The Best Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Purses and Handbags

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Show Off Your Sustainable Style With the Best Eco-Friendly Purses

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself on a quest for the perfect purse that not only complements your fashion sense but also aligns with your commitment to sustainable living. That’s why we’re diving into the world of the best eco-friendly purses — the unsung heroes of both fashion and sustainable practices!

In a world where fast fashion has dominated the scene for far too long, it’s refreshing to discover that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. I’ve scoured the corners of the internet and put a few purses to the test myself to bring you a list of the best sustainable handbags that not only make a fashion statement but also contribute to a better world.

From chic designs to innovative sustainable materials, these eco-friendly bags prove that being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing style. So, get ready to explore a collection of purses that not only carry your essentials but also carry the weight of making a positive impact on our beautiful planet.

1. ABLE

When it comes to eco-friendly clothing, ABLE has been one of the top sustainable brands for years. Along with offering everything from comfortable sustainable jeans to beautiful eco-friendly dresses, you can also find an excellent selection of the best eco-friendly purses.

Their line of sustainable purses includes leather bags and canvas bags. All of their leather is a byproduct of the meat industry. They also use a hybrid process of vegetable tanning and chrome tanning to give you a durable product that still ages beautifully.

Their eco-friendly purse selection includes totes, shoulder bags, crossbody bags, belt bags, clutches, wallets, backpacks, and more. With such a great selection of timeless pieces, you’ll have no issues finding exactly what you need.

I own this timeless wristlet, and it’s my favorite grab-and-go purse. It’s sleek and beautiful. It also has a lined interior that’s big enough to hold all of my essentials — including credit cards, ID, and my phone — with room to spare!

In addition to offering sustainable bags, ABLE also creates better opportunities for women. The fashion industry is notorious for unethical working conditions and pay. However, ABLE is trying to change that.

From their home office and jewelry studio in the United States to their value-aligned manufacturers around the world, ABLE provides high-quality jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions for everyone.

2. Doshi

If you like the look of traditional leather but prefer something that’s gentler on the environment, you’ll love the sustainable vegan bags and accessories from Doshi. Doshi has all types of incredibly beautiful vegan options for women and men.

This includes backpacks, briefcases, totes, handbags, wallets, belts, and more. Instead of being made from animal skin, these bags and accessories are made from unique vegan leather alternatives. Some of these distinctive vegan materials include Pinatex, which comes from pineapple fiber waste, as well as kraft paper (yes, the same kraft paper that makes excellent zero waste gift wrap!).

I own this gorgeous kraft paper wallet, and I absolutely love its style and quality. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Kraft paper? Won’t that fall apart right away?” Not at all!

Thanks to its production process, kraft paper is strong, thick, and highly resistant to tearing. This natural durability makes it tough enough for most products.

Plus, even though it’s strong, kraft paper doesn’t weigh very much. So, when you choose one of these eco-friendly purses, wallets, or other accessories, you’re not getting something that will weigh you down.

3. Citi Collective

Citi Collective understands that we parents are busy people. They also realize that we deserve high-quality bags that are fashionable, versatile, and will stand the test of time. That’s why they offer two collections: the Gallery Collection and the Citi Classics.

The Citi Classics collection consists of beautiful and stylish diaper bags that are so sophisticated and good looking that they can easily transition to the perfect bag for everyday use once your children grow out of the stage of needing a diaper bag.

These bags are made with premium vegan leather and come with numerous interior and exterior pockets perfectly designed to hold all of your essentials. They also come in a variety of different colors, so you can easily find your favorite.

The Gallery Collection has bags in all types of different sizes and to suit various needs. With everything from travel bags to cosmetic bags, you’ll be able to find a durable and easy-to-clean bag that you love.

Citi Collective is also a company that gives back. Each month, they’re proud to use proceeds from their sales to help support Room to Grow, which is an amazing nonprofit organization that helps support families living in low-income situations by providing parent coaching and support and referrals to important community and clinical resources.

4. Corkor

If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly purses, consider cork handbags. Yep, you read that right. The same versatile and sustainable material used to make everything from non-toxic and eco-friendly yoga mats to some of the most stylish eco-friendly sunglasses is also used to make beautiful purses and handbags!

