Hamilton Perkins is turning plastic bottles into designer bags

By Lulu Chang Published July 9, 2016

For the members of a generation raised on instant gratification, it can be difficult to see the benefits of recycling. After all, how do we really know where those plastic bottles go after we’ve separated them? Hamilton Perkins has an answer — they go into designer travel bags that are as sleek as they are safe for the environment.

Reaching its Kickstarter goal in under a week, Hamilton Perkins and its 100-percent eco-friendly bags promise luxury at an affordable price, “while holding the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.”

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hamilton perkins plastic bottle bag 3708ae56d5d2867ee31501b39294e0e9 original — Image used with permission by copyright holder

hamilton perkins plastic bottle bag 77cf2fa426883a361d35570177f2aa63 original — Image used with permission by copyright holder

hamilton perkins plastic bottle bag f6d468e5aa562f717c4333dd96336e31 original — Image used with permission by copyright holder

hamilton perkins plastic bottle bag 1a3f3e10582711aced1eda35f8a7cab6 original — Image used with permission by copyright holder

hamilton perkins plastic bottle bag 18e5028f15e15affadc647d4ce71e108 original — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every bag from this green atelier is made from recycled plastic bottles, but that’s not where the reusing ends. The lining of all Hamilton Perkins bags is made of repurposed billboards, and while each bag is unique and different (no really, look inside), they all share the same green DNA.

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Designed to reduce waste levels, cut carbon emissions in the environment, and conserve water, these bags are a purchase you don’t have to feel bad about. And because they start at just $95, your wallet probably won’t be too offended either.

The company’s signature Earth bag is branded as an “all-in-one bag that converts into a backpack or duffle bag.” With its three-way zippered compartment, you can easily access laptops, books, travel documents, and more.

Noting that the average person throws away up to 180 pounds of plastic in a year, Hamilton Perkins looked to turn trash into fashion with each of its products. “In collaboration with our workshops and suppliers, we committed to supporting fair wages and delivering value to less developed nations by sourcing raw materials that divert plastic bottles, save water, add revenue, and create jobs in parts of the world that need it the most,” the company says on its Kickstarter page. “We track our progress and submit to rigorous third-party review to ensure accuracy and accountability.”

So if you’re looking for a new bag for your vacation season this summer, Hamilton Perkins just may be your solution.

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