Backpacks -- is there a "green" one?

[ghanwani]

I went to look for backpacks in the mall today and
came across one made by Briggs & Riley that I like
but it had a warning label on it about the materials
saying that it shouldn't be chewed and that it contains
chemicals known to cause cancer. The person at the store
said that this is typical for all backpacks. Can anyone
vouch for this? Did your backpack come with such a
warning.

That got me thinking of whether there exists something
like a "green" backpack...one made with environmental
and health consciousness. Perhaps one that uses
natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable and/or recyclable
materials.

Let me know if you have any ideas here.

My local Apple store had only one backpack -- the one
by Hurley -- and I didn't much care for that, but I look
at all the labels and didn't find the warning label that
the Briggs & Riley had.

Thanks.

 

[Doggonit]

You plan on chewing your backpack often then, I take it?

Do you realize that anything taken in sufficient quantities will have carcinogenic effects, right? You do realize that everything is radioactive as well, right? That doesn't mean that it will outright kill you, contrary the the pathetically ignorant public imagination.

 

[ghanwani]

You plan on chewing your backpack often then, I take it?

Sometimes when I get hungry.

The point is, does it have to be made of toxic materials? Did they run out of safe materials to build backpacks?

Do you realize that anything taken in sufficient quantities will have carcinogenic effects, right? You do realize that everything is radioactive as well, right? That doesn't mean that it will outright kill you, contrary the the pathetically ignorant public imagination.

This is the first time I'm hearing this. Can you point me to some data that I can use to educate myself?

 

[Beta Particle]

I really doubt this is anything to be concerned about—you’re probably in California, right?

I think your best option would be to not buy a “laptop backpack” but rather, look for a good 100% cotton canvas or leather backpack if you want something “green” and then buying a sleeve for your notebook to go in it.

Avoid synthetics like Nylon, Neoprene etc.

 

[SlyMac]

I bought a Hemp laptop messenger bag (black) from TimBuk2 about 6 years ago and still use it today. Their warranty support and overall quality is great. I'm not sure if they still sell it though.

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

You plan on chewing your backpack often then, I take it?

Do you realize that anything taken in sufficient quantities will have carcinogenic effects, right? You do realize that everything is radioactive as well, right? That doesn't mean that it will outright kill you, contrary the the pathetically ignorant public imagination.

You should take your low-information, denial-based opinions to a thread where your statements would be on-topic. You go right ahead and surround yourself with all of the carcinogens that you want - more power to you. In fact, I'll even send you some if you give me your address. We all can. You would be on cloud 9.

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I went to look for backpacks in the mall today and
came across one made by Briggs & Riley that I like
but it had a warning label on it about the materials
saying that it shouldn't be chewed and that it contains
chemicals known to cause cancer. The person at the store
said that this is typical for all backpacks. Can anyone
vouch for this? Did your backpack come with such a
warning.

That got me thinking of whether there exists something
like a "green" backpack...one made with environmental
and health consciousness. Perhaps one that uses
natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable and/or recyclable
materials.

Let me know if you have any ideas here.

My local Apple store had only one backpack -- the one
by Hurley -- and I didn't much care for that, but I look
at all the labels and didn't find the warning label that
the Briggs & Riley had.

Thanks.

Check out Targus' EcoSmart line… http://www.targus.com/us/ecosmart/us/

 

[Jazwire]

 

[stuaz]

In the UK our back packs don't have such a warning on them - could be because they don't have the "dangerous" chemicals in them, but I am guessing its because the manufacturer are trying to cover there own backs due to the "sue culture" that exists....

 

[Doggonit]

This is the first time I'm hearing this. Can you point me to some data that I can use to educate myself?

I think you'll find that regular ballistic nylon and such isn't treated with toxins. Even waterproofed (usually with PTFE) fabrics aren't poisonous through ingestion. That is despite the fact that at its origin, the process of making synthetic fibers and PTFE coatings involve chemicals that are indeed harmful to your health, however the end product isn't.

As for all matter being radioactive, here's a short article:
http://discovermagazine.com/2007/jun/life-is-rad
If you wish for a slightly more involved and divergent explanation of things:
http://www.iem-inc.com/primer.html
And a pretty neat radiation dose chart can be found here:
http://xkcd.com/radiation/

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[dusk007]

I don't think any backpack sold is really toxic in any meaningful way.

If you care about environmentally friendly, just buy something lasting.
A backpack that you can use for 10 years than stich and use another 10 years. No matter the material it is way more environmentally friendly than anything else.
I would go for some leather or linen stuff. Easy to fix hard to kill.

 

[heisenberg123]

im sure there are plenty of hemp messenger bags that will work, you might just have to expand your search

 

[blueroom]

im sure there are plenty of hemp messenger bags that will work, you might just have to expand your search

What happens if you chew on those