Eco Handbag Trends

Clutching Greener Options
Who knew inner tractor tire tubes could be so chic? The designers behind Passchal handbags combine this edgy material with chrome-free, vegetable dyed leather to create pretty purses that have caught the eye of celebrities like 90210's AnnaLynn McCord.

Passchal Hobo, $295, passchal.com.

From sourcing locally in order to lower her carbon footprint to teaching her Chinese factory workers how to create environmentally sound products, designer Linda Wong of Canopy Verde is making an impact fashionistas and Mother Nature can equally appreciate!

Canopy Verde Freesia Portfolio, $169, canopyverde.com.

You'll feel better knowing the leather in this clutch comes from hunting waste, so the animal wasn't raised on a farm solely for its skin. Moreover, the leather is colored and treated in an environmentally sound manner.

TEICH Clutch, $115, teichdesign.com.

Sustainable Style

Aside from having a sleek look, this clutch is made from cork, a sustainable resource that when harvested from its bark doesn't harm the tree. Plus, thanks to the natural magic of regeneration, the bark can be reharvested every nine years.

Cork Design Envelope Bag, $145, shopcorkdesign.com.

Mini messengers are a must for spring, not to mention they give your overloaded back a much needed break. Designer Ashley Watson makes her creations by hand from vintage and recycled leather, so no two bags are every truly alike.

Ashley Watson Small Lark Bag, $330, beklina.com.

Vegan Divas

NOAH stands for no animal harmed and that's exactly how this vegan-oriented brand likes it. Their signature canvas bags with laser-cut PVC overlay are great for the approaching summer season. Imagine this sassy clutch by your side at an upcoming beach-side social.

NOAH Handbags Laser-Cute Butterfly Clutch, $175, noahhandbags.com.

Lovers of Stella McCartney can rejoice in being able to snag her LeSportsac designs at a fraction of the cost of her luxury label, without sacrificing style.

Stella McCartney for LeSportsac East/West Tote, $225, lesportsac.com.

Jane Marvels travel bags are a must for any recessionista looking for durability, affordability and practicality. The playful prints are also a nice alternative to the stale black, blue and red usually spotted at the airport.

Jane Marvel Mile High Bag, $96, janemarvel.com.

Anti Plastic Bag

Talk about being sturdy. Each of these bold-pattern totes can hold 50 lbs. of groceries, and the three-for-one deal will sit well with your wallet.

RuMe Bags Spring in New York Collection, $29.85, rumebags.com.

For a big trip to the grocery store or a planned shopping day with the girl friends, this roomy and artistically designed jute and cotton tote is a spacious, stylish and sustainable choice.

Sakroots Eco Pax Tote, $99, thesak.com.