Green is the New Black

Sustainability. It’s a hot trend that doesn’t seem to be dying down. But for travelers, it’s sometimes daunting. The number of eco-friendly hotels grows every day but finding other eco-friendly products while on vacation can be challenging. Instead of searching for sustainable products, why not bring them with you? At The Manual, we’ve selected a few items no man should be without while on vacation. With the country still in winter’s grip, getting away from it all but still staying true to your eco-friendly soul isn’t a herculean task anymore.

Travel Bags

Portland, Maine–based Seabags designs handmade totes and duffel bags made of recycled sails. Totes feature nautical themes such as anchors, octopi and ropes but the specialty bag line—from wine bags to duffles to iPad cases and log carriers—is especially noteworthy. We particularly love the Tanbark Duffle ($225), which features a Tanbark sail and six-inch exterior pocket, making it the perfect piece for a weekend jaunt out of town. Seabags can also customize totes, duffles and weekender bags to your specifications.

Chess Sets

Raining on the beach and you’re stuck inside? Get your game on with a handmade chess set ($39.99) from India made of polished soapstone, a metamorphic rock comprised of talc. Soapstone has been used in India for centuries and these chess pieces, made by Jaipur artisan Rakesh Pathak, are a testament to that craftsmanship. The soapstone pieces sit on a soapstone chess board but are nestled in a wooden box when not in use, making packing and unpacking a breeze.

Hammocks

On a warm summer night, what is more refreshing than lying in a hammock, staring at the stars? Australian designer Adam Cornish crafted a hammock (price upon request) out of plantation-grown plywood—rather than the more common cotton or canvas—and ensured its flexibility by using rubber veterbra between wooden rows. The hammock resembles a bug, wafting in the breeze but its sleek design using sustainable materials ensure it will live longer than any pesky bug.

Grooming Products

No list of vacation necessities would be complete without toiletries. While many men forgo shaving daily while on vacation, we still need to be well groomed. Enter Bulldog grooming products. The British-based company was created by men for men. While many men’s grooming products are filled with synthetic dyes, perfumes and parabens, Bulldog lists every ingredient. And they are all natural. From after shave balms to moisturizers to shower gels and shaving creams, Bulldog has you covered. But not in unnecessary chemicals.