Green Product of the Week: Billboards Never Looked this Good

They're big, they're durable, and they're being reused! This week's green product are bags made from recycled billboards! From purses to messenger bags and wallets to clutches, these one of a kind pieces are adorning our shoulders and backs at an increasing rate, and why shouldn't they?

It can be difficult to define what a 'green product' truly is. Are they environmentally responsible? Do they take social consequences into consideration? Was it created in a healthy work place? Are the laborers being paid a fair wage? How can we possibly ask every question that could make a product as sustainable as possible?

As an ethical consumer, it can be difficult to sort through the weeds at times. But a few companies have gone above and beyond the green marketing claims and created some unique, beautiful, and sustainable green products. This week's green product of the week, billboard upcycling, is all about the true spirit of green products. So let's dig a little deeper to find out why.

What better material to use for a long-lasting bag than hardy billboard vinyl (and what better, nearly indestructible fabric to keep out of landfills)? The vinyl used on billboards was created to fight the elements, including rain, and are most often tear resistant with built in UV protection. Phew! What other bag or green product can you say that about?

Hand-Made & One of a Kind These bags take some extra TLC to make, leaving them in the hands of true artisans to create one of a kind pieces. Some companies even photograph each billboard so that bag owners can match their proud second-life bag to it's former life board. They even clean the billboards prior to sewing...which must be quite a task if you think of all that they go through. Companies like Gorilla Sack use non-toxic and biodegradable soap, like Charlie's Soap, to stay in line with their mission. Each bag is sewn by an artist based in the US that has the option to work from home, not too shabby.

Affordable What of the greatest green product misconception is affordability. Consumers believe, without price checking, that green products are more expensive than conventional products. Many passion-based stores that are creating eco-friendly products work to provide their products at a fair price that supports their operations, pays fair wages, and doesn't blind-side the customer. A more honest version of ethical consumption and the companies that support it, live it, and help create it day in and day out. Companies like Gorilla Sacks, Relan, and Zero Waste all help create an affordable and fair green economy.

So get in eco-style, and check out these one of a kind bags to find your billboard bag soulmate! You can support fair wages, USA labor, reused materials via upcycling, and companies who are creating the type of economy and workplace that looks out for us, the consumer just as much as themselves.

Photo Credit: Gorilla Sacks