Feature Photo by Zachary Debottis from Pexels
We’ve been told that exercise is good for our mental health, especially during lockdown. Exercising outdoors helps to reduce anxiety and depression, and many are getting out to hike the hills, in order to feel at one with nature.
During the present time, walking offers respite from the often monotonous texture of daily life under Covid-19 restrictions, and I know we can’t go far, but when home begins to feel more like a cell and less like a refuge, it’s time to pack your bag, make an escape and head for the hills.
FROM LANDFILL WITH LOVE
Herschel Supply Co
So, if like me you feel the need to escape for some fresh air and are looking for a suitable bag to carry your essentials then check out the new eco-collection of backpacks and duffles from Herschel Supply Co, that are made with post-consumer water bottles that have been chipped, cleaned, melted and woven into fabric.
Herschel Supply Co. is a design driven global accessories and apparel brand that produces quality products with a fine regard for detail. Each classic style also features 100% recycled body fabric and liners. Labels, webbing and zipper tapes are also made from 100% recycled materials.
The eco-collection features classic favourites like the Novel Duffle, Retreat Backpack and Heritage Backpack. Most designs come in a variety of sizes and a wide selection of colours and prints, so there’s something to suit every taste.
BEHNO NEW YORK
If a smaller and stylish compact bag would be more to your style whilst you take a stroll, then a Behno crossbody bag might be exactly what you are looking for. Behno is a New York based label that makes quality, sustainable handbags using leather resulting from the existing food supply chain.
“Behno”, which means Sisters in Hindi, was founded with the goal of addressing poverty and global health and was nominated as one of the top five finalists in The Green Carpet Awards founded by Livia Firth, one of the highest awards in sustainability in the fashion industry today.
“The behno team interprets age-old heritage craft for the modern you. The attention to detail, the slow, meticulous construction of an object is paramount to both our factory and us.
We want to create beautiful pieces that you grow into over the years to come”.
The brand founder, Shivam Punjya partnered with nonprofit Muni Seva Ashram (MSA) and industry veteran, Mukesh Kothari, to build their factory called MSA Ethos, in Gujarat which functions like a self-sustaining village, ensuring garment workers and artisans have a safe working space.
MSA Ethos is REACH compliant to protect its workers’ human health, and also ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified, assuring it has an effective environmental management system in place. Behno’s partner handbag factory in Nashik sustainably sources its materials, ensuring that embroidery thread and embellishment materials are sourced from local markets, which allows Behno to support small businesses, build in-person relations over cups of chai, as well as reduce their carbon footprint from imports.
The factory also ensures it minimizes its environmental impact by recycling waste, including plastics, metals and leathers. They’re also constantly working toward reducing their carbon footprint by utilizing state-of-the-art, energy saving machinery and infrastructure. Click here for more information.
The The Janae Crossbody Bag in Pebble Avocado is a handcrafted top-zip crossbody made with supple pebble-grain leather with an adjustable crossbody strap. It is constructed from supple, smooth Italian Pebble leather. It is shipped in a dust bag made from Archival Textiles.
You can watch a short introduction to Behno company and how they are making a difference for their garment workers.
mkf collection by mia k
If vegan leather is your bag, then take a look at MKF Collection, a Fashion Company headquartered in New Jersey, US. It was founded by a group of leading fashion designers that aim to unite both function and fashion. MKF’s main focus is to create eco-friendly signature handbags, crossbody, wristlets, and wallets that are versatile, distinctive, and practical for the modern women-on-the-go.
The Hayle Backpack, which comes in 7 colours, and the Natashe 3 in 1 crossbody bag are both made of luxe vegan leather, which is durable, smooth, supple, and cruelty free.
The Hayle Backpack features a double zip-top closure and interior compartment with a slip-in pocket and a zippered pocket and adjustable shoulder straps. The Natashe 3-in-1 crossbody has a lightweight wristlet constructed with textured faux leather perfect for tucking away your everyday essentials – such as your phone, wallet, credit and, keys.
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