Take A Sustainability Deep Dive
Did you know that the textile industry is the 2nd largest cause of pollution after oil and gas? Enough textiles are discarded annually to fill a garbage truck every minute. Conventional textile production guzzles water too, an estimated 2.7 trillion liters per year, which is enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool every single day. And it's responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. But it doesn't have to be this way. The more you know about different materials, the more you can lessen your impact.
What's the Deal with Leather?
There are 3 main types of leather out there. And one pretty much shines above the rest. Here's what you should know.
Leather: A lot of bags are made of leather. Leather does reduce waste from the meat industry (because those hides would otherwise be thrown out. That being said, at the end of the day, it still relies on cattle, huge emitters that contribute to 80% of the deforestation in the Amazon. Plus it means tanning, which can be a big polluter in its own right.
Synthetic Leather (PU/PVC): Often derived from petroleum, creating dependence on fossil fuels. While some synthetic leathers boast lower carbon footprints (15.8 kg/mĀ² vs. leather's 17.0 kg/mĀ²), they often don't biodegrade and can release harmful microplastics into the environment.
Plant-Based Leathers: As the name suggests these are made from plants, like, pineapple leaves, mushroom caps, or cork. If you're looking for leather, they're a much more sustainable way to go.
But you don't have to get a leather bag, there are lots of other great options too!
Organic Materials: Eco-friendly materials like linen, hemp, tencel, or organic cotton are a great way to go! And the organic part makes a big difference, take cotton: compared to its conventional counterpart, organic cotton boasts a significantly lower environmental footprint. Studies show that organic cotton cultivation utilizes up to 71% less water and 62% less energy. This translates to a massive water saving of roughly 1,900 liters per t-shirt compared to conventional cotton.
Recycled Polyester: Over 52 million tonnes of polyester garments are produced every year and it's one of the main drivers of microfiber pollution. In fact studies show synthetic textiles, largely polyester, contribute between 16% and 40% of global microplastic pollution entering the oceans. Lots of bags have at least some polyester, but that doesn't mean we have to make any more of it. Recycled polyester breathes new life into plastic waste, diverting used plastic bottles from landfills and transforming them into bags. This not only reduces reliance on virgin plastic but also cuts down on energy consumption during production, reducing emissions by ~75%, water use by ~90%, and energy use by ~50%
Fair Labor: it's always great to look for bags that are made in factories that have fair labor practices and use sustainable manufacturing processes. This means that the workers are paid a living wage, work in safe conditions, and the factories use less water and energy. You can find information about a brand's labor practices and manufacturing processes on their website or by looking for certifications like Fair Trade or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Durability: A big reason for all this pollution is fast fashion.Companies make tons (and tons) of cheap clothing to keep up with changing styles knowing they won't sell it all. But they don't care how much goes to waste as long as they make a profit. Don't fall into the trap! Beat the system by buying quality bags that last a long time!
šLearn About Our Standards
