On Trend Eco-Friendly Backpacks For the Whole Family

What’s versatile, stylish and practical that you could use every day? A backpack, of course! Whether you’re headed back to school, hitting the gym or need an easy to use diaper bag, a backpack is the perfect way to stash and carry everything you need. However, not all backpacks are created equally. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top eco-friendly backpacks that we’ve found. Each of these backpacks is made by a company that has something else in common: they all give back to social or environmental causes.

If you’re ready to sport a trendy new backpack, check out this list. Here are the top eco-friendly, give back backpacks for the whole family.

Type of backpack | Everyday Laptop Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Made in the USA, Sustainable, Vegan, Fair Trade, Handmade
Price of Backpack | $165 

The first give back backpack on our list is one we’ve chosen for our Made Trade review. Founded in North Carolina in Tarheels country, Made Trade is a small business committed to several principles. Each product featured in the catalog is fair trade, sustainable, vegan and handcrafted by artisans using traditional techniques. The attention to detail that’s put into each item sold by Made Trade ensures the highest quality and the most ethical standards, and this backpack is no different. Made from eco-conscious, upcycled materials, this backpack is perfect for everyday use or for travel.

Parents have sent their children off to college with the water-resistant waxed canvas backpack and have chosen the upcycled bicycle inner tube packs for themselves. Each bag is lightweight at just one and a half pounds, and will fit most standard laptops, up to 14 inches in length. These eco-friendly backpacks are made in the USA.  

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Type of backpack | Weekend Getaway Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | North American Company, Eco-Friendly, Give Back, Sustainable, Recyclable
Price of Backpack | $89 

Polyurethane is one of the most sustainable and recyclable materials on the planet. There are actually two ways you can recycle polyurethane: either by reusing it as a polymer or breaking it down entirely to the chemical components which comprise it. For our The Herschel Company review, we’ve selected the Retreat Backpack, a 100% polyurethane weekend back that also doubles as a knapsack for school. The bag is spacious and durable, and we love that it’s weather resistant. In fact, the Herschel Retreat Backpack features a padded and fleece lined 15 inch laptop sleeve. Not only will your belongings stay dry but you will, too!

Herschel is a North American company based in Canada. The group gives back by hosting several events throughout the year including wellness programs and the We’ve Got Your Back initiative. The We’ve Got Your Back Program supports essential workers and frontline healthcare professionals. Proceeds benefit the hungry right here in North America.

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Type of backpack | Lightweight Commuter Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Recyclable, Recycled Materials, Cruelty Free, Sustainable, Give Back
Price of Backpack | $98 

United by Blue is a company on a mission. For every product purchased through the vendor, one pound of trash will be removed from the planet’s waterways. For our United by Blue review we’ve selected this 25L Rift Pack, perfect for your daily commute or for days on the trails. What do we love about this bag? There’s a lot to like! We appreciate that the bag boasts what seems like dozens of pockets. Store your lip balm, stash your wallet and carry your laptop, and you’re guaranteed to be able to find everything just when you need it.

We also love that the bag is crafted from 100% recycled polyester, and that it’s fully recyclable when it’s time to move on. The bag is cruelty free and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Choose from four different colors and support waterway cleanup with the 25L Rift Pack.

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Type of backpack | Lightweight Commuter Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Repurposed Materials, Eco Friendly, Fair Trade, B Corp Certification, Give Back
Price of Backpack | $80 

We fell in love with this bright and colorful eco friendly backpack when we first saw it. The Tasra 16L Backpack represents “Dora meets Daywear,” and we know you’re going to love the bright, sunny colors as much as we do. The Tasra 16L Backpack is perfect for commuters who need to tote a laptop and a few files along to work. However, Cotopaxi reviews say that college kids and even high schoolers love using this bag. On its own, it’s lightweight and soft to the touch. Don’t be mistaken, though: this bag is very durable.

No two Cotopaxi Tasra bags are alike, as they’re made from upcycled and repurposed nylon. The fabric is water-resistant and will retain its vivid color for years. The clever little bag can hold a 15 inch laptop and features front box pockets as well as inner mesh storage. This bag is truly a must-have for anyone with a busy lifestyle. As if the style and unique nature of this bag weren’t enough, your purchase also gives back to the global community. The Cotopaxi Foundation provides grants to non-profits which have the goal of eliminating global poverty.

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Type of backpack | School-Style Backpack
Care | Machine Wash Gentle
Backpack Benefits | Recycled, Recycled Exterior Fabric, Recycled Liner, Recycled Print, Handmade, Lead-Free
Price of Backpack | $149

The next eco-friendly, give back backpack on our list is our GOT BAG review. This backpack is accessibly priced and perfect for your middle- or high schooler. Available in seven colors, there’s a Classic Rolltop Backpack to suit every style. The GOT BAG recycled backpack is crafted from 100% recycled fabric. Each bag is made from 15 post-consumer water bottles. That means a durable, non-toxic and easy to maintain backpack that’s perfect for any kid from 9 to 99.

