Finding ways to make our lives more environment-friendly is slowly but surely becoming a priority. This looks different for everyone – some may attend global climate marches, some may invest in recyclable house items and clothes, and some may opt for an electric car instead of a gas one.
Wherever you are in this spectrum, know that even the smallest changes can make a big difference, and you can start with something as simple as your accessories. This is where hemp and jute bags come in as the best options to upgrade your travel style in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. If you’re unsure which one to choose, here’s an overview of each material's benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Hemp Bags for Travel
Using hemp fabric is not new – the tradition has existed for millennia. This natural fiber has been gaining popularity in previous years thanks to its strength, durability, and hypoallergenic characteristics. Here are some pros and cons you should consider before buying hemp bags for traveling.
Benefits of Hemp Travel Bags
If you’re trying to be more mindful of your carbon footprint, then eco-friendly hemp backpacks instead of plastic suitcases are a great place to start.
Not only is it easy and sustainable to grow hemp, but one can do so without using pesticides that poison the soil and the water. Hemp bags are also completely biodegradable and will actually benefit the environment even as they decompose.
Hemp fabric is strong (slightly stronger than jute) and durable, making it a perfect fit for travel bags, which go through a lot of wear and tear. Another thing you should keep in mind is that this fabric behaves well in humid conditions, so if you’re traveling to humid climates, using a hemp bag is the way to go.
Add to that the fact that hemp materials are actually fire-resistant and that they’ll ward off anything from mildew to bacteria, and it’s easy to understand why using a hemp travel bag is a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Drawbacks of Hemp Travel Bags
No fabric is perfect, and the same goes for hemp fabric. One of the main cons is that the fabric is slightly more coarse than others, but since it endures wear and tear well, it becomes pliant and softer the longer you use it.
They can also get wrinkly and lose some of their shape if not handled properly when washed. Finally, since the production of hemp fabric isn’t that common, hemp bags tend to cost more than products made from other biodegradable materials.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Jute Bags for Travel
Similar to hemp, jute is made from the stem of the jute plant, but unlike hemp, which is more widespread, the jute plant grows in Africa. Jute bags are often used by people who want to forgo using plastic bags when they go shopping, and travelers now have access to quality travel bags made of this quality natural fiber.
Benefits of Jute Travel Bags
Jute bags have similar qualities to their hemp counterparts, with a few exceptions. Their biggest advantage is the fact that they’re eco-friendly and biodegradable, which is a must for an environmentally-conscious individual.
Even though they’re not as strong as hemp, you can still count on your jute travel bag to keep your belongings safe. They are made for long-term use and, as such, are durable, which means you could be using them for years.
If you’re going for a more natural look, using jute accessories will perfectly suit your aesthetic. Just because you care about the planet doesn’t mean you can’t look good while doing it. Bear in mind that these bags are usually dyed and created with environment-friendly colors, which is an additional bonus.
These bags are also more flexible and gentler than hemp fabric, which is one of the main reasons people choose jute as their preferred material. Finally, jute bags are generally more affordable than hemp bags, so if you’re on a budget, maybe a jute bag is a better option.
Drawbacks of Jute Travel Bags
The main disadvantage of jute materials is that they’re not as strong as hemp fabrics. This means they won’t be able to handle the wear and tear as well as hemp or cotton, which can become problematic while traveling.
Jute fabrics are better at water retention, but that also means they’re quicker to develop mold, and the quality of the fiber will deteriorate if exposed to humidity for longer periods of time. Finally, jute travel bags can lose their shape quickly if not handled with care, as is the case with most natural fabrics.
Hemp Bags vs. Jute Bags: Ultimately, the Choice Is Yours
It’s clear that both hemp and jute fabric have their pros and cons, but ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and preferences. Take a good look at the list of advantages and drawbacks and decide which fits better into your lifestyle. You can’t go wrong because you’re choosing a bag that will not only help you look good but also help the environment.