eco round up: 20 vegan + ethically produced handbags

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the age of new leather: recycled, upcycled, deadstock, low-impact

did you know there are a plethora of plant-based alternatives to leather? as we learn more about how we as citizens + consumers can protect the earth + laborers + animals, we also learn about the effects animal agriculture has on our planet. we now know that leather is a co-product of the meat industry, not a by-product, and it’s certainly not biodegradable. we’ll be delving more into this topic in the next few weeks.

while every material possession we choose will have an impact, we indeed want to choose those products that are gentler on the earth, its inhabitants + its diverse ecosystems. today, i’ve added a list of 20 eco, ethically produced + vegan handbags for all of you green hearts to choose from because all of our choices, big + small, add up and make a difference.

new, innovative materials are here and these twenty companies are working to incorporate them into their design-led products. check out the cool kids using pineapple leather, apple leather, corn leather, grape leather, cactus leather, freedom leather (made with silicone) + other materials including hemp, recycled plastic bottles, cork + polyurethane {pu} to bring us earth-friendly, fab handbags for tastemakers + changemakers.

20 luxe vegan + ethically produced handbags

1. 108 // usa

materials: created with pu + recycled bottles

manufacture: designed in america, handmade in il ngwesi, africa

mission: we are a cruelty-free premium handbags benefit corporation committed to supporting conservation through community development and ethical manufacturing.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

2. ahimsa collective // australia

materials: created with pineapple leather, washable paper + deadstock textiles

manufacture: designed in australia, made in china

mission: born out of a love for design and a commitment to the earth, a_c’s design principles are based on a circular economy, producing contemporary but timeless styles for the modern market who recognizes the need to safeguard our future. the journey from concept to construction is a considered one, ensuring the production of our accessories is kind to our planet, our people and our animals.

{domestic shipping in australia + international shipping}

3. alexandra k // poland

materials: created with pineapple leather, apple leather, corn leather, grape leather, freedom leather (made with silicone) + pu

manufacture: designed + made in poland

mission: each bag at alexandra k is made in poland, from innovative fabrics that are vegan, and the production is safe for the planet. a purse must follow the lifestyle of its owner. it is no longer just a pretty accessory, it must be comfortable and functional. it is to make our lives easier. we also want it to go with the spirit of our times, to be environmentally friendly and timeless, which is why our handbags are one of the few in the world that are made of unique innovative fabrics in classic designs that will last for years.

{domestic shipping in poland + international shipping}

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4. alkeme // new york

materials: pineapple leather, cactus leather, grape leather, vegan fiber {recycled textiles}, bamboo fiber, + recycled plastic bottle interiors

manufacture: designed in new york, made in the usa

mission: this idea of breaking down + rebuilding materials led us to produce our bags with sustainable, plant-based textiles. utilizing material such as pinatex not only helps us to support the farming communities, but also reduces the amount of natural resources needed to manufacture our products. along with the exterior of our bags, we also construct the interior of our bags with an eco-friendly textile. tons of plastic is discarded every year, polluting lands, rivers, oceans, coasts and beaches. we take this waste and transform it into a brand new material, a fabric used as the linings of our handbags. we hope taking these conscious steps will aid in the mission to protect the planet and cultivate an ethical and sustainable fashion.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

5. angela roi // new york

materials: created with pu

manufacture: designed in the usa, made in korea

mission: angela roi believes personal style should not come at the expense of personal values. we pay special attention to the setting in which our bags are made. we uphold fair labor standards, meaning our artisans earn a fair wage and work under safe and comfortable conditions. by dedicating ourselves to these standards, we stand firmly against the fashion industry's use of sweatshop and child labor.

{domestic shipping within usa + australia + uk}

6. ashoka // paris

materials: created with pineapple leather, apple leather, eco-nappa + recycled bottles

manufacture: designed in paris, made in thailand

mission: ashoka paris is a french brand of cruelty-free leather goods, high-end, ethical, eco-responsible and vegan. our bags and accessories are manufactured in innovative materials that are not of animal origin.

{domestic shipping in france + international}

7. colibri // france

materials: alcantra, pu + polyester

manufacture: designed in france, made in france

mission: colibri is a committed french company that offers an alternative to big leather goods houses using animal leather. we produce high-quality products, more ecological, ethical and equally elegant. the designs of our bags are modern, the details are sophisticated. we only use high-quality materials. the brand has been developed according to the principles of eco design: it is respectful of the environment, animals and people.

