The other day I took one close look at my handbag and decided that I needed a new one. The seams are giving way on the inside. The zippers on all those little compartments are broken and the organization has been lost. In order to find anything at all I will have to dump the entire contents out so it’s shopping time.
Today I discovered Vegan Queen, a company that makes bags are eco friendly, recyclable, non-toxic, sustainable, cruelty free and made in the USA. I checked out the specs and they sounded right on.
Small bowling bag with double handle zip top
* Two exterior pockets, three interior pockets, bottom feet
* Measures: 11.5”³L x 5.5”³W x 8.5”³H
* Made from: 100% PVC free eco-polymer, organic cotton French terry lining
* Antique brass finish hardware and VQ monogram embossed vegetal leather
* VQ engraved & recycled medallion, nickel free zipper
* Comes with a 100% organic cotton dust bag with VQ logo
* Color: Black & Grey
Then I checked out the price and became dizzy. The Eco It bag is priced at a mere $695.00. Well, that convinced me that as “green” as it may be the that Eco It handbag is definitely out of my price range.
Purchasing anything “new” is an unusual event for me as I’ve always been a thrift shopper. Have you ever spent over $50. 00 on a brand new handbag? I haven’t. Would you consider spending $700. on an eco friendly one? I won’t.
I’m on my way to do the charity shops tour. I do expect to get lucky but if that fails, then I could get the old stitched up and the zipper replaced at the shoe repair shop. Granted it won’t be as fashionable but the money I save could certainly be put to good use.
Related posts:
Green Fashion Week
Fashion: Recycled and Wow
China : Green clothing embellishments
Eco-Conscious Couture: Smart designers with designs on saving the planet
Handbags for the Eco-minded
MusEditions
May 2, 2008
Hi bf! I wish you great luck with the thrift shopping. If that doesn’t work out, I’ve bought several items from these folks: http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/index.asp Not quite as pricey, but still over your $50 budget :) Hope your glasses/vision is/are doing better!
Dave
May 3, 2008
Holy crap! That’s not eco-friendly, it’s conspicuous green consumption. Selling the idea that eco-consciousness is a lifestyle choice does immense harm to the movement, I think. Going to a thrift store seems by far the more earth-conscious choice.
I’m still on my second wallet. I got the first one when I was 8, and I’m 42 now. (I wish I could say that’s a sign of virtue, but it just means I hate to spend money on anything but used books.)
Carole
May 3, 2008
That handbag might be “green” but I think this company specializes in another “g” word – GREED. Those handbags are probably for rich people and celebrities who want to feel good about themselves.
Post a pic if you find a good “new to you” purse!
brightfeather
May 3, 2008
@MusEditions
Thanks for the link. I can see! It’s so great to see that I couldn’t stop myself when I should have – I now have eye strain from over doing it. :(
@Dave
I’m with you. It’s conspicuous green consumption. I hate to spend money on anything “new” when there are “used” goods the we can choose to have instead.
@Carol
I wish rich people and celebrities would make these choices and set a good example especially for kids – Reduce – Renew – Recycle
Teena in Toronto
May 3, 2008
Gulp! I’ll stick with my $20 knapsack, I guess.
brightfeather
May 3, 2008
@Teena
Good for you but don’t forget to check out the second hand stores because you can often find exactly what you want. :)
Heidi
May 6, 2008
Years ago I spent over $50.00 but not anymore. It is a nice bag but you good do so much more for $700.00!
dani
May 6, 2008
I want the “eco” bag. Too bad I can’t afford it.
Ann
May 6, 2008
I’ve noticed that a lot of green merchandise is very very expensive, just as many families can’t afford to buy organic food. It seems that everywhere you look someone is peddling something green, so I’m guessing it’s become big biz.
I’ve never spent close to $700 on any personal item in my life!
Heather
May 7, 2008
Great bag but not for $695.00…I don’t care how “green” it is!
I think around $100.00 was the most expensive bag I’ve purchased over the years!!
Having said that there will be many women who will purchase from this company but I won’t be one of them!!!
Dr. Nicole
May 7, 2008
I think that if we can afford to buy anything organic or eco we always should…So I guess I would.
But, isn’t buying something from a thrift store as eco as you can get?
There is a new handbag exchange program out there where you get to “rent” a designer bag and return it for someone else to use when you are sick of it. That is pretty eco in my mind. We are buying less “stuff”…
I am totally against unfulfilled consumerism. It is my pet peeve. Anytime we buy anything whether it is eco or not it is wasting valuable world resources, as much as I am not a saint by any means, I am consciously trying to make an effort to not fall victim to this great American past time anymore.
brightfeather
May 18, 2008
Oh my … I just found this comment long after it was made and approved. I’m so sorry it got lost in the shuffle. We share the same pet peeve. :)