Top Green Back to School Backpacks for a Sustainable Academic Year

Students are saddled with many things (books, classes, and student loans come to mind) - but a beater backpack with a heavy CO2 footprint shouldn't be one of them. Fortunately, backpacks have surged in popularity in recent years and there's never been a better time to pick up a stylish and sustainable pack to keep you organized while toting your <a href="http://inhabitat.com/10-eco-friendly-essentials-for-back-to-school/">school supplies</a> in the coming academic year. From high-quality <a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/14-eco-friendly-backpacks-that-deserve-an-a-in-style/">handmade in the USA bags</a> to recycled packs and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=20018&amp;userID=174698&amp;productID=498518492">solar powered satchels</a>, read on for our top picks for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/back-to-school/">back to school</a> backpacks!

<h3><a href="http://www.freitag.ch/Fundamentals/Backpacks/HAZZARD/pa/ZH_34905">Freitag Hazzard Backpack</a></h3> Each year <a href="http://www.freitag.ch/">Freitag</a> salvages 390 tons of well-traveled truck tarpaulins and uses them to create an incredible range of products including backpacks, messenger bags, totes and wallets. Their sturdy <a href="http://www.freitag.ch/Fundamentals/Backpacks/HAZZARD/pa/ZH_34905">Hazzard Backpack</a> is made from recycled seatbelts and waterproof tarps that have been carefully cut to create one-of-kind bags that pop with remixed graphic flair. Each bag features internal organization pockets, 15,000 cubic centimeters of space, and a storage pouch for laptops up to 17". <br> <br> <a href="http://www.freitag.ch/Fundamentals/Backpacks/HAZZARD/pa/ZH_34905">$360 from Freitag</a>

<a href="https://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/full-cycle-amnesia-backpack/2298596">Timbuk2 Full-Cycle Amnesia Backpack</a> San Francisco-based <a href="https://www.timbuk2.com/">Timbuk2</a> is known for their ultra durable bike messenger bags, and they just launched a new line of environmentally-friendly <a href="https://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/shop/new/collection/eco-friendly">Full-Cycle</a> bags that are made from 100% recycled materials. The <a href="http://www.bluesign.com/">Bluesign</a> certified <a href="https://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/full-cycle-amnesia-backpack/2298596">Amnesia Backpack</a> is constructed from 100% recycled PET with recycled foam padding, and it features a lined laptop compartment that fits computers up to 17". It also comes with a lifetime warranty, and when it has lived out the last of its days it can be fully recycled. <a href="https://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/full-cycle-amnesia-backpack/2298596">$99 from Timbuk2</a>

<big><a href="http://www.parrottcanvas.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Store_Code=PC1&amp;Product_Code=06037&amp;Category_Code=NWPRD">Parrot Canvas Uwharrie Day pack</a></big> If you're searching for a simple backpack that doesn't break the bank, look no further than <a href="http://www.parrottcanvas.net/">Parrot Canvas</a>. Their <a href="http://www.parrottcanvas.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Store_Code=PC1&amp;Product_Code=06037&amp;Category_Code=NWPRD">Uwharrie Day Pack</a> stands out with its retro appeal and durable 1000 denier Cordura construction, and best of all Parrot Canvas manufactures all of its packs stateside in its Greenville, NC factory. <a href="http://www.parrottcanvas.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&amp;Store_Code=PC1&amp;Product_Code=06037&amp;Category_Code=NWPRD">$65 from Parrot Canvas</a>

<big><a href="http://duluthpack.com/school-campus/backpacks-bags/rugged-leather-canvas-backpacks/scoutmaster-pack.html">Duluth Scoutmaster Pack</a></big> <a href="http://duluthpack.com/">Duluth Packs</a>' classic canoe bags have been made in Minnesota since 1882, however they've recently caught fire with an international crowd due to their simplicity, durability, and enduring style. Their new <a href="http://duluthpack.com/school-campus/backpacks-bags/rugged-leather-canvas-backpacks/scoutmaster-pack.html">scoutmaster pack</a> is the perfect size for toting books around school, and it's made from durable 15oz canvas that only looks better the more you beat it up. Duluth also offers a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship and hardware, so if it's ever damaged you can simply send it back to them for repairs. <a href="http://duluthpack.com/school-campus/backpacks-bags/rugged-leather-canvas-backpacks/scoutmaster-pack.html">$150 from Duluth</a>

<big><a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/array.shtml">Voltaic Array Solar Backpack</a></big> It's hard to keep your gadgets charged while jumping from class - which is why <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-bag/">solar bags</a> are such a bright idea for students on the go. <a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/">Voltaic</a>'s new <a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/array.shtml">Array Backpack</a> features a powerful 10 watt photovoltaic panel that can generate enough energy to charge a cell phone, tablet, camera, or even a laptop! The bag also features a high capacity battery that can double your laptop's runtime and a waterproof shell made from <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/pet/">recycled PET bottles</a>. <a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/array.shtml">$389 from Voltaic</a>

<big><a href="http://store.joshuvela.com/product/zip-backpack-natural">Joshu + Vela Organic Canvas Backpack</a></big> For the minimalists out there, it doesn't get any simpler than <a href="http://store.joshuvela.com/">Joshu + Vela</a>'s elegant <a href="http://store.joshuvela.com/product/zip-backpack-natural">canvas backpack</a>. The simple, timeless design of this stripped-down satchel allows its materials to speak for themselves, and they tell a compelling story of sustainability. Each pack is made in San Francisco from USA-grown natural organic cotton canvas and vegetable tanned leather, and they're practically guaranteed to grow more beautiful as they age. <br> <br> <a href="http://store.joshuvela.com/product/zip-backpack-natural">$330 from Joshu + Vela</a>

<h3><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~24254/24254.jsp">Kanken Backpack by Fjallraven</a></h3> <a href="http://www.fjallraven.us/">Fjallraven</a>'s <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~24254/24254.jsp">Kanken backpack</a> has been a favorite among Scandinavian schoolchildren since it debuted in 1978, and over the past few years the iconic pack has landed stateside. The durable vinylon bag is available in a rainbow of colors and its versatile design can be worn on the back or carried like a tote. <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~24254/24254.jsp">$65 from J.Crew</a> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/bags/PRDOVR~24254/24254.jsp">$65 from J.Crew</a>