{domestic shipping in france + international shipping}

8. denise roobol // rotterdam

materials: vegan microfiber {a blend of polyester and polyamide}

manufacture: designed in the netherlands, made in guangzhou, china

mission: we believe that no animal should be hurt by making beautiful bags and accessories. vegan products can be fashionable and trendy. denise robool hopes to inspire all women to wear vegan fashion.

{domestic shipping in the netherlands + international shipping}

9. ferron // uk

materials: bio-based pu + microfiber

manufacture: designed in the uk, made in guangzhou, china

mission: we are a creative, independent designer brand with a mission to start a business that allows us to innovative and enables us to talk about what we're passionate about. as avid animal lovers, we are a fashion brand that offers moderately priced, quality handbags that are animal-friendly and we are different, we are very transparent. we eschew the devastating impact the fashion industry has on animals and the environment. we decided to invest our time and resources in cruelty-free handbags made of the same quality you'd expect from european luxury brands, we are ferron.

{domestic shipping in the uk + international shipping}

10. gunas // new york

materials: mulbtex (tm) {a blend of cotton + mulberry leaf pulp}, cotton canvas, microfiber, recycled plastic bottles + recycled cardboard

manufacture: desinged in new york, manufactured in india, south korea, mexico, brazil + hong kong

mission: gunas is an independent high fashion label with a cause. justice, empathy and compassion are our core values. we envision a world of peace, love and kindness that starts with each one of us. we advocate for conscious consumerism over fast fashion. gunas makes award-winning, cruelty-free fashion. we source and manufacture bags and shoes employing the skills of global artisans and small-scale ethical manufacturers throughout the world.

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping}

11. hfs collective // los angeles

materials: organic cotton, pinatex, cork, hemp, rafia, vintage denim, eco suedes {made from post-industrial recycled polyester + post-consumer recycled plastic bottles}

manufacture: designed in los angeles, made in california

mission: we celebrate the joy of less and the freedom inherent in living life hands-free. our belt bags, designed to fit just the essentials, are a reminder of the ease of living a life of simplicity - a life filled with more experience, happiness, wholeness and joy in exchange for less stuff. our belt bags are made at a small, family-run factory just a few miles from our office in los angeles. We know every person that cuts and sews our bags and feel good that we can help provide them with a fair, living wage in a safe, happy and healthy workplace.

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping}

12. hozen // california

materials: pinatex, biopolyoil {grain based + plastic free}, recycled plastic,

manufacture: designed + made in california

mission: hozen, which means conservation in japanese, was born in 2018 from a deeply rooted commitment to respecting and protecting the planet. the vegan accessory brand remains guided by a simple philosophy as it evolves: doing good can—and should—look as incredible as it feels. ultimately, hozen represents a peaceful rebellion against the harsh realities of the leather and fashion industries, bringing form, function, and fairness together as one.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

13. jean-louis mahe // france

materials: synthetic with microfibers + pu; lining made of bamboo fibers + recycled polyester

manufacture: designed in france, made in porto

mission: jean louis mahé was born from the desire to offer quality products while preserving the delicate harmony of the planet. committed to a new economy that is benevolent towards the planet and animals, the brand makes its bags and clothes without any animal material and selects its business partners according to their ethical and environmental charter. its objective: to offer a quality alternative in a market largely dominated by the leather industry and to raise awareness for a new world more respectful of nature.

{domestic shipping in france}

14. jill milan // california

materials: italian coated canvas, ultra suede, viscose + stainless steel

manufacture: designed in california, made in italy

mission: founded in the belief that no animals should be harmed to make a handbag, jill milan's bags are Italian-made and free from animal-derived materials. jill milan specializes in luxury fashion accessories which are fully animal friendly. we proudly donate over 10 percent of the company’s revenue to non-profit organizations. 

{domestic shipping in usa + international shipping available via direct email}

15. jw pei // los angeles

materials: high quality canvas, pu + certified fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.

manufacture: designed in los angeles, made in china

mission: the inspiration behind jw pei was based upon the idea that fashion should be accessible, effortless and empowering. minimalist design in sustainable vegan materials is at the heart of the brand. jw pei believes that the future of fashion should be ethical and sustainable.

{domestic shopping in usa + international shipping}

16. magnethik // france

materials: pu, corn waste, wood pulp, lined with recycled cotton

manufacture: designed + made in france

mission: undoubtedly, veganism and ecology are the future for me. i wanted a brand for the women of today and tomorrow: modern, visionary and responsible consumers. magnethik is first and foremost a story of influence, of attraction between what is good and what is beautiful. we will forever be an authentic brand, born from a deep conviction and a belief in the values ​​that make the world a better place.

