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It's easy to get your hands on a green grocery bag these days. Some stores are giving them away – others charge a mere $.99 for the opportunity to forego paper or plastic. But buying an actual purse that's environmentally friendly can pose quite a challenge. Most high-end bags are made from leather that's been tanned and dyed in ways that are far from “eco”. And canvas or cloth purses may be fashioned from cotton or petroleum-based synthetics that rack up some significant environmental costs during the manufacturing process.

The purses featured here break the mold in a few important ways: they're made from recycled materials: some of the manufacturers contribute a portion of their profits to environmental initiatives; they use low-impact dyes; and they're made, not in sweatshops, but by local artisans who are paid a fair wage for their work.

These bags set the standard for eco-friendly accessories. They're creatively crafted from materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill, yet they're so colorful, you can't imagine seeing them anywhere but on your shoulder. A terrific alternative to pricey leather, conventional cotton, or petroleum-based synthetics. Take a look.