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Why to choose eco-friendly backpacks?
Currently the world is facing a serious environmental crisis that is causing severe damage to our planet. This crisis is caused by different types of pollution like air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution.
To help reduce the severity of this crisis and preserve the environment for future generations, the use of many tools and items made of non-polluting eco-friendly materials is emerging rapidly. Among these items, backpacks that we use in our everyday life for many purposes like work or travel.
Normal backpacks are made by using plastic-like material, modified fibers, Classic plastic (LDPE), etc. The problem is that after using these backpacks several times and when the product is damaged, we just threw them in the garbage and they last in the environment for hundreds of years.
As these types of materials are not biodegradable, it takes a long time to decay. Sometimes it takes a few years to decay but during that period chemicals from these items can cause air pollution, water pollution as well as soil pollution. It makes severe damage to our environment.
Living organisms can come in direct contact with such chemicals and these pollutants directly or indirectly go inside the body which may lead to ecological disturbances and serious human health issues.
The use of eco-friendly backpacks may decrease the rate of environmental pollution. Organic cotton, conventional cotton, leather, unbleached paper, or other organic materials are used to make such bags.
These materials can be easily disposed of in soil causing less or no harm to the environment. Organic colors are also used to make these backpacks colorful and attractive. Organic fabrics are also used to make these backpacks.
How to choose your eco-friendly backpacks?
If you want to gift yourself or your loved ones a new backpack that is organic and can be recycled, then you can choose from different brands that are providing high-quality eco-friendly backpacks.
There are so many brands making sustainable backpacks that are affordable, long-lasting and can be recycled.
You can keep these points in mind when you are buying a new eco-friendly backpack:
Assure yourself about the quality of your desired eco-friendly backpack
The backpack is no doubt a very essential item and your best travel companion. So you need to be sure about its quality and durability.
The travel duration does not matter whether you are planning a one-day journey or for a long trip if your backpack is strong enough to carry your accessories.
If it is damaged during the travel or the straps break up or zips are busted, then it will be the most irritating and unmanageable situation that no one wants to afford during the journey.
So, check the backpack properly before buying it. Check its quality, durability and strength. Also don’t forget to check whether it is waterproof or not. Otherwise your belongings may get damaged.
Materials such as leather and canvas last long as they withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Quality and long-lasting products are more in demand. As nobody wants to buy again and again. So, you need to check the stitching zip quality before buying.
Double-stitched products last more than single stitched. Check for the warranty also. The duration of a warranty on manufacturing is important.
Generally, backpacks cost less than $100. But you may not get a good quality product at this price. If you choose a good quality product it may costs you more than $600. You can get a larger size backpack with more zips with high-quality materials with this price.
Check your requirements
Answer these questions before buying your own eco-friendly backpack:
- How you are going to use the backpack?
- Are you going to use it for travel or work or hiking?
- Choose the right size. It can be small (16-17 inch), medium (18-19 inch) or large (20 inches or more).
- Do you want your backpack to be water-resistant?
- The required size of your backpack
- The required number of compartments
- Do you want to pack your laptop?
- Do you need extra protection for your laptop?
Materials like polyester, nylon are water resistant but are not eco-friendly or biodegradable. So, you can buy eco-friendly materials such as leather or canvas which are resistant to water.
Leather backpacks are extremely durable, water-resistant, heat resistant, and lasts long. Vegan leather is a good choice though as it’s not made up of animal leather.
Ask when buying an animal leather backpack whether the leather is tanned or not because tanning requires a high level of chemical agents like chromium. After oxidization, chromium becomes toxic and it is more harmful and can cause cancer. It can cause air pollution also. However, vegan leather is chromium-free. It uses the petroleum base. So, you can use it. Though it is not biodegradable but can be recycled.
Always go for a sustainably sourced, natural or recycled material:
Always think about the environment before buying a backpack.
You can protect your environment by choosing a sustainable backpack which will not cause any damage to the environment.
Some brands are selling well-designed backpacks but made up of inorganic materials that lead to environmental pollution.
You can avoid those by choosing, natural, organic and recycled materials like cotton, vegetable leather, leather, banana fiber, etc.
These materials are biodegradable and renewable and do not contain any toxic materials. So, it does not harm the health and the environment.
Brands selling eco-friendly backpacks
1. MATT & NAT
Stylish Backpacks, handbags, shoes and also other accessories that are made using vegan leather are available from this brand. These products are available in multiple colors by keeping the fashion trend in mind.
The products of this brand cause less harm to the environment.
The name MATT suggests “materials” and NAT suggests “Nature”. So, as you can see for this brand, nature or environment is the priority.
It chooses materials from plant origin and which can be recycled for making its products. Materials like cork, natural rubber are the natural ingredients and recycled material like nylon and recycled rubber are also used.
Luxury and stylish bags in a wide range with good prices are available.
2. Johnny Urban
Johnny Urban is a brand that makes a variety of eco-friendly, vegan backpacks.
The products are made up of plastic recycled bottles. The straps of these bags are made from vegan leather, faux leather, or recycled material.
The material is strong enough to last long and also resistant to water. These eco-friendly backpacks contain magnetic snap fasteners and a zipped pocket pouch under the front flap added with a padded compartment for keeping a laptop or tabloid.
3. Recycled Backpacks by Patagonia
Patagonia is better known for producing high-quality products. It also takes consideration of environmental safety and uses organic or less harmful materials for producing backpacks, travel bags, pouch, clutch, etc. It uses recycled nylon and recycled polyester as its basic material.
The Black Hold Pack by Patagonia is perfect for outings. It is made up of recycled polyester therefore waterproof. It also coated by a recycled polyester lining and recycled nylon webbing. Perfect for carrying a laptop as added with padded sleeve inside. Also have a zippered pocket in the front and padded shoulder strap, comfortable for a whole day journey.
4. Ecogear producing eco-friendly backpacks
Ecogear is also a known company having high brand value. It also uses recycled materials for making its backpacks perfect for travel out for business or recreational activity. Have a smooth padded strap to give relaxing to the shoulder and a padded compartment for a laptop. Its Eco Hiking Backpacks are good for hiking. Adjustable hip belt shoulder straps make it ideal for use.
5. Backpacks by Milo
Uses recycled materials derived from wrappers used for candy, old prints, vinyl records, and billboards to produce its backpacks. The recycled material produced from newspaper recycling is a vegan product ideal for a good environment. Milo also uses recycled Music Knapsack sheet for making vegan eco-friendly backpacks.
6. Eve and Adis Backpacks
Eve and Adis is a German-based company that produces sustainable Piñatex backpacks by using 100% vegan accessories. They offer a stylish range of backpacks for men and women.
7. Maniwala Piñatex Pineapple Leather Backpack
Maniwala makes stylish backpacks from Piñatex. These are plastic-free and ideal for travel and tour.
8. Corkor uses Cork Leather for making Vegan Backpack
Corkor is a famous brand serious about environmental issues and makes high-quality, a stylish backpack made up of vegan, natural and sustainable cork. It concerns about animal welfare and works accordingly to protect the environment from damage. The products are non-leather or artificial leather but are economical, environment friendly and vegan.