{domestic shipping in france + international shipping}

17. melie bianco // california

materials: pu

manufacture: desgined in california, made in china

mission: a handbag is more to us than just an accessory; a handbag is a form of self-expression, it's a mood booster, it's a love affair, it's a powerful statement. our products are made in china but we don't blindly outsource our work; we are very invested in our suppliers, our factory and all the people who help us produce melie bianco goods: we know our workers by name. other than fair pay breaks, age requirements, gender equal opportunities, free lunches and paid vacations we see our involvement in their lives as a bigger one. we feel the responsibility to help all of our small vendors succeed in a very competitive environment and as we grow they grow with us, profits and all.

{domestic shipping in the usa + international shipping}

18. nuuwai // germany

materials: apple leather exterior, lined with 100% recycled ocean plastic bottles and fishnets

manufacture: designed + made in germany

mission: our vegan bags are lovingly made using "apple leather" (appleskin), a cruelty-free, eco-friendly leather alternative made using apple waste from the juice industry. simple, minimal design, urban look, and quality craftsmanship are the key components that go into each and every nuuwaï bag.

{domestic shipping in germany + international shipping}

19. sans beast // australia

materials: eco pu, recycled eco pu + cactus leather

manufacture: designed in australia + made in china

mission: we believe there is a need for more choice in the quality fashion space, and alternative to products derived from animals. designed with credibility + manufactured with quality. collectable, functional, affordable + designed with love. our luxe vegan bags are made with quality vegan friendly materials + are designed to be functional but never boring – there are purpose built pockets for tech, plenty of smaller pockets for accoutrements, extra storage space and signature design features for style-seekers.

{domestic shipping in australia + international shipping}

20. stella mccartney // uk

materials: pu + polyester exterior, 100% recycled polyester interior

manufacture: designed in the uk, made in china

mission: we are committed to always being responsible, honest and accountable today, with a positive impact on people, the planet and all its creatures so that we can protect it for tomorrow. We strive to create the most beautiful, desirable products with the least impact on our environment. our conscious values are also the inspiration behind our innovation. as industry leaders, we endeavor to create the most cutting-edge materials and animal alternatives, continuing to push towards circularity and being fully transparent by developing tools to measure and report our impact.

{domestic shipping in the uk + international shipping}

{don’t forget the tip} dear friends, if you’re looking for a little armchair activism from your corner of the world, get thee to ig and follow these accounts to use your voice to effect social and economic justice for workers around the world earning a poverty wage. and if you’re interested in creating a more compassionate world for animals click the links at no. 7 below. sign up to their newsletters for information on petitions to sign, campaigns to follow and action to take to create positive change in the world. let your voice be heard, my friends!

1/ clean clothes campaign

2/ labor behind the label

3/ made in a free world

4/ not for sale

5/ remake our world

6/ garment worker center

7/ peta + mercy for animals

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

simple pleasures: rewear + repair

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“Deepen your relationship with clothes. Behind every piece of clothing is a story and a life cycle we often forget about. Learn to buy less and cherish the clothes you have.”
— Slow Fashion Movement

slow fashion global reminds us that slow fashion is a counter-culture against the harmful practices in fast fashion, including its social impacts. many of the clothes we wear each day are made by women of color, often with child labor or forced labor. choosing slow fashion over fast fashion sends a powerful message that fashion with pollution and unfair, dangerous working conditions is not acceptable. get involved, little chickadees! join the slow fashion challenge and add your name to help protect people + planet!

eco mode: wearing and rewearing my fave cropped sweatshirt from cossac with thrifted lace tank top. whenever possible, pop into a vintage or thrift shop instead of looking for new wardrobe pieces, my friends! be a fashion anthropologist, it’ll be an adventure! preloved clothes have style, charm + history! add a little of that sass to your fras!

eco brand: zero waste pouches from by the sea

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keep it together

how does one keep everything together? literally or metaphorically, i love the idea of discovering how each of us holds our lives together, whether by service to others, the creation of art, physical activity, prayer or nurturing relationships in our lives. for me, i’m adamant about keeping my home space + personal space organized.

i like to think a neat, orderly space creates clear, open paths for brilliant + beautiful ideas to push through the fertile ground of my brain {that’s my story + i’m sticking to it!}.

zero waste living

to create a clean space here on planet earth, it takes just a few adjustments to our everyday living habits to shape environmentally sound practices.

remember, friends, not all that glimmers can be recycled. the answer here is not simply to recycle more, but to buy less plastic products + pre-packaged food items. according to greenpeace, globally only 9% of our plastic is recycled. where does the rest go? with landfills + recycling facilities reaching maximum capacity, the overflow ends up in our oceans.

here are four easy steps to plastic-free living:

