Updated: Jul 18, 2023
Triwa is a fashion accessory company who make bracelets, sunglasses but mostly watches and watch straps. They focus on watches but aim to create them with a symbolic value to allow the wearer to create a modern statement, not to just add another fashion item. This is seen in two of their large collections ‘Time for Oceans’ and ‘Time for Peace’. Due to these great collection of watches their link to sustainability and the great message they are pushing I felt they deserved a short blog post. Here I will go into two of their ranges mentioned above and my own watch I purchased from them.
Triwa Company
As mentioned Triwa produce a number of fashion accessories but predominantly watches that help you make a statement. They aim to put stories to a stylish watch, which I believe they succeed in. On top of this they acknowledge that they are ‘not saving the world’ but are innovating a watch with materials, organisations and ambassadors that want to make the world better. They call this 'Time for Change’, which is obviously very fitting. Additionally, as with other sustainable companies I have seen they are also being transparency with us, which is always a great sign of a eco-friendly and ethical company. A key way they achieve this transparency is by calculating their products carbon footprint, so you and they can understand the impact it is having on the planet over time. As I have said before they make a wide range of accessories but below, I go into two of their key ranges that are sustainable.
‘Time for Oceans’ Range
Although I don’t own one, Triwa ‘Time for Oceans’ collection consist of some bright plastic watches on nylon straps that to me have a very much ’summer beach’ vibe. Therefore, if you want a splash of colour to your outfit then you could pick one of these up. What makes them sustainable is that they are completely made from recycled ocean plastic. They state through their partnership with Tide Ocean Material all plastic in the manufacturing is ethically collected from oceans and shore and then cleaned and recycled with the help of solar power. This has three meanings, one to help combat the issue of ocean plastic pollution, two to create a great product from recycled materials and to create a watch that has the statement to stop plastic pollution & to protect our oceans.
‘Time for Peace’ Range
I was lucky enough to get a watch from this collection, the Humanium 39 Recycled Green Super Slim Quartz. As I got this a while ago, I unfortunately did not get the automatic watch they now offer. Nevertheless it is a great watch, which has been running for some time that I wear as my daily beater watch.
Now, I would of gotten the automatic option, as this doesn't contribute to the waste of batteries as the quartz option does. However, as mentioned this was not an option at the time. You might ask how does the watch link into sustainability. Well quite simply through the key aspect of the watch, which is what it is made of. The 'Time for Peace' range is primarily made from Humanium metal, which is made from destructed firearms. This is obviously great, as it is getting rid of a destructive weapon, recycles (or in a way upcycles) and creates a very interesting statement piece with the aim to highlight the issue of gun related violent. As well as the case and face being from recycled resources the strap is made from recycled PET canvas.
On top of this, for every watch sold they give 15% to conflict torn societies and victims of armed violence and have donated over $100,000. What I love about all this is humans can be a little overlooked when looking at sustainability and eco-friendliness. However, ethics should be a huge part of this and should extend to people in sustainable products. I am not sure if it is the green strap or the bright dial but it is probably my most commented on watch. Then when I explain it has Humanium metal people are even more surprised and intrigued about the watch.
My Thoughts!
Finding sustainable, eco-friendly brands is challenging but can be fun and reward. Especially, when you find a brand like this that incorporates great messages such as 'protecting our oceans’ and ‘ridding the world of illegal firearms’, use of recycled materials and their donations to further protect the planet and even their goal of having ambassadors that want to make the world better. It is clearly a brand you want to support. Watches are one of my passions and clearly so is sustainability, eco-friendliness and ethical living, so finding a great looking unique watch was a must buy. What do you think of the company Triwa and their watches? Also, are their other watches out there that are sustainable, if so let me know in the comments below.
Updated: Feb 5, 2023
Currently, there are many products that use leather as its core material but it is also found within many more. This includes belts, shoes, wallets, bag sand jackets, just to name a few, so as I am sure you are aware there is a lot of leather out there. This largely comes down to the ‘high end’ ‘quality’ look and feel the majority of people believe it achieves. However, for ethical and environmental reasons leather is certainly not good at all. A common misconception with leather is the belief that leather is a by-product of the meat industry but this is simply not true. Most leathers come from animals that are killed primarily for their skin and not as a by-product, even as a by-product it is still not ethical. Additionally to this, the process to tanning leather uses a lot of toxic chemicals, which has further impacts on the environment. This is why I have been looking for an eco-friendly, ethical alternative that is sustainable, as a replacement for leather. To do this I have looked at the ‘Cradle-to-cradle’ approach, which looks at the life cycle of the product from its source, through its manufacture to its end of life and if this can be recycled, renew or reused in some way. For these reasons I have omitted faux leather, which is often made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) a plastic made to look like leather, as its production is a carbon-intensive process and isn’t biodegradable. Anyway, here are 12 sustainable, cruelty free alternatives to leather:
Cork:
This is probably my favourite alternative and possibly the fastest growing in popularity in recent years. It is a great sustainable material made from the bark of a cork oak tree. The bark is harvested in a way that does not affect the tree allowing the bark to regrow, making it sustainable. There are many different ways the cork is pressed to form the material, which give slightly different looks with both a light and dark finish. To me it gives an earthy elegant look, which is a lot better than leather. Cork is naturally weatherproof, durable and recyclable at the end of its life, further making it a great choice. I have seen it made into wallets, briefcases, belts, bags and even umbrellas. This natural material is probably one of the most eco-friendly materials on this list making it my first choice.
