Sam writes:
I will be traveling a lot for work in the coming months. I have come across only one earth friendly luggage set, from eco-traveler. It's great - made from hemp and cotton, and PVC free - but it's not big enough to contain a month's worth of gear. I'm looking for something slightly larger than carry-on size, at least 24 x 15 x 8. A set would be perfect. Can anyone recommend some durable eco-friendly luggage?
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
green(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Sam, aside from a simple canvas or leather duffel bag, we've not seen anything that fits your criteria. Our own luggage, one Hartmann roll-on and one hard-side plastic Samsonite bag, is going on 10 years old. We've been trying to keep it green by having it repaired when it breaks, rather than replacing it. If you have serviceable luggage now, you might just keep it. In the case that you're worried the luggage you have is going to break in the middle of your travels, then you are entirely justified in purchasing new pieces. The Eco-Traveler bag looks great, but, as you point out, it is not very large. In the absence of suitable choices made from green materials, it seems the greenest thing to do is to buy high-quality pieces, then keep using them for as long as you can.
AT:Re-nest readers, are we overlooking any great products that Sam should check out?
While it's an admirable effort, I'd also just go with quality if you have to get a new piece. (And buy it used from ebay, etc.) You're going to keep it nearly forever. From a post here, I looked at some great vintage bags on etsy.
And though this is somewhat contradictory, with a piece that big, I'd hate to splash out for the ecofriendly model and then have the airlines destroy or lose it.
view ValHalla's profile
I think the advice to get the right piece of luggage and use it forever is excellent. I personally love Tom Bihn luggage and bags. Not the cheapest things on the market, but they're extremely well-made and will last you forever. My large cafe bag has seen 6 years of continuous usage and when I clean the cat hair off of it it looks new still.
view Aithne's profile