It’s not true that leather is a by-product of the meat industry. It’s usually a separate industry with high pollution rates for tanning – and most items are made in countries with little or no animal welfare laws (even the designer brands). Although we are not quite there with ‘biodegradable vegan leather’, things are getting better – Mirum is an new greener plant-based leather that is coming onto the market.
These pretty canvas coin purses are made in Sussex, from offcuts of the company’s canvas and cork rucksacks. Ideal to stop coins falling to the bottom of your bag, the purses use YKK zippers, and the logo is stitched in vegan cork.
Cork looks and feels like leather, and does not require trees to be chopped down. In fact, stripping the bark helps to keep the industry alive, in a world of plastic wine corks. And therefore protects native wildlife, to stop forests being chopped down for other uses.
This woman’s zipped cork purse follows the classic shape of Michael Kors Jet Set Continental Wallet range, yet is made from eco-friendly and beautiful material. Elegant and stylish, the purse includes a strong golden zip, to compliment the rich colour of the cork. Made from Portuguese cork, there are 8 card slots, 2 cash sections, a section divider and zipped coin department, with even space for a passport, cash and iPhone.
This recycled fire hose coin purse has 12 credit card slots, a zipped coin compartment, a section for notes and 2 additional sections for receipts. Also can be personalised with initials or a tiny heart etched, for an occasion like St Valentine’s Day, anniversaries or Mother’s Day. Recycled fire hose is retired after up to 25 years of service saving lives. The hose is still strong, so makes a great alternative to leather for luxury accessories. And two reds are never the same. Elvis & Kresse is a social enterprise that gives 50% of profits from all sales, to firefighter charities.
Jungley Vegan Teak Leaf Leather Zip Wallet is a stunning roomy zip wallet made from real teak leaves, the natural patterns decorate each unique item. The leaves are either fallen or sustainably-harvested, tehn dried and naturally dyed, and saeled with a non-toxic laminate.
Luxtra Zip Wallet is made in Italy from vegan ‘apple leather’ (partly from the apple waste industry) and sent in recycled packaging with a personal note. Also in cream and silver.