  1. carry a canvas or cloth tote bag to fetch groceries + run errands

  2. use a reusable water bottle rather than single-use plastic bottles

  3. take a set of reusable utensils + your own to-go container when heading out

  4. invest in zero-waste products made by eco companies like reusable dishcloths, produce bags + zip pouches

by the sea

i’m holding it all together with handmade + zero waste pouches from by the sea organics. this eco home goods brand + sustainable fashion label was created with the mission to pay a fair wage + provide safe working milieus to workers throughout the supply chain while continuing to adhere to the most sustainable practices at every level of production.

it’s a great balm to my mind + heart to know that there are small, independent companies that never stray from their values + ethics to put people + planet over profit. by the sea has an entire range of lovely, zero waste zip pouches, grocery totes, produce bags, snack bags + charming notebooks made from earth friendly, organic cotton factory scraps. why toss excess fabric into a landfill when you can make magic with them?! i carry my light-as-a-feather notebook with me everywhere!

love + equal pay

shopping is indeed a political act, with our dollars we can vote to support companies that mirror our values. we can choose companies like by the sea that protect the environment by eschewing the use of plastic throughout their entire supply chain and lift up workers via safe working environments + living wages.

each of our actions matters: small acts + big acts. as consumers + citizens, we can each choose to invest in products that truly create harmony for people + planet.

wherever you may be during these uncertain times, i hope that you are close to peace + calm. and i hope that you are organizing the space in your mind, heart + home.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

don’t forget the tip: journalist + environmentalist lucy siegle informs us in her book turning the tide on plastic, “the amount of plastic debris in the sea is predicted to increase from 50 million metric tons in 2015 to 150 million metric tons by 2025.” let this sobering science galvanize us to action. let us take up pens, my friends. let us write + call our government representatives and elected officials.

our garbage is buried in the ground, burned or sent away to be disposed of in landfills, often affecting vulnerable communities. single-use plastic bags + containers pollute land + waterways, endangering animal life on earth + marine life in our oceans. the chemicals released by these plastics make our soil infertile + our water supplies toxic. gulp.

siegle implores us as citizens + consumers, “whenever you see packaging that is totally over the top, take up the pen and write to the company responsible. It needn’t be a formal letter – a tweet [or ig post] will often be just as if not more effective. add the hashtag, #reducepackaging to your tweet, and make sure you copy in your local council and trading standards office (if they are on social media).”

eco round up: 24 reusable + ethically produced face masks

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zero waste + organic cloth face masks

hopefully you + yours have been taking care the past months during these precarious times. we’ve had to become more vigilant about our health, from confinement and social distancing to washing our hands frequently: with each interaction we are reminded of our responsibility to protect + care for others + ourselves.

centers for disease control and prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings. the cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks nor N-95 respirators, hence they do not provide the same protection; masks are intended to slow the spread of the covid19 virus, to help people who may have the covid19 virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

smiling on the inside

having been diagnosed with covid19, i was grateful to have a doctor who so beautifully + eloquently expressed the responsibility that one has to prevent the spread of the virus when one has a positive diagnosis. as asymptmatic carriers exist, being proactive + wearing a mask sans a positive diagnois could help to slow the spread of this virus.

in france, wearing a face mask is mandatory on public transportation + in high schools. shop owners can also require patrons to wear masks. update: paris mayor anne hidalgo confirmed free washable, cloth facemasks will be available to paris residents after de-confinement by filling out a form here.

support small businesses with each purchase

if you’re searching for a substitute to synthetic masks, there are sustainable options available from small, independent makers: they are reusable + ethically produced; made with natural textiles including hemp + organic cotton; and washable.

here is a link to find out more about how to wear cloth face masks and how to best care for them.

1. anchal // usa

2. armed angels // germany

3. beklina // usa

4. boutique de sens // france

5. by the sea // usa

6. christy dawn // usa

7. groceries apparel // usa

8. herbivore // usa

9. immaculate vegan // uk

10. indigo handloom // usa

11. in 2 green // usa

12. jan n june // germany

13. known supply // usa

14. la fabrik eco // canada

15. les fleurs // france

16. lisa says gah // usa

17. love goodly // usa

18. malu organics // usa

19. melie bianco // usa

20. reev // france

21. reif haus // usa

22. reformation // usa

23. systems c // france

24. theo the label // australia

25. the sustainable shop // usa

**please note, these face masks are not medical grade and are recommended for personal use only. remember to wash your hands before putting on your mask and after removing it. continue to wash your hands frequently + respect social distancing. stay safe, stay positive + stay inside, dear hearts!