What comes to your mind when you hear about ethical tote bags? Well, for most people, it is about sustainability. However, to be more specific, it has to do with how the bag was made, even if it is made using eco-friendly fabric.
What if the cotton tote bag you just purchased was made in a country where workers aren’t paid well? Does it still count as an ethical tote bag? Not all totes are created equal, and the badge of “reusable” doesn’t automatically mean “ethical.”
Below, we share tips to help you make the right choice when purchasing ethical tote bags.
Type of Fabric Matters
Before anything else, you must ensure the tote bags are made from 100% organic or recycled material. The options are many, from organic cotton to recycled polyester.
Organic cotton is the gold standard when it comes to ethical tote bags. It makes the bags durable and easy to clean, and you can also print on them if you want them customised. Other great options for organic fabric are jute and hemp.
Recycled fabric gives new life to textile waste, which would have gone to a landfill nearby. The materials are blended with new fabric for strength. Plastic bottles and old fishing nets can be shredded and turned into amazing lightweight and waterproof tote bags.
Production Ethics: Who Made Your Bag & How?
Production is a massive factor when it comes to determining whether your eco-friendly tote bag is ethical or not. Most manufacturers want to cut corners to save money on production and make higher profits.
They set up their factories in countries where labour laws are loose and exploit their employees by paying them less than reasonable wages. In addition, most of these workers don’t get days off or bonuses for their hard work.
When buying ethical tote bags, ensure they are Fair Trade Certified. It is a sign that the bag was made in a country where labour laws and safe working conditions are a top priority.
Next, look at the country of manufacture. If the brand isn’t open about where its manufacturer is located, this is a huge red flag. Brands truly invested in ethics are usually proud to share their supply chain details.
Durability and Design of Ethical Tote Bags
A good ethical tote bag should last at least a few years depending on how often you use it. Check out the quality of the stitching work. Extra stitching around the base, handles, and edges is a good sign.
Heavier fabrics last longer than lighter ones. This also depends on your needs. For example, you need a sturdy bag if you plan to use it for grocery shopping. A light tote bag will suffice if it’s for carrying your workout wear.
Another thing you should look at is the size. Is it spacious enough for your typical haul? How about the shape? Will you be able to arrange stuff inside the bag?
Wrapping up
When it comes to ethical tote bags, both material type and mode of production matter. The tips in this guide will help you make the right choice when you go shopping for your next tote bag.