Where to buy sustainable bags
By Nona Dimitrova published 19/10/2023
At Whering we are very passionate about taking care of the environment (and obviously the people living on beautiful mama earth 🌍). You probably share our values, hence why you’re on the hunt for a sustainable bag. So, if you’re not sure where to find one, you’ve come to the right place. We’re listing our fave brands so you can find a sustainable bag to last you a lifetime.
Let’s meet the contestants!
Rental
When we think of rental, we usually think of dresses- but you can rent bags too! There are plenty of stunning bag options to rent from all over the web, why limit yourself to just bags you actually own?
Borrow
On that trend, why not borrow from friends? Sharing is caring after all. There’s no need to buy more, or even spend money on rental when you can pinch your besties handbag (ask first!). Borrowing and renting is the future of sustainable bags.
Subscription
Cocoon’s designer handbag monthly subscription is for the fancy girls out there. Have access to hundreds of designer bags and pay a fixed price each month to rent as many as you want. Sounds amazing, right? You can amp up your outfit with a stunning bag without having to splash the cash or risk over consuming.
Now, how about brands you can buy from?
Mashu
Rental
When we think of rental, we usually think of dresses- but you can rent bags too! There are plenty of stunning bag options to rent from all over the web, why limit yourself to just bags you actually own?
Borrow
On that trend, why not borrow from friends? Sharing is caring after all. There’s no need to buy more, or even spend money on rental when you can pinch your besties handbag (ask first!). Borrowing and renting is the future of sustainable bags.
Subscription
Cocoon’s designer handbag monthly subscription is for the fancy girls out there. Have access to hundreds of designer bags and pay a fixed price each month to rent as many as you want. Sounds amazing, right? You can amp up your outfit with a stunning bag without having to splash the cash or risk over consuming.
Now, how about brands you can buy from?
Mashu
Ethics: Leather free, recycled materials & natural fibres, waste reduction
Bags: Top handle and cross-body bags
Price Range: 220€ - 395€
Designed in London and handcrafted in Greece, Mashu is known for their top-handled and leather-look bags. They believe a good product is not solely based on its looks, but also the way it was made. Aware of the massive impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, their bags are produced using recycled polyester, plastic and natural fibres such as Piñatex (a leather alternative made from pineapple leaves).
To top it off, their handles are made from wooden off-cuts from a furniture manufacturing company in Greece, which means they’re giving a new life to wood scraps that would otherwise be thrown away or burned. Due to the natural materials used to make the bags, they are fully recyclable.
Composting your handbag to make soil for flowers in your garden? The dream.
Mat & Nat
Ethics: Vegan, socially responsible and recycled materials
Bags: Bucket, Backpacks, Clutches, Cross-body, Hobos, Satchels, Totes
Price Range: 35€ – 180€
Here’s one for those who prefer classical and elegant lines, as well as neutral colours. Matt & Nat (short for Material & Nature) have strong brand values: social responsibility, excellence, inclusivity, integrity, authenticity and love. Each season they explore new ways of remaining sustainable and eco-friendly and already have a long resume of experimenting with recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork and lining made from recycled plastic bottles. Simple and long-lasting, what more do you need?
Hozen
Ethics: Recycled & organic materials
Bags: Totes, bucket, duffles, canteen and pocket bags
Price Range: 130€ – 220€
Hailing from Los Angeles, California and made in small batches, Hozen bags are disrupting the sustainable accessory scene. They’re functional, durable and are made from eco-friendly materials, such as grain-based leather & suede, Piñatex, recycled plastic, organic cotton and recycled paper packaging. Every piece is produced at a fair-wage factory in LA and comes with an ‘I Made Your Bag’ card so you can get to know the person who produced your new little colourful friend.
With every purchase, a portion of profits is donated to a non-profit organisation that aligns with Hozen’s values. This way, the brand hopes to inspire customers to be conscious consumers and to spread the word about their sustainability efforts. Change only happens when we work together, after all.
Kayu
Ethics: Sustainable materials, waste reduction, fair trade practices
Bags: Totes, clutches, bucket bags
Price Range: 65€ - 186€
Kayu aims to reduce the amount of bags that end up in landfill by making them from natural materials and reducing waste wherever possible- leading them to eventually be completely zero waste in the future. Designed to last a lifetime, their products are made with the finest quality of organic materials, and they always keep one eye open for any developments in sustainable materials to see how they can improve. Their bags are hand woven from straw in the Philippines, while women in San Francisco embroider the monograms. Kayu’s straw is all-natural, unlike the type used by many brands these days, meaning that with time it acquires a unique patina and is able to biodegrade at the end of its life, returning to the earth- no trace left behind.
Gunas New York
Ethics: Vegan, upcycled materials, ethically made
Bags: Cross-body, totes, satchels, backpacks, wallets and shoes.
Price Range: 168€ - 262 €
If this whole time you’ve been wondering ‘where’s one for the colourful, pastel lovers?’ - look no further (or do, there’s still some gems coming up). Gunas New York was founded in 2009 with a clear ethos: animals should not be involved in the fashion world. Although initially entirely produced in New York, the company has since expanded and currently works with small-scale ethical artisans and manufacturers from India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil and Hong Kong.
Their gorgeous range of bags are made from vegan textured eco polyurethane, recycled plastic bottle lining and recycled metal hardware with 18k gold plating (oof). The sturdy material and high quality materials ensure that you’re getting a purse that will last you for a very long time and will not fail to disappoint in its versatility.
Angela Roi
Ethics: Vegan, cruelty-free and ethically made
Bags: Cross-body, shoulder bags and handbags
Price Range: 170€ - 220€
Check out Angela Roi if you’re looking for timeless bags with a minimalist touch in ethical materials AND at an affordable price. Full package? Yep, we think so too. The company believes in not having to sacrifice comfort for style, money for quality and morals for materials, so every bag is handmade in Korea by their artisans with the finest non-animal materials, such as EPUL (Exquisite Polyurethane Leather). It sounds too good to be true, but they’re paving the way in transparency too- you can find out about their entire production process here.
That's where we're looking for sustainable bags when we we're in need. Did we miss one of your fave brands? Let us know where you like to shop for ethical accessories on our Instagram and Twitter @Whering__.
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