For Briggs & Reilly, makers of durable travel bags such as this medium-sized Hardside Trunk Spinner ($579), packing well gives travelers a lot of opportunity stay sustainable when they leave home. The luggage maker suggests tossing items like these in with your standbys:
- A water filter, Lifestraw or SteriPen to make tap water more palatable;
- A BPA-free reusable water bottle;
- A tote bag for carrying groceries, souvenirs and other purchases at your destination;
- Food containers for leftovers; and
- A set of metal or wooden travel utensils or chopsticks.
Briggs & Riley's suitcases themselves aren't recyclable, but they come with a lifetime guarantee so your bag can be repaired no matter how it was damaged, which extends its usefulness. The company also hosts an annual luggage trade-in event in May. This year, they’re partnering with Comfort Cases, a nonprofit organization that provides suitcases packed with stuffed animals, pajamas and personal-care items for children entering foster care. When you go shopping for a new suitcase, bring any gently used non-Briggs rolling bag into any Briggs locations to receive a $50 credit. If you trade in a Briggs & Riley bag, you’ll get $100.