September 2008

Never mind the high fuel prices, here in Atlanta, we can’t even buy it if we want to!! Luckily, I drive a Honda Civic, which gets fabulous gas mileage, and I can walk nearly everywhere I need to. But all this walking lately, has made me appreciate my messenger bags more; I love being “hands-free,” and carrying a bag messenger style is much more comfortable than carrying a bag on my shoulder.

Eco-friendly designers have risen to the challenge and produced a great selection of messenger bags made from materials such as recycled billboards, tractor inner tubes, and some that include solar panels for recharging electronic equipment. They’re not all vegan, but they are all made as environmentally-friendly as possible, and several are handmade by female artisans in countries like Madagascar and Afghanistan providing them a unique opportunity to participate in the global economy and earn money to support their families.

Happy Shopping!!

1. Beth Springer Eco-Vertible Bag
   

   $517

   I have this bag in olive and it’s been my go-to messenger bag lately. It is not vegan, but the leather trim is reclaimed, and it is lined with organic hemp linen. And Beth Springer as a company is making an effort to be as environmentally friendly as possible, by moving closer and closer to “zero-waste.” Take 15% off your order at Beth Springer with code “GrechensGirl.”

2. Malcom Fontier “The Director” – PU-coated canvas, vegetarian, non-leather messenger bag.
   

   $250

3. Noon Solar “Logan” – These bags are amazing – they not only hold everything you need for your day, they can recharge your electronic equipment while you commute, or eat lunch in the park.
   

   $452

   Bavarian, chrome-free, vegetable tanned and dyed, full-grain cowhide leather, hand dyed hemp/cotton fabric with natural pigments, and organic hemp/cotton lining.  Includes lithium-ion battery and cables/adapters for recharging.

4. Amy Kathryn Satin/Cotton Fresia Bag
   – a much more “girly” design/style, yet still functional. All of Amy’s designs are animal-friendly, and the custom printed satin is hand washable.
   

   $110

5. Passchal Messenger Bag – made from recycled tractor inner tubes and eco-friendly leather trim.  I’m intrigued by these, I love the idea that the company has recycled 20 tons of inner tubes thus far (wow!), and I appreciate the simple/utilitarian styling, but I think inner-tube-as-bag will have to grow on me a bit!
   

   $235

6. Sarah Donagan Tulip Bag – hand dyed eco-kind hessian (“plain woven cloth of flat yarns, usually jute”). I LOVE this bag for wearing with pretty dresses and skirts.  It has a unique, romantic vibe, and is great for creative types to tote everything around in easily and hands free.
   

   $170

7. Billboard Messenger Bag – made primarily from discarded NYC Billboards, these are pretty much indestructible, and I love the unique, individual design.  Take 20% off your order at BTC Elements with code “grechen.”
   

   $65

8. Mad Imports – Sisal & Suede Messenger Bag handmade by artists in Madagascar & Kenya.  Mad Imports enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation by marketing handmade fashion accessories.  This is a simple, no-nonsense, ethnic style messenger bag great for quick trips or leisurely strolls.
   
   

   $69

9. Leather Cell Phone/Camera Case – handmade by artisans in Afghanistan for Artizan Sarai, whose mission is to empower women by creating opportunities for artisans in economically disadvantaged areas of the world to advance and sell their products internationally.  This is tiny, but great for carrying a small camera and then slipping into a larger bag when necessary.
   

   $36

10. Escama Masha bag – made from 1600 recycled aluminum pull-tabs!  This is so cool…it’s very lightweight, and small enough to not be intrusive.  The company works with women’s cooperatives located in economically depressed “satellite cities” of Brasilia, Brazil and donates 3% of gross annual sales back to the cooperatives. Take 20% off your order at Equita with code “grechen20.”
    

    $180

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