Corkor is one of the top ethical handbag brands and an excellent company to shop for cork bags. Located in Portugal, which is one of the top countries for cork harvesting, Corkor creates an amazing selection of lightweight, soft, high-quality, and stunning cork bags and accessories.

You can find all types of beautiful cork bags to suit all of your needs, including cross body bags, satchels, laptop bags, messenger bags, backpacks, and wallets. Best of all, the natural properties of cork make these bags lightweight, anti-shock, and resistant to dust, dirt, mold, and moisture.

The company is highly committed to ethical and sustainable production. All of their cork is FSC Certified from sustainably managed forests. Additionally, all of their creations are made by hand from start to finish in small batches in their own workshop.

Plus, even though cork looks like leather, it comes from a tree. That makes it an outstanding plant-based leather alternative. It’s also why every bag from Corkor is 100% animal-free and PETA-approved vegan.

5. Purse & Clutch

If you’re interested in getting a new handbag that’s sleek, stylish, and timeless, you will absolutely adore the selection available from Purse & Clutch. The bags from this woman-owned company are hand-cut, hand-assembled, and hand-stitched using naturally dyed leather.

With styles that include handbags, clutches, wallets, and accessories, you can easily find the pieces you need for everything from daily use to special events.

Plus, not only will you be able to find a variety of styles, but many of the bags also come in different colors, so you can easily pick out your favorite.

Purse & Clutch works directly with skilled artisans in Mexico, India, and Ethiopia to produce thoughtfully designed and ethically made handbags that help end the cycle of poverty. They’re committed to ensuring none of their pieces are made with child or forced labor, that the artisans have a positive work environment, and that they’re paid a living wage.

6. Baabuk

You might be familiar with Baabuk because of their soft and comfortable eco-friendly shoes. I own a pair of their ballerina flats, and I absolutely adore how great they feel on my feet — even when I’m wearing them all day long!

In addition to shoes, Baabuk also has a wonderful selection of bags that just might become your next favorite sustainable handbag. These bags are made with natural materials that include wool and leather.

This B Corp Certified company has options that range from compact and convenient toiletry bags to roomy and spacious weekender bags. Their beautiful wool tote bags are also best sellers.

Wool is one of the top eco-friendly materials for a variety of reasons. First, it’s hydrophobic, which means it repels liquids. It’s also anti-microbial, so it’s not going to smell the way other synthetic materials can.

Wool is a strong, flexible, and resilient material. However, perhaps what makes it one of the best sustainable fabrics is the fact that it’s renewable.

Every year, sheep grow out their fleece to keep them warm during the colder months. When the weather warms up, they’re ethically sheared without harming them. Shearing is necessary since it keeps the sheep cool, clean, and able to move more easily, which ensures they have healthy lives and can keep producing more wool.

7. Bag Affair

If you’re interested in another one of the top sustainable fashion brands making good quality bags using cork leather, check out Bag Affair.

Bag Affair was founded by Ronja Nielsen, who was disheartened by the lack of stylish briefcase bags available for women in general, but also with sustainability in mind. With eco-friendliness and equality at the forefront, her company creates stunning bags that are made from natural, sustainable, and vegan materials.

These bags are truly beautiful, and when you first look at them, you would have no idea they’re actually made with plant-based leathers.

Many of the bags are large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop, so they’re perfect for carrying to work. Yet they’re also stylish and spacious enough to be used as an everyday bag.

If you’re looking for something sleek and stylish for going out, Bag Affair also offers clutches and wristlets that will work perfectly.

8. MZ Made

MZ Made takes the concept of an eco-friendly handbag and turns it into wearable art. These purses and handbags are made using 100% premium wool, leather straps, and cotton lining.

Wool is a great material for eco-friendly purses because it naturally repels dirt, debris, and moisture. Plus, it even requires less cleaning than other types of natural fibers.

Your options include clutches, shoulder bags, purses, crossbody bags, and tote bags, so you can easily find the size you need. Best of all, every style has a colorful and striking design that’s sure to get compliments everywhere you go.

This women-owned company partners with indigenous Zapotec designers and artisans from Oaxaca, Mexico, to showcase their amazing talents. As a Certified B Corporation and member of the Fair Trade Federation, MZ Made ensures these artisans get fair pay for their work and have a safe and respectful working environment.

