In a previous post, I introduced the concept of Ecotourism which is essentially a fancy way of labeling any form of tourism or travel that doesn’t disrupt, displace, or pollute local communities and green spaces. It also means that instead of congregating around major metropolis cities, you opt for a more natural experience that puts you closer with nature. For example, instead of booking at the Hilton, you rent out a quaint bungalow near a coastline from a local or a small cottage or cabin nestled within a forest-like setting. Instead of going to clubs and fancy restaurants, you choose to enjoy hike up to natural swimming pools and tour local fruit and coffee farms where you can interact more personally with the community which would also provide you with a hearty meal afterwards as appreciation for your patronage. So you see it’s all about lessening the harmful impacts of regular tourism or travel.
So now you are thinking about booking your next travel to a lush island like St Vincent, or the countryside of Costa Rica, and you would like to take your Eco-Friendly travel to the next level. This means leaving your Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Coach travel bags in the closet (save them for your spring break to Miami), and using more sustainable luggage options that wont rip, stain, leak or bring unwanted attention to you as you are taken to your accommodations either by car, bus, buggy, scooter, camel, or horse.
Here are 8 sustainable luggage brands that you should consider using on your next Ecotourist adventure:
- Paravel is a luggage brand that was founded in 2016 by Andy Krantz and Indre Rockefeller. The company’s mission is to create sustainable luggage that is both stylish and functional. New York-based brand makes luggage from recycled materials, including plastic bottles and aluminum. Their suitcases are also made with Fair Trade Certified™ leather and are carbon neutral..
- Patagonia is a well-known outdoor brand that been around since 1973. The company specializes in making a line of eco-friendly luggage from recycled materials that are also known to be water-resistant. Patagonia has become a popular choice for travelers who are looking for a sustainable and durable travel bag with a lifetime warranty.
- Lo & Sons is a New York-based brand that makes luggage from recycled materials and vegan leather. Their suitcases are also designed to be lightweight and durable. The company’s most popular products include the Rucksack, a backpack-style suitcase, and the Nomad, a carry-on suitcase.
- Solgaard is a Danish brand that makes luggage from recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic. The company also uses a variety of sustainable manufacturing practices, such as waterless printing and energy-efficient factories. Their suitcases are also solar-powered and have built-in shelves while the exterior is polycarbonate shell paired with a lightweight aluminum frame, making it virtually indestructible. The company’s products feature a variety of other features that make them both stylish and functional, such as built-in USB chargers, TSA-approved locks, and expandable compartments.
- United By Blue was founded in 2010 by two friends, Jeff Brotman and Jake Hollinger. The company’s mission is to “reduce waste, protect the environment, and support ocean conservation.” This is also a brand that makes luggage from recycled materials and ocean-bound plastic. The company partners with ocean cleanup organizations to remove plastic pollution from the ocean. For every product sold, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from the ocean..
- Cotopaxi is based in San Francisco, California, and has a mission to “build products that inspire people to explore the world and give back to the communities they visit.” Cotopaxi is a brand that makes luggage from recycled materials and fair trade certified fabrics. Their unique backpacks are known for their durability and functionality, and they come in a variety of styles to suit different needs. Cotopaxi also donates a portion of their profits to social impact projects.
- Away is a brand that was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey. Similar to Solgaard, The company makes luggage from recycled materials and sustainable fabrics while also integrating technology with USB charging ports. However unlike Solgaard, Away serves as a less expensive option that also offers a lifetime warranty on their products.
- Herschel Supply Co. is another brand that makes luggage from Ecosystem recycled materials and water-resistant fabrics. With products sold in over 100 countries around the world, Herschel Supply Co. targets young adults who are looking for stylish and functional luggage and travel accessories.
These are just a few of the many eco-friendly luggage brands available. When choosing an eco-friendly luggage brand, it is important to consider the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability.