Luggage that Lasts - and Loves the Earth

Inevitably, it happens. The zipper no longer zips, the handle no longer handles, and you find yourself needing new luggage. Traditional luggage contains some unfriendly materials, of which the most common is the toxic plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Happily, in an ever-greening world, there are luggage options that are both durable and eco-friendly.

Sativa Bags are made of organically grown hemp/cotton material. The line includes backpacks, duffel bags (or holdalls) and even a wheeler luggage case.

Ecolution produces a roomy hemp duffel bag that is waterproofed.

Heys USA Eco Case 3 Piece Luggage Set is made of 100 percent recycled plastic and comes with a 7 year warranty.

Patagonia recycles “soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers,” which are used to make both clothes and other products, including their sturdy Freewheeler gear bag, equipped with wheels and a retractable handle.

Finally, don’t forget your local thrift store where you might find gently used luggage waiting for a new adventure.

Read more: Do Good, Family, Home, Life, baggage, bags, eco-friendly luggage, luggage, suitcase, Travel

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Siska M.

8:31AM PDT on Sep 17, 2010

I wonder if the prices are affordable.

send a green star

Claudia L.

10:15AM PST on Jan 25, 2010

Thats a great idea in Kay O's post below on the cloth in the backpack. Will treat my trusty backpack to that too

10:14AM PST on Jan 25, 2010

Great thanks. best hardwearing shopping bag I have is made out of 3 recycled plastic bottles it says

Casey B.

7:00PM PST on Jan 13, 2010

excellent! thanks. i have a trusty travel backpack that's great, but sometimes you do need a bit more.

Kay O.

1:25AM PST on Jan 11, 2010

I have a back-pack that's well-travelled: all
over the US, Asia, and Europe. I apply a water
proof coating before I use it and thoroughly
clean everything out when I return. I keep a
piece of cloth inside with some essential oil to
keep it smelling nice and to prevent bugs/moths.

pierluigi b.

3:41AM PST on Jan 9, 2010

Thanks for the info!

Daisy K.

4:46PM PST on Jan 3, 2010

I was given two pieces of 'hard shell' luggage about 35 yrs ago and, now using light-weight pieces, use those pieces for storage. They are neat and tidy at the back of a closet, not to mention easy to get at when needed.

gerlinde p.

10:51PM PST on Dec 24, 2009

i still have my first suitcase from 30 yrs or so. it`s been patched and repaired many times.now it`s used for storage.

Annie F.

1:14PM PST on Dec 13, 2009

great ideas.

i am still using a small bag that i bought at a travel store in palm springs ca in the mid-1980's. surprisingly it has held up all these years.

when my husband and i renew our memberships in some of the wildlife organizations they sometimes send us bags. we either use them ourselves or save them as Christmas presents.