Calder’s mission is to deliver quality products and they bring their standards to the highest level. Anson Calder is also a rewards company, as they support organizations like the FSH Society. A portion of each sale goes toward supporting this organization in its research to cure facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Tentree is a pioneering fashion brand on earth that designs clothing, bags and accessories for a healthy and sustainable world with recycled materials and organic fabrics such as cotton and hemp.
Parker Clay also helps preserve traditional Ethiopian techniques, materials and styles so that this fast-growing land can stay close to its beautiful roots. Keep in mind that the brand uses leather, so it’s not suitable for vegans. The price of an item reflects many factors in the production and supply chain. Often items made by hand, using high-quality materials, are more expensive. However, this is sometimes offset by the lower cost of materials if they use recycled/recycled or reused materials. A bag that lasts for many years and performs many functions can be worth the investment instead of buying multiple items and replacing them all over the same period of time.
The Age Bag is designed without the unnecessary plastic fillers to reduce waste. At checkout, customers get a discount if they opt for minimal packaging; otherwise, the packaging consists of an FSC-certified grey cardboard box and a powder cloth made from GOTS-certified hemp. Owned and operated by women, MZ is a B Corp certified fair trade brand that designs handbags and accessories that perpetuate the beautiful art of designers and artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Now, eco-friendly handbags have become an alternative to single-use plastic bags. O My Bag is based in Amsterdam and makes extensive sustainable make-up bags made from a unique composition of 30% grs certified recycled cotton and 70% GOTS certified organic cotton. According to the brand, using this unique blend of recycled and new fibers helps them to significantly reduce the environmental impact of their product, especially when it comes to Travel water use. If you use eco-friendly garbage bags for organic material, such as kitchen food scraps or garden waste, and direct such waste to a composting facility, opt for compostable garbage bags. Pockets and all organic matter will be effectively broken down and in a way that supports soil reconstruction and emission reduction. And because our products are handmade, our tanning and industrial processes are also low impact and sustainable.
We look for a few things when deciding whether a brand should appear on Sustainable Chic. Are the bags ethically made in safe working conditions and made from materials that are friendly to the planet? Transparency is essential to us, and if we can’t learn how your bags are made, we’re not sure we’ll share them with you.
AAKS bags are based in Ghana and are made of vibrantly colored raffia, handmade by artisans who make each bag for a week. AAKS wants to keep these traditional looms alive by creating sustainable jobs not only for artisans, but also for local family farms where organically harvested raffia is obtained. A testament to the quality and uniqueness of AAKS bags, each piece comes with a label to prove its authenticity. Founded in 2017, Ashya makes unisex travel accessories and utilitarians made for ‘modern explorers’.