By Felicity Bonello

Whether you’re headed to yoga, or on your way to work, a trusty tote is the ultimate accessory for carrying all your extra gear. And while we know that single use plastic bags are not an option, you may not know where to find totes that match your values and have the planet’s wellbeing in mind. From upcycled truck canvas to vegan leather, here are a few of our favourites. 

SANDQVIST

With a brand DNA of sustainability, care for the environment, high-quality designs, and uncompromising functionality, Sandqvist have set a strong eco-pace since its inception in 2004. From backpacks to briefcases, wallets to shoulder bags, these guys have got it all. Within their climate friendly totes offering you can find bags made from 100 per cent recycled nylon ripstop, organic cotton and recycled polyester, and best of all, many of their totes double as laptop bags or backpacks. 

Dos Ombré

A thoughtfully curated brand, Dos Ombré offers a mix of luxurious treasures for your home, sourced from artisans around the globe; and their totes – also known as Bengali Bags – are something to write home about. Durable, reusable and designed for everyday living, these eco-friendly bags are made from 100 per cent Recycled Nylon and are the perfect carry-all for your next shopping trip or beach adventure. Dos Ombré only partners with trusted makers who lead with world-class sustainable practices, so these bags are a win win.

Cult Thread

A brand on a mission to be ethical and sustainable towards people, animals and the planet, Cult Thread are worth checking out. Totally transparent, Cult Thread knows that 60 per cent of the polluting impact comes from fabric manufacturing, so they ensure their product is largely made from a combination of fabrics that already exist. And how about their designs? Made from soft vegan leather, this soft yet durable tote is made from 100 per cent recycled material, with a PU rain proof coating. Join the cult!

Citizen Wolf

Citizen Wolf has done it again. The brand behind the award-winning Magic Fit® algorithm (which customises made to order basics using certified sustainable fabrics like cotton, hemp and Merino wool) is continuing their zero-waste conquest with their Zero Waste Tote (2nd Edition). Each bag is a unique patchwork of fabric offcuts from the brand’s t-shirt production, paired with a lining cut from upcycled City of Sydney banners saved from landfill. It’s impressive.

Patagonia

The OGs of all climate aware businesses, Patagonia understands everything we make has an impact on the people and the planet. Because they’ve built their business around a number of environmental and socially responsible programs to guide how they make materials and products, and ensure products are produced under safe, fair, legal and humane working conditions, it’s no surprise their tote offering has followed suit. We’re loving Patagonia’s go-to Natural Tote built with organic cotton canvas. But they’ve got a great selection of totes to choose from.

Pony Rider

Lovers of the great outdoors, lifestyle brand Pony Rider makes durable gear that supports a slow lifestyle. The Hiked-Up Market Bag is made from durable preloved upcycled Truck Canvas and comes with all sorts of aged marks and delights (if only the stitching could talk). Meanwhile their Well Being Tote Bag is made from aged canvas and supports the brand’s National Project, an initiative that helps protect and preserve our national parks. The good folk behind PR are doing some great work, check them out. 

Among Equals

Among Equals is a not for profit aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for women and their communities through trade. On a mission to make change through empowering communities of artisan weavers, Among Equals Bilum bags are handwoven using natural fibres and dyes, by artisan weavers in Papua New Guinea. Each tote is a one-of-a-kind, and while traditionally, these bags were used to carry hefty loads such as oranges and potatoes, we’d happily use a tote like the Telefomin Bilum for any occasion.  

A.BCH

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label that uses renewable, organic and recycled materials. As well as their clothes offering, the circular fashion business produces totes. Made from 100 per cent certified organic raw cotton denim, the fibere for their A.06 Tote is grown, spun and yarn dyed in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in India, where it’s certified by the Global Organic textile Standard (GOTS) to meet strict environmental, toxicity and social standards. With their efficient production line in place, A.BCH then creates the patterns, cuts the fabric (with minimal waste!), constructs the piece, presses it, trims it for excess threads, and then, its job done!

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