The GOT BAG is an advocate for clean-up programs, so your purchase will truly give back to your local community. For each one purchase of this backpack, GOT BAG will provide financial contributions to frontline workers across North America. With that said, be sure to send each of your children to school with a GOT BAG Classic Rolltop Backpack next year!

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Type of backpack | Eco Friendly Rucksack
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Eco Friendly, Fair Trade, Sustainable, Recycle
Price of Backpack | $75

For our The Herschel Company review, we couldn’t choose just one sack. We feel that everyone needs a quality-made, utilitarian bag in their “wardrobe,” and Herschel Heritage Backpack bags fit the bill. These bags are made for outdoor adventures but daily commuters love them just as well. Best yet, they’re eco-friendly and guaranteed to last a lifetime. Every Herschel product is made in North America and built to last forever.

Again, we can’t choose just one Heritage Backpack for our review. We do know, however, that customers are thrilled with the equal weight distribution, durability and versatility of these backpacks. Whether you’re shopping for your kid’s first day at school or planning an outdoors adventure of your own, you can’t go wrong with this eco-friendly, give back company.

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Type of backpack | Mini Backpack
Care | Hand Wash Cold
Backpack Benefits | Vegan, Eco-Friendly, Equal Opportunity Employer, Fair Trade, Recyclable
Price of Backpack | $36

What’s bigger than a clutch but smaller than a backpack? The Lizard Mini Backpack we chose for our Lulus review! This little bag has it all. Durable construction, sassy style and all the room you need for a night out with friends. It’s also offered at a price point perfect for gift giving! The Weldon Beige Lizard Mini Backpack from Lulus is made in fair trade factories using recyclable polyurethane and polyester. The embossed exterior is crafted from vegan leather, which is fully biodegradable. The lined bag is imported from fair trade artisans. In short, this bag is just about perfect.

The beige color of the Lulus Mini Backpack will match anything you choose to wear, but will easily hold your cosmetics, phone, wallet, keys and even a paperback in case that blind date turns out to be not quite what you expected. Lulu’s also has some great rewards programs, so be sure to shop around the site when you order your Mini Backpack.

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Type of backpack | Mid Sized Backpack
Care | Hand Wash Cold
Backpack Benefits | Handcrafted, Sustainable, Fair Trade, Women’s Issues
Price of Backpack | $238

The Lulus Mini Backpack is great for a night out with friends, but if your evening entails more business than pleasure, this ABLE review is for you. This little bag, the Alem Backpack boasts a classic and classy style, but it actually quite utilitarian. In fact, you can fit a 15 inch laptop in this pack with no problem, and there are plenty of interior compartments for your other essentials.

We’ve mentioned ABLE in previous articles on Citrus Sleep. We love the brand in that it supports economic opportunity for women all around the world. From Mexico to Sri Lanka, the women featured in the ABLE catalog are treated and paid fairly. In exchange, they create some of the most stunning clothing, accessories and even shoes that we’ve encountered.  The Alem is handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans. Leather is used in the structure of this bag, but it’s sourced without cruelty to animals. Since each bag is handcrafted, no two bags will be exactly the same.

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Type of backpack | Convertible Travel Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Give Back, Fair Trade, Eco Friendly, Sustainable, Green
Price of Backpack | $99

No matter where you’re going, you’ll want to read this ORVIS review before you pack. The ORVIS SP800 Crossover Bag is going to be your favorite companion whether you’re headed to your parents’ for the weekend or overseas to New Zealand. The ORVIS SP800 is approved by most airlines as a carryon, and that’s exactly how you’ll want to use it. Measuring 21 inches at its widest, you can pack an extra pair of shoes, a few rom-com novels and enough snacks for the plane ride. You can also easily fit the bag into your trunk for road trips, or if you’re homeward bound the bag will readily fit your laptop and a few notebooks from the office.

We love this bag. We love the quality construction ORVIS is known for, but we also love the versatility. Carry it over your shoulder as a crossover bag, or use the attached straps to wear it as a backpack. Only going a short distance? The bag easily converts into a handbag that you can grab from baggage claim in a hurry. ORVIS is the proud supporter of non-profits that protect our natural world. American Forests, Black Warrior Riverkeeper and The Clark Fork Coalition are just three of the many organizations ORVIS supports through financial and in-kind contributions.

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Type of backpack | Convertible Expedition Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Recyclable, Sustainable, Fair Trade, Handcrafted, Give Back
Price of Backpack | $80 

Our Ten Thousand Villages review features a bag that is handcrafted in Bangladesh in fair trade establishments. This Convertible Expedition bag is made from vegan leather, canvas and jute, so it’s cruelty-free, sustainable and recyclable. Of course, we love that the product is made by female artisans who are opposed to child labor. In other words, the principles behind this bag are stellar, and we’re proud to support them. The bag, though, is second to none. This little convertible travel pack is perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re headed to the office, to pick up the kids at day care or just to spend a few hours at the theater, this bag is going to be your go-to.

The Convertible Expedition bag by Ten Thousand Villages measures almost as a square at 15 by 16 inches. Your netbook will easily slip inside the pack along with your other essentials. It is convertible, as well. You can carry it like a purse, use it as a handbag or wear it as a backpack.

