It’s not every one’s favorite time of year but you have to admit, it can be a little exciting. Seeing old friends, hearing summer adventures and sharing some of your own. There are many ways to make your first days back in class less stressful. Packing your bag the night before, a digital planning calendar and getting to bed early can help, but this semester why not help clear your conscience and choose a backpack that respects our natural environments. Here are Izzit’s top ten picks for eco-friendly backpacks and bags.

1. PETE Backpack

The PETE Backpack is made with recycled plastic reducing strain on new materials, plus the comfortable straps, useful zippered dividers and life-saving key holder make it hard to pass up.

2. NYC Messenger Bag

The NYC Messenger Bag proudly wears a hip cityscape that screams cool while the material made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles and adjustable cross strap for biking add some major green cred.

3. Pike Messenger by Alchemy Goods

With a super functional separated section for your laptop and highly reflective safety tape, the Pike Messenger has all the essentials. Plus, this bag is made from up-cycled inner tubes and a recycled seat belt shoulder strap for extra green style.

4. Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack

With four watts of solar power the Converter Backpack is ready to charge your cell phone, mp3 player and laptop. Plus, even when that big ball in the sky isn’t available the battery stores up to 19 hours of talk time or 48 hours of music playback.

5. The Green Backpack

Well the name says it all. The Green Backpack is made from 65% recycled material that is lightweight and durable for all of your scholastic adventures. Thanks to the mp3 pocket and ear bud slit the tunes continue well after school.

6. Troubadour Tote

To go back to school in style check out the Troubadour Tote. Handmade in Seattle this vegan stylish bag is crafted from glazed cotton giving it a leather-like appearance that is vegan friendly and lead-free.

7. Glacier Backpack

Rugged and polished at the same time, the Glacier from Ecogear dons a moisture wicking mesh back and is made from recycled PET bottles and non-toxic dyes and materials.

8. Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger

Whoa! Where did it go?! This super lightweight Hidden Messenger is made from 90% recycled PET bottles and is all about convenience. When not in use this bag stuffs into a palm-sized zipper pouch making it ready to go anywhere.

9. Ecoalf Spring Backpack

Talk about classic. The Spring Backpack is made of soft nylon from recycled discarded fishing nets, has a padded laptop sleeve and looks flawless.

10. Sakku Buddy Messenger Bag

Sakku Buddy, where solar meets style. With a battery that can store solar energy and unique Swiss style, you can feel good about the Buddy knowing that all emissions from production are offset by Sakku.

Now that you have your sustainable backpack, things are looking up. Don’t forget to complete your mission by adding a reusable lunch sack like Kids Konserve or Robot Lunch Bag. With a little preparation and eco-karma, who knows? It may be your best year yet!

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Image Credit: Bambeco, Green Backpack, Crystalyn Kae, Ecogear, Timbuk2, Ecoalf, Primecut, MorgueFile, Voltaic