9 Best Sustainable Handbags and Purses

Sustainable handbags are bags that are made from sustainable materials, which means they are environmentally friendly and can be renewed or recycled.

These bags often use natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or jute, and may be lined with organic cotton or other sustainable materials. Sustainable handbags are a great choice

There are many reasons why ethical and sustainable handbags are important.

First, they help reduce our impact on the environment. Sustainable handbags are made from materials that can be renewed or recycled, which means we don’t have to use new resources to make them.

Second, sustainable handbags often use natural fibers such as cotton or hemp, which are much better for the environment than synthetic fibers.

Finally, sustainable handbags are a great way to support businesses that are committed to sustainability.

What materials are used to make ethical and sustainable handbags?

There are a variety of materials used to make sustainable handbags. The most common materials are natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or jute.

These materials are environmentally friendly and can be renewed or recycled. Other sustainable materials include organic cotton, bamboo, and Recycled PET (rPET).

There’s something about a handbag that just makes you feel good. It’s like a small piece of luxury that you can carry around with you every day.

But when you’re buying a handbag, it’s important to make sure that you’re buying one that is ethically made and sustainable.

That way, you know that your purchase is supporting ethical companies and helping to reduce environmental waste.

Best Ethically Made, Sustainable Handbags and Purses

Napa Handbag – Parker Clay

The perfect handbag for the always-prepared, the Napa Handbag pairs luxe leather handles with a handy adjustable and detachable shoulder strap to work for any occasion.

Featuring a sleek, soft leather exterior, the Napa is relaxed enough to become an everyday classic, yet retains its shape to stand alone.

Store your essentials in the interior zip pocket, while the side magnet closures allow for easy access in a pinch.

Details:

• Premium natural brass (gold color) zipper closure
• Interior magnet pockets
• Removable leather crossbody strap
• Lined interior
• 11″ L x 5″ W x 9″ H
• 4.5″ handle drop
• Removable strap

Maya Small Crossbody Bag – Modher

The Maya small crossbody is meticulously designed, thoughtfully handcrafted in Tuscany, and incredibly versatile. Designed to be styled with any outfit and worn in every season, this luxurious, timeless piece will be a sustainable cornerstone of your wardrobe for years to come. 

• Adjustable leather strap for crossbody and shoulder carry
• Nickel-free, golden-plated metal details and snap closure
• One main compartment with one flat pocket inside

MEASUREMENTS:

• Dimensions: 7.9″ X 6.3″ X 2.3″ 
• Handle drop: 11.0” – 50.4”

MATERIALS:

• Handbag body and trimming details in Italian vegetable-tanned leather 
• External body in Off-white Limonta canvas
• Interior fully lined with a soft Nappa-like Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather 

Cleo Convertible Crossbody – Nisolo

A clutch, a belt bag, a crossbody, a half-cross, an over the shoulder bag, and an interior wallet to keep you effortlessly organized—you name it, its designed to do it.

Meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental responsibility, your support has enabled Nisolo to become one of the world’s top rated Certified B Corporations and the #1 ranked Re/Make brand.

Details

• Convertible: can be worn 5 different ways
• Internal card and zipper pockets 
• Dimensions: 8 1/4″ W x 5 3/8″ L
• Long, adjustable leather strap: 31″– 45.25″
• Short, adjustable leather strap: 19″–28.5″
• Water-resistant leather
• Minimal, yet structured
• Classic and timeless design
• Leather Working Group certified tannery

KALEIDOSCOPE PURSE – Fair Anita

This sturdy fair trade tote bag comes in a funky multi-color geometric pattern, and the bright colors give it an extra artsy side.

Fair Anita totes are always large enough to hold a laptop with pockets to help keep you neatly organized! 

Details

• Handmade from recycled fabric and suede by women in India
• Zipper top with a zipper pocket and two open pockets inside
• This purse measures 14″ wide and 15.5″ long with 24″ straps  

Audrey Mini – O My Bag

The Audrey Mini is a sleek and minimalist design that works well no matter the season or your outfit! This Ruby Classic Leather Audrey Minis come with both additional checkered webbing strap and full leather strap.

Feeling like switching up your look, while keeping it classy? Use the checkered strap and every outfit will get just that little bit extra!

Details

• Comes with 2 Detachable & Adjustable Straps
• Black & White Checkered Webbing Strap: 88 cm – 135 cm
• Full Leather Strap: 110 cm – 127 cm
• Inside zipper pocket
• Magnetic closure
• O My Bag’s signature striped cotton lining
• One main compartment
• Slip in compartment
• Slip in pocket

DEUX MAINS – Ideal Crossbody

Discover the unique beauty of Haiti with Deux Mains, a company dedicated to creating empowering jobs and share this Caribbean island’s incredible craftsmanship.

Each carefully crafted piece – from handbags and sandals through to jewelry made from ethically sourced materials – has been expertly fashioned by trained artisans for sustainable luxury fashion that reflects your values.

Let these artisanal creations become an enduring part of life’s journey as you adorn yourself in Haitian-inspired style.

Indigo and Pastel Pink Striped Alpaca Blend Shoulder Bag – NOVICA

In fresh colors of indigo and pastel pink, stripes and geometric patterns decorate this shoulder bag from Peru. Working with alpaca blend yarns, the talented artisans of the Yurivilca Family create this bag, which is woven entirely by hand.

Saddle brown suede accents and straps decorate this bag, which opens with a magnetic snap to a lined interior in pink that is outfitted with two open pockets for organizing your belongings.

Details

• 0.6 lbs
• Bag: 13.75″ H x 16.25″ W x 4.7″ D
• Strap(s): 24.5″ L x 0.8″ W
• Drop length: 10.75″ from strap to bag
• 50% alpaca, 50% acrylic, suede accents; polyester lining
• Hand-crafted item — color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Dry clean or hand wash
• Features a magnetic snap closure
• Made in Peru.
• Certified and shipped by our office in the Andes

Embossed Circle Crossbody – Purse and Clutch

At Purse & Clutch, every purchase contributes to this mission of supporting long-term employment for men & women around the world with limited fair job opportunities. These handbags are truly one of kind, slowly handcrafted by dedicated artisans.

• Handcrafted in Chiapas, Mexico helping to create employment for talented leatherworkers in a small employee-owned workshop
• Dimensions: 9.75″ diameter x 3″ deep with adjustable strap
• Unlined with zipper closure
• Naturally treated & dyed leather using traditional lime water & charcoal – leather softens up beautifully over time
• Each embossing detail is completely unique, an expression of creativity for the artisan!

DAY TOTE INDIGO – MADE FREE

Handcrafted with 100% organic cotton canvas and handles from the finest eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned, biodegradable leather.

Secure large inside zip pocket with quality YKK metal zipper. This tote is practical while complementing your personal style.

Details

• MADE BY FREE WOMEN
• Size: 13″ x 5″ x 15″
• Strong 100% organic cotton canvas
• Sturdy leather handles for easy over the shoulder carrying
• Large inside YKK metal zipper pocket

Sustainable handbags make great gifts for friends and family members who are environmentally conscious. You can also use sustainable handbags to promote sustainability in your workplace or school.