Targus Grove Computer Bags

So you're a modern business roadwarrior, but you care about the environment too?

Check out Targus' new line of Grove™ laptop bags. Available in four styles (Sling, Convertible Messenger/Backpack, Messenger and Topload), all the Grove bags are labeled PVC-free.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a common plastic used to make everything from sewer pipes to clothing, but health concerns linked to PVC and the plasticizers (such as phthalates) added to the PVC have led to concerns over its continued use. Indeed, the California legislature has even considered a bill to ban PVC packaging.

Indeed, the Center for Health and Environmental Justice calls PVC "The Poison Plastic" and says that PVC cannot be effectively recycled. They claim that just one PVC container accidentally added into the recycling stream can spoil a batch of 100,000 recyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.

So basically it's a good thing that Targus has eliminated all PVC from the Grove bag. Instead, they've chosen to use recyclable plastic hardware. Theoretically, you can take the bag apart, remove the plastic pieces (i.e. the feet) and take them to a recycling center or put them in your recycling bin. (Though you'd need to make sure that your recycler could handle thermal plastic rubber used in the feet and the other types of plastic the bag contains.)

We should also mention that the stylish metal accents on the bags are nickel-free. Since some people are allergic to nickel and since the nickel refining process may be hazardous to the health of its workers (according to Environment Writer), this also seems like a good thing.

From a purely functional and design standpoint, Targus has done a good job with the Grove series. The olive and black color scheme with 'sedona' (i.e. burnt orange) accents looks rugged and stylish in an understate way. Lots more sedona coloring on the inside, good padding in the laptop section (holds up to 15.4" notebook) and a plethora of pockets and clips make the Grove bags both versatile and fun to use.

Is Grove the greenest solution ever to carrying your laptop? Probably not. You could always throw your computer in a organic cotton case like the ones from Passenger Pigeon (scroll down the page - sorry no direct link to product). But if you want something more rugged and structured, the Grove bags definitely seem like a Green step in the right direction.

Where to buy:
Purchase directly through the Targus website ($49.99 - $79.99) or offline at major nationwide retailers listed here.