(ad – gifted) The growth of sustainable fashion has been exponential. Demand grows, as consumers opt to purchase more items that reduce the impact on the environment whether it’s cutting waste to landfills or reducing the impact the product production has on the environment. The number of options available to us has been increasing and now we find all manner of items available from jewellery, household items, bags etc. With that said, I must introduce you to my latest discovery Paguro Upcycle and their gorgeous Balsam Upcycled Vegan Seatbelt Bucket Bag.
Paguro
Paguro is one such company working to help reduce the impact that we have on the world we live. Set up by the lovely Yen, who loves fashion but was disillusioned by the “fast fashion” so easily available one the high street and the developing “throw away” culture it was encouraging. Her goal was to create items that combined quality and sustainability. She has scoured the world looking for designers that create various items made from repurposed and recycled materials.
Their mission:
“to bring together a collection of the world’s finest upcycled products, focusing on quality craftsmanship and contemporary design.”
Magical Transformations and the Environment
On the site, you’ll discover bags, jewellery and other accessories. It really is true what they say, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” They certainly do transform the items into something quite covetable. It’s a very clever and extremely creative concept. Buying from them is an amazing way to cut down on environmental waste from product production as well as reducing the number of products going to landfills.
Item’s on the site are all useful but I must say my favourite part was the section with the bags. Me, obsessed, no. What gives you that idea, lol!!!! Each has its own exquisitely feminine style. I do admire Yen’s talent for spotting amazing designers. I could easily have one of everything in that section if I have room at home. The majority of these are vegan which I thought was great. Obviously, it’s not possible with all upcycled materials.
Balsam Upcycled Vegan Seatbelt Bucket Bag
Whilst taking a leisurely look through the bags on the Paguro website I saw the Balsam Upcycled Vegan Seatbelt Bucket Bag. What a gorgeous looking bag. Would you believe it is made from seat belts. Yes, you read that correctly, seat belts!!!!
It’s been handcrafted by an artisan group in Malaysia. It’s eco-friendly and cruelty-free. The bag is really pretty and trendy too. It’s lightweight, simple to clean and the perfect alternative to leather. 70% of the materials used to make it are upcycled seatbelts and 30% new materials. There may be some variations in the size of the bag, colour and pattern due to the handmade nature and materials used. As a result each bag is unique.
The bag has a handy adjustable strap to allow for easy wear. It also has a zip pocket that is hidden under one side of the bag. This comes in handy to keep loose change, an oyster card and front door keys as it’s easy to access but at the same time not obvious. There is a drawstring to close the bag and within a little side pocket for items you need to access easily. It’s the perfect little bag to keep essentials in and unusual too attracting a number of envious glances when worn out and about.
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What Did I Think?
I loved the Balsam Upcycled Vegan Seatbelt Bucket Bag. It’s gorgeous and just the right size for me. I’m not really one for bags to fit the kitchen sink in. A bottle of sanitiser, tissues, purse, keys and that’s it. Although the bag is small, it is pretty spacious and fits plenty, not just essentials. I love the secret pocket as it’s perfect to fit in a travel card, debit card, money etc and you can tuck the tab of the zip away under the material so it doesn’t show. I’d have liked a zip top too but the bag does pull tight and you can secure the cord so it still keeps items inside safe.
Are you making more of an effort to buy more environmentally friendly products and sustainable fashion?
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I love this Balsam Upcycled Vegan Seatbelt Bucket Bag, love the color combo.
The colouring is great isn’t it! it really compliments the bag.
What a cute bag. I do like the shape of the bag and that it is using repurposed products.
Me too, it’s so lovely x
This looks like an amazing bag! I love that it’s upcycled as well. I am trying to purchase more things like this.
It is so well designed. Perfect for seatbelts. How clever.
Very cute! I love that it’s upcycled. That makes me love it even more.
Same here. It’s also unique as each is slightly different!
That’s a really gorgeous bag and I can’t believe it’s made from seatbelts, wow!
Tell me about it. It’s even nicer in real life.
This is so cool! I love when things are upcycled.
It’s such a great way to reduce waste.
I love products like this one because they are sustainable and do not harm animals. These brands should be supported by consumers well.
I agree. These are the sorts of companies we should try to buy from where possible.
It’s such a beauty, and I love that it’s recycled or sustainable. Thumbs up to products like this.
I know, it’s such a creative way to use up items that might otherwise end up on landfills.
It really is so gorgeous! Very stylish thanks to its monochrome design and double win that it is upcycled too.
Tell me about it, so many positives!!!
I come from a culture where upcycling is most popular when your resources are limited, and you can find some treasures there. The bag looks fantastic and I am sure it will serve you well. Great post to remind us all of the importance of environment-friendly practices. Thank you.
It’s good more companies are taking more care now.
That is such a gorgeous bag! I love that it is vegan and upcycled too – it looks a decent size too which is exactly what you need from a bag.
It’s just the right size I think x
I do love the look of this bag and love it is made from seat belts. I do love bags and would happily buy one every week if I could get away with it. I am definitely going to be looking at their site
Ha, I know what you mean. They have different colours too!!!
Ha, I know what you mean. They have different colours too!!!
What a great idea to upcycled seatbelts! We love monochrome too so it would be ideal for us x
It sure is. I thought it was such a great idea!
This is the type of bag that my teen niece will go crazy for. I would like to give her as a gift!
I’m sure she would love one they are lovely bags.
I’m loving that bag. I need to get a new bag with more space. This one looks like it has just the right amount of room too.
It is a great bag for daily use. I love mine it’s got plenty of space for what I need and more.
If i see this bag on the mall I’d probably buy this. Looks cute and i love the color as well. I love sling bags! This bag is cute!
its a cute design! i would totally buy this bag
It is, and it comes in other colours too x
Such a cool bag! Love repurposed and funky things! That is my fashion preference!
It is a lovely design x
I’m going to be honest I don’t exclusively buy from sustainable brands, although it’s always a point that sways a purchase if the brand are sustainable etc. This is such a lovely bag x
Bucket bags are super cool for teens as they are just the right size and this particular upcycled bag looks stunning. Love the design which can be both stylish and casual
recycling and up-cycling products are my favorite to explore and enjoy. I am constantly trying to reuse, repurpose or upcycle everyday items into something new!
This is so cute! I think my daughter would adore this too!
What a great bag! I love fun, upcycled finds like this and I’m all for vegan and sustainable products!
What a unique and sustainable product! Such a smart way of turning a seatbelt into a bag, very cool!
I love vegan wear. This bag is very very pretty.
It is a gorgeous bag. Perfect for daily use.
I would have never thought, from looking at that bag, that it was made of a seat belt! What a creative way to upcycle them.
That is looking amazing and I love upcycled products. Definitely, something I would get or is something that aligns with my fashion taste.
I a loving this cute bag and especially love the sustainability built in! Love that is is made with recycled materials and I am all about sustainable products, meats and fish and pretty much anything that is green 😉 Very cool and love the style and design of the bag too 😉
It is such a creative way to reuse items.
I love that it’s upcycled and love the look of the bag