Stepping into the world of Glob Land is stepping into a world of technicolor polyester and effortless cool. Glob Land makes reusable and packable bags as an alternative to plastic bags, made in bright colors and hardy rip-stop fabrics. The founders, Holger Graf and Daniel Lantz, have a refreshingly low-ego way of viewing sustainability - believing that it should be far less about finger-pointing and far more about spontaneity and fun. We asked Kim Christenson, Glob Land’s VP of Sales and Marketing to learn more about what inspired GlobLand’s zany recycled bags and what the ethos of sustainability means to them.
Handle: @glob.land
What motivated you to create the concept for Glob?
We are looking to rewrite the dialogue that consumers are having with mindful products by giving them accessible and well-designed, functional products that also act as a means of self expression.
It became obvious to us that people are looking to make changes in their lifestyles. They feel either priced out or are too limited by options that are both sustainable while being style-conscious. We felt that the options available haven’t yet caught up with the needs of the consumer. We created Glob to bridge the gap between sustainable products that are also functional and budget-friendly.
We are starting with replacing single use plastic bags - one of the easiest products to replace yet one the biggest repeat-offenders. Plastic bag bans are rolling out in key cities everywhere, so there is a need for some products that have the user in mind and are designed for people who are spontaneous. Each Glob is made from post-consumer recycled plastic in an effort to solve the problems of this climate crisis with real solutions.
We see a whole community out there of style conscious, environmentally and socially concerned consumers looking for a more authentic brand to engage with. We hope to be one of them so we can welcome them all to the Glob.
Where does the name “Glob” come from?
The Earth is not a globe, it’s a glob. Simply put, the minds behind Glob realized that there is no single or perfect answer. The world is beautiful chaos, always changing and in need of a new way of thinking. The answer is in the name itself. A glob is dynamic and spontaneous. It can be beautiful or messy, just like communities around the world. We wanted to capture that spirit of community and imperfection in a fun and accessible way.
Take us through the sourcing, manufacturing and design process of a Glob bag.
We come from a background in design here at Glob. We originated from the brand Graf Lantz, which has always been founded on the concept of sustainability, functionality and quality. Glob is a whole new brand that shares the same values of honest materials that work well and do less harm.
It is important to us that sustainability be accessible to all. With that in mind, we made conscious choices in selecting where and how we produce our products. We chose to work with a reputable manufacturing company that we have worked with for years and trust, maintaining a record of integrity and safety practices based in China. Each Glob is made from recycled ripstop nylon, sourced from 4.5 - 10 recycled plastic bottles depending on the size of the bag.
Where do you get your inspiration for the design and styling of your bags?
Who hasn’t had a need for a reusable bag ready at your fingertips that you can pack away conveniently at a moment's notice? Personally, this first collection is inspired by many years of not having a car while living in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles and constantly needing bags while trying to live more mindfully. I dreamed of bags that would make some of those trips to the grocery store or on the subway a lot less challenging, but were also super cute.
Will the focus remain on bags or do you plan on expanding into other categories?
We are looking to expand beyond bags by the holidays this year if all goes well. This brand was never intended to be a bag line even though it did start off as one. We are excited to explore more items like clothing, bottles, and other accessories that can encourage people to be more mindfully spontaneous every day.
What does sustainability mean to you?
It seems as though the conversation of sustainability lately has focused around the negatives - what you’re doing wrong, what everyone else is doing wrong, how to achieve “perfection” within an impossible challenge. The reality is that there is no “perfect” way of living a sustainable lifestyle, and we’d like to avoid blaming those who may fall victim the most to climate change.
Where do you see Glob in five years?
Glob has a lot of opportunities to grow into many different forms. We hope that Glob can touch a lot of people and encourage them to live more mindfully in many different areas of their life through acts of community, self-expression and thoughtfully designed products.
How do you implement conscious consumption + sustainability practices in your own life?
Living with a light footprint is really important. I come from a background in fashion - with some of it in fast fashion. I witnessed the disposable economy first hand. Playing a part of the overconsumption crisis and being able to recognize and move away from it has helped me to make specific choices in my own life.
Buying mindfully and buying less is important to me. I like to support local and smaller designers/retailers - particularly during the gift-giving seasons.
I don’t have a car (in LA!) - so I walk to work every day. I have always been a rather mindful person - from using every last scrap of food to energy usage.
I avoid plastic as much as possible. Learning about how little plastic actually gets recycled even after it gets to the recycling plant (1% of plastic bags and 7-9% of bottles) just disgusted me.
Any books, podcasts or articles you love that have helped further your education on climate and sustainability, or intersectional environmentalism?
At the sake of my own shameless self promotion, I actually did a two part series on conscious consumerism on my own podcast The Department. Listen to Part 1 and Part 2.
Here are some articles that I’ve really enjoyed as well:
- Focusing on how individuals can stop climate change is very convenient for corporations by Fast Company
- Corporate Honesty and Climate Change: Time to Own Up and Act by NRDC
- Just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions, study says by The Guardian
- Intersectional Environmentalism: A Crash Course by Medium