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Type of backpack | Ethical Bag
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Low Impact Dyes, Ethically Sourced, Socially Responsible, Handmade
Price of Backpack | $70 

The Herschel Company is a company we feature from time to time on Citrus Sleep. We like the wide variety of socially responsible, ethically made, recycled products. On the Herschel site, you’ll find backpacks, hand bags, totes, etc. All are earth-friendly and Herschel gives back to groups like We’ve Got Your Back initiative. For our Herschel review we chose to share this City Recycled Backpack. Available in several color ways, the pack is perfect for everyday use. In fact, customer reviews say the pack is a great substitute for a purse. It’s roomy and features a few extra pockets to make everything you need accessible throughout the day.

Each Herschel Backpack is handcrafted in Vancouver, BC, Canada from 100% recycled fabrics. Since these bags are handmade, no two City Backpacks will look exactly alike. However, no matter which bag you receive, it’s sure to be a vividly colored conversation starter!

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Type of backpack | Customizable Backpack
Care | Leather Cleaner
Backpack Benefits | Water Resistant, Sustainable, Recyclable, Biodegradable, Give Back
Price of Backpack | $1,350 

The next pack on our list is our Anson Calder review. This customizable bag is everything you need in a backpack, but very appropriate to bring to work. It’s slim and streamlined enough to act as a briefcase yet will hold all your items in a way that keeps them well organized. Anson Calder’s backpack features a variety of cases you can add to your pack. Carry your phone, your laptop, your tablet and much more in the sleeves and cases that can be added to this bag. Each are stain and water resistant and constructed from soft, sustainable leather.

In addition to creating a bag that’s perfect for the working professional, Anson Calder gives back to help those in need. The company supports the FSH Society which is committed to assisting those with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

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Type of backpack | Outdoors Backpack
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits |  Give Back, Recyclable, Green, Eco-Friendly
Price of Backpack |

CampingMaxx.com may be a company you’ve never heard of before, but we learned great things about them as we were researching for this CampingMaxx.com review. The group was begun – by triplet siblings – as a small business, but has since grown to serve a global customer base. In addition to providing quality, tested outdoors and emergency preparedness products, CampingMaxx.com also works with over 2,000 institutions to provide disaster and emergency training at no cost. The Kelty Women’s Redstart Backpack is a great solution for your everyday and outdoor needs, but it is also spacious enough to pack full of emergency supplies and tools. It’s a full 23L, and features plenty of pockets to hold your disc golf putters or a week’s supply of MREs.

Customers who have bought and used the Kelty Women’s Redstart Backpack say it’s comfortable enough for a day hike, and they love the way the lumbar pad keeps you cool. Water bottle pockets, air mesh shoulder straps and a comfortable waist belt are just a few of the features that make this give back backpack an excellent choice.

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Type of backpack | Commuter Backpack
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits |  Give Back, Airport-Friendly, Green, Sustainable, Fair Trade
Price of Backpack |

We’ve chosen a North Face backpack for our Bag 4 People review, because the company has a lot to offer the planet. First, every product made by The North Face is made in a socially responsible way. Workers are paid a fair wage, and there is never child labor involved in manufacture. Furthermore, The North Face products are sustainably sourced and eco-friendly. For 50 years, The North Face has been researching and developing new, green ways to produce quality products that will last for years. Your purchase of this bag from Bag 4 People will also help support initiatives like Move Mountains, The Conservation Alliance and Camber Outdoors.  

The bag itself is a fantastic option for frequent travelers or daily commuters. You’ll enjoy the details of this bag, including a laptop sleeve, a removable waist strap, a fleece-lined tablet sleeve and tons of pockets. The bag is very spacious – 38 liters – and will go through security checkpoints in a breeze.

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Type of backpack | Classic Backpack
Care | Spot Clean
Backpack Benefits | Recycled, Vegan, Give Back, Lifetime Warranty, Sustainable
Price of Backpack |

Last on the list of the top give back backpacks is our Parkland review. For this review we’ve chosen a classic-style backpack, the Academy Paradise, that’s great for students but will be a hit at the gym, too! With a 28 liter capacity, this eco-friendly backpack can store all your books and binders or just the things you need for the health club or the beach.  What we love most about this backpack is that it’s super-sustainable. The Paradise (as well as the other nine styles of this bag) is fully recyclable. In fact, the exterior is comprised of 100% recycled materials. As if that weren’t enough, this backpack repurposes 11 plastic water bottles!

Parkland and Academy has been a well-known back to school brand for years. They frequently work with American non-profits including charities, schools and more by donating products for fundraisers that support youth team sports and outdoors conservation.

SHOP PARKLAND

Multi-Functional Back To School Backpacks For Everyday Use

There’s so much more to a backpack than simply carrying books to school. They’re rugged, versatile and some of them are just plain gorgeous! Get ready with the Stash your stuff in style with one of these eco-friendly backpacks, and support companies that support the greater good.

Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.

Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey

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