Bags and Accessories Calculator: Your Estimated Saving
Every handbag, backpack or scarf that is used again, instead of thrown away and replaced, saves carbon and water. Tap what you’re giving below to see roughly what your clear-out could save. Then book a free doorstep collection for your bags and accessories and make it happen.
- Takes seconds
- Cautious estimates
- Free doorstep collection
Behind the numbers
How we work it out
We turn what you give into kilos
A full bag of bags and accessories counts as 7.5 kg. Single items have typical weights: a handbag or shoulder bag is 0.6 kg, a backpack or rucksack 0.7 kg, a tote bag 0.3 kg, a clutch bag 0.25 kg, and a purse, scarf or hat 0.15 kg each. Well-filled bags often weigh more, so this keeps the answer on the low side.
We work out what using them again saves
For every kilo of bags and accessories used again instead of made new, we estimate a saving of 3 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent and 2,500 litres of water. This is our own cautious estimate, and we use the same one across our bags and accessories guide.
We put it into everyday terms
The results are shown as things you can picture, such as miles driven in an average car or baths of water. Distances between places are approximate road miles.
What does CO2e mean?
Carbon dioxide equivalent. Making a new bag releases several greenhouse gases, from the material to the factory to the delivery van. CO2e adds them up as the amount of carbon dioxide that would warm the planet by the same amount.
Why is the water figure so big?
Many bags and accessories start life as cotton, leather or dyed fabric. Growing, treating and dyeing those materials uses a lot of water. When a tote bag or a wool scarf is used again, that water doesn’t need to be used a second time.
Why “estimated”?
Every bag is different. A canvas tote and a leather handbag are made in very different ways, so no calculator can be exact. We would rather understate what you save than overstate it, so the results are always estimates.
Make it count
How to make your saving bigger
- Give bags and accessories in good condition, free from damage, holes or stains. They are the ones most likely to be used again.
- Check the whole house: rucksacks in the loft, purses in drawers, hats and scarves on the coat hooks.
- Empty every pocket and zip before you pack. Old receipts, cards and keys hide in handbags.
- Use the bags you’re giving to pack your other donations. It saves space and plastic.
Not sure what to include? See what bags and accessories can I donate? To find out why using a bag again beats making a new one, read how donating bags helps the planet.
Ready when you are
Turn your estimate into a real saving
The saving only happens once your bags are out of the cupboard and on their way to someone who will use them. We collect free from your doorstep, you don’t need to be in, and you choose the charity your donation supports. A large percentage of the proceeds goes to that charity.
Book a free collection in a few minutes. You can also learn how to donate your bags step by step, or read why old bags shouldn’t go in the bin.
Sources
- Savings per kilo: our own estimate for bags and accessories kept in use rather than replaced (3 kg CO2e and 2,500 litres of water per kilo).
- Item weights: typical weights for each type of bag and accessory, kept on the low side.
- Everyday comparisons: UK government greenhouse gas conversion factors (average car) and Waterwise (bath).
Ready to donate your bags and accessories?
It’s free, you don’t need to be at home, and you choose the charity your donation supports.