Like any product, the most eco-friendly backpacks are the ones you already own –– even organic products require a ton of resources.
But if your kid ended last school year with a, let's say, really well-loved backpack, you may need to upgrade. Look for backpacks that are made from organic, 100% recycled fabric and produced in factories that empower their workers. Plus, of course, you can prioritize a style that kids can feel excited about showing off in the hallways this school year.
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Fluf Organic Cotton Laptop Backpack
Designed in Toronto and handmade in a family-run facility in India, fluf backpacks really are made with love. All of their products exceed U.S. and Canadian standards for safety and sustainability; plus, they're made with certified organic cotton shells and 100% post-consumer waste bottles for lining.
$45.56
Terra Thread Everyday Backpack
Made fair trade and certified organic, the Everyday Backpack will stand the test of time –– and ever-changing schoolyard trends. This eco-friendly backpack is classic, and ships totally plastic-free from Terra Thread, a carbon-neutral company.
$69.95
United by Blue Sidekick Backpack 9L
If you're looking for a small backpack that won't overload little shoulders, consider this smaller option made from recycled polyester and nylon. Bonus: for every backpack bought, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from waterways through company-organized cleanups.
$58.50
Day Owl The Backpack
100% circular. No landfills. Day Owl's tagline is music to our ears: these functional backpacks don't just look great in a range of trendy colors, because Day Owl is committed to taking back all of its old bags to reuse or recycle. You'll never toss a backpack into a landfill again.
$149
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Navy Night Unicorn Glow-in-the-Dark Backpacks
We love to see larger companies committing to green swaps, and these backpacks made from recycled plastic bottles fit the bill. Even better? Pottery Barn Kids offers matching lunch boxes and water bottles for the perfect back-to-school setup.
$43
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