The company is also committed to leaving a smaller footprint on the environment and lessening their impact through every step of the production process. This includes using sustainable leather options, eliminating harmful chemicals by using low-impact and natural dyes, and using eco-friendly shipping materials.

9. GULU Made

Whether you’re looking for one of the best eco-friendly backpacks or you’re interested in getting a stylish and sustainable tote or sling, you’ll find exactly what you need when you choose a bag from GULU Made.

These handmade bags are designed for a wide range of uses. They have plenty of thoughtful organization pockets to help you keep everything in place and close at hand.

Many of the bags have a bright kitenge interior that adds an extra touch of style. Or, in the case of the Africa sling, the kitenge is the main pattern on the outside of the bag. What’s really special about these bags is that each kitenge design is unique. That means when it’s gone, it’s gone forever!

These bags are ethically made in the small town of Gulu, Uganda. After the war in the country, many women were trained as highly skilled sewers. However, they still needed employment opportunities.

When you purchase a GULU Made bag, you know you’re getting something that has created a profound difference in the lives of the team in Uganda. Additionally, because these bags are made with pride and quality, you’re also getting a lifetime guarantee.

10. LIKHA

If you’re looking for a beautiful clutch for dressier occasions or a lovely tote bag that’s ideal for everyday use, you’ll find exactly what you’re searching for with LIKHA eco-friendly purses. In the Philippines, likha means “to create.”

LIKHA is a company on a mission to empower Filipino artisan families by helping them overcome poverty by sharing their time-honored local craft with the world.

Their purses and handbags are crafted from natural, eco-friendly materials, such as natural straw, plant fiber, coco coir, sustainably sourced shells, and recycled wood. Each purse is made by hand and features a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary design.

The impeccable weaving and thoughtful accents on these handcrafted bags make them true statement pieces that you will cherish for years to come.

Why You Should Switch to the Best Eco-Friendly Purses

Now that you know more about the best eco-friendly purses, you might be wondering why you should consider making the switch. There are actually several reasons why these sustainable alternatives are the better option.

Reducing Fashion’s Environmental Footprint

Fashion can be a bit of a heavyweight in the environmental impact department. From resource-intensive manufacturing processes to the carbon footprint of transportation, traditional purses often contribute more than we realize.

By opting for eco-friendly purses, crafted with sustainable materials and ethical practices, we can actively shrink the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

Supporting Ethical Practices

Behind every purse, there’s a story — from the sourcing of materials to the hands that make it. Eco-friendly handbags often come from brands that prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring that the people in the production chain are treated ethically and paid fairly. Making the switch means you’re not just carrying a bag; you’re carrying a commitment to supporting humane working conditions.

Embracing Sustainable Materials

Traditional purses often rely on synthetic materials, which can be derived from petroleum and take centuries to decompose. Eco-friendly purses, on the other hand, champion sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled plastics, or even innovative alternatives such as cork or apple leather. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also encourages the use of materials that are renewable and Earth-friendly.

Longevity and Timeless Style

Eco-friendly bags and purses are crafted with durability in mind. By investing in a high-quality, timeless design, you’re not just following a trend — you’re making a long-term commitment.

These bags are built to withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Not only does this minimize waste, but it also saves you money in the long run since you’re not constantly needing to buy a new bag.

Personal Contribution to a Greener Future

Every small choice we make collectively contributes to a larger impact. Switching to an eco-friendly purse may seem like a minor adjustment, but when multiplied across millions of individuals, it becomes a powerful choice. It’s a personal commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.

Fall in Love With the Best Eco-Friendly Purses

By opting for a purse crafted with Mother Earth in mind, you’re not just upgrading your accessory game; you’re participating in a movement that’s reshaping the fashion industry. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, supporting ethical practices, and embracing sustainable materials.

Remember, each time you swing that eco-friendly purse over your shoulder, you’re making a statement that says style and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously. It’s like carrying a little piece of the planet with you, a reminder that our choices matter.

So, whether you’re strolling down city streets, heading to the office, or hitting your favorite local spot, let your eco-friendly purse be your silent spokesperson for a greener, more sustainable world.

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