Whether your next trip is by land, air or sea, you’ll most definitely be bringing at least one bag with you. If the bag you carry on your shoulders, stow under your seat or stash in an overhead bin is made from traditional materials, you might be carrying more baggage than you realize. Most backpacks and messenger bags are made with chemical-emitting PVC plastic, which is pretty nasty stuff. PVC production fuses vinyl chloride molecules with toxic metals such as lead and cadmium, which are added as plasticizers and stabilizers. Because of the chemical properties of chlorine, the by-products of PVC production tend to be far more toxic, more persistent in the environment, and more likely to build up in the food supply and the bodies of people than otherwise similar chlorine-free chemicals.

If you’re in the market for a new bag, consider picking up one made without PVC, such as an Ecotech backpack or Ecogear cotton knapsack. The Ecotech line of heavy-duty backpacks are non-toxic, PVC-free, chlorine-free and are clean to recycle – they create no nasty emissions when burned. Pretty cool, huh? The Ecogear bags are just as green, made from organic cotton, PVC-free materials, recycled plastics and non-tox dyes. An added benefit? They look cool, not crunchy. We’ve been toting our Ecogear messenger bags everywhere!

Whether you’re taking a trip across town or across the globe, you should feel that your valued possessions are safely stored in a bag that won’t make you, or the planet, sick. To see the full line of Ecotech and Ecogear bags, including the adorable line for kids, check out their website.