[By Rebecca Silver]
The backpack is the workhorse of the bag community: versatile, sturdy, and affordable. We've rounded up our favorites here—for adults kids alike—that cost under $100. Naturally, all of our picks are also eco-friendly. From bags that use recycled and organic materials to companies that support ethical labor practices and customer-wide recycling programs, this guide offers the best packs to fit your green style and your budget.
Where: Keen Footwear through Zappos
Why We Like It: As part of Keen's Hybrid.Transport line of products, Menlo Park incorporates innovative green production techniques and materials. It's fabricated from both aluminum and rubber scraps diverted from Keen's shoe manufacturing process and recycled materials from outside sources. The result: 40% recycled content, 100% recycled aluminum components, and 100% recycled interior liners. Another perk: The stylish design will win over kids, teens, and adults.
How Much: $69
Nice Touch: Key features include: Draw-cord closure, adjustable shoulder straps, a 15.4-inch padded laptop sleeve, an interior zippered pocket, mesh cell phone and MP3 player pockets on shoulder straps, and a breathable molded foam back panel.
Read More: TreeHugger:
Keen Bags From Keen Shoes and Sustainable Industries
Where: Patagonia
Why We Like It: The company embraces an all-encompassing view of sustainability and integrates this concept lovingly into each of its products. Atom is made from 300-denier polyester (47% recycled) doubleweave with a polyurethane coating and comes with a durable water-repellent finish. The polyester is generated from used soda bottles, unusable seconds from quality fabrics and worn out Patagonia garments. Patagonia is also a member of the 1% for the Planet movement, which means it donates at least 1% of annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide.
How Much: $60
Nice Touch: The shape of the pack positions weight behind your shoulder, easing stress on neck and back. In to pockets? Toting is made easy with a large zippered main pocket, an internal zippered mesh and stretch-woven pockets, and a lined zippered pocket on the shoulder strap.
Read More:
TreeHugger: The TH Interview: Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia (Part One)
Where: EcoGear/EcoTech
Why We Like It: For kids (or adults looking for a colorful small pack), it's hard to beat the quality, style, and price of EcoGear/EcoTech's Panda Pack. This sustainable, washable, minimalistic bag boasts organic cotton materials, non-toxic dyes, and sustainable wood components.
How Much: $17.99
Nice Touch: If a bag that looks like a panda, puppy, pig, or elephant is more your thing, check out the company's line of ECOZOO products.
Read More: Teensy Green: Big/Little Kid "Back To School Already?" Giveaway
Where: Osprey Packs through Paragon Sports
Why We Like It: Revo has a whopping 72% recycled content. The main body fabric is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. In fact, only foam, piping, hypalon, and zippers are not made from recycled materials. In addition to boasting outstanding environmental measures within their company, Osprey champions fair labor practices within their factories.
How Much: $68.95
Nice Touch: Take advantage of the electronics pocket (for small gadgets), organizer pockets, and side mesh pockets.
Read More: TreeHugger: Osprey Packs Adds More Recycled Bags and Go 100% Renewable
Where: Simple Shoes
Why We Like It: OK, so maybe this pick isn't under $100, but we couldn't resist the certified organic cotton canvas body and trim, corduroy lining, and webbing—not to mention the metal zippers with recycled PET bottle bases! Simple is green through and through, from ongoing practices to green products and packaging, to measures to ensure ethical production under the firm's
How Much: $100
Nice Touch: The cushioned laptop section and back-side zipper make working on-the-go a breeze.
Read More: TreeHugger: Simple Shoes Launches Special Edition EcoSNEAKS Collection for StopGlobalWarming.org
Votes
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How to Go Green: Weddings |
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How to Go Green: Cars |
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How to Go Green: Barbeques |
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