Tree Bark Leather:
This is much like cork and comes from fast growing, sustainable timber and renewable forests or woods. This creates a durable and strong wood leather material, which is often created into a fabric like material called bark cloth or bark fleece. This may not always be waterproof but this feature can be achieved with non-toxic chemical on some items. If you want a more flexible material this may be a great option. I have seen this been made into jackets, coats and other clothing items.
Paper:
This is another one that has increased in popularity and although initially surprising it can achieve strength to that of leather. Additionally, as most of you know paper can be recyclable and made from recycled material, well this is no different for the paper products that can replace leather. The leather like paper itself often uses canvas to strengthen the material and natural oils to soften it and make it flexible. This gives it, its unique look and as it is paper a variety of colours, patterns and designs can be applied to it. I have seen bags, purses and wallets all use this material. The most well-known is the Mighty Wallet, which is known for its extreme durability and strength.
Recycled Rubber:
Another great choice is rubber, which is more of an acute style but provides a matt leathery look. As this is commonly from recycled material, it is often coloured black, which is fine if you like that but you also may not. It has a unique texture that some people don’t like the feel of too but again some might. However, some believe it has a similar texture and density of leather and is a great alternative for bags, belts and accessories. Additionally, the core rubber material often comes from old inner tubes and other recycled rubber that is upcycled.
Recycled tyres – I thought I would mention this as a sub section due to the prominence it has in fashion. I am sure you must have seen belts, guitar straps and jewellery accessories made out of old bike tires, which again provide a unique look with a recycled material.
Piñatex:
Piñatex is a very unique material made from pineapple plant leaves. This is a 100% eco-friendly product and uses an often unused by-product of the pineapple farming industry. This creates a secondary source of income for the farmers and is sustainable. The material looks like worn leather, is watertight and does not need any toxic chemicals in its processing. I have seen this mainly be used for shoes and bags but can be made into dressed, skirts and other items. This is a great option as it is both ethical and sustainable.
Waxed Cotton:
This one may be a bit more tricky and you should do some research, as to where you are getting the product from. However, there are companies that provide waxed cotton that is both organic and sustainable. Cotton on its own is not waterproof and that is why it is waxed. This creates a material that is waterproof and as cotton and wax are easier to clean than leather the process in its formation is easier to wash, which reduces the amounts of potentially harmful cleaning chemicals. As this is fabric based it is much more pliable than leather and others on this list, allowing it to be applied in more products. Some well-known brands make some high-end products with this unique texture and look. I have seen this primarily used for jackets, hats and bags.
Coolstone ‘Leather’:
What do you mean a cloth made from stone? That’s impossible right? Well, Coolstone ‘leather is made from an extremely thin sewable layer of slate stone onto a fleece material. This again is very unique and provides a well-worn leathery look that feels like paper and stone. As it gets older the distressed look increases, further improving the well-worn look. Due to it being made from slate stone It always comes in a matte black/grey finish, which gets softer with age. This is a new emerging material that needs more development but is a great looking alternative to leather.
Ocean Leather:
This one is fascinating but unfortunately I haven’t seen many companies use it. It is a natural material that comes from the ocean, specifically from leather kelp (large brown tough seaweed). To be sustainable it involves growing this plant in a farmed section of the ocean but there is already an abundance of it that exists and as above it is still in its early stages of development. However, the kelp does not use pesticide lessening its environmental impact. Once collected it is often dyed to be a more appeasing colour but this can be done with natural, eco-friendly dyes.
MuSkin:
This is an odd one and some people may not like the idea of it but I believe it is a great alternative. You may have guessed from the name but this comes from mushrooms. To be precise it used the inedible mushroom specifically Phellinus Elliposideus cap that grows on tree trunks. Once harvested the mushroom cap go through a similar process of leathering but instead of using toxic chemicals, natural eco-friendly alternative can be used. In this process the material can also be made water-repellent. This finished material creates an earthy looking products that looks similar to suede but is much softer. I have seen this used for bags, hats and purses but will hopefully see a lot more of it in the not too distant future.
The Hana Plant (Agave Plant):
This again is a lesser-known alternative but still makes it way on the list. The reason for it being on the list is because it’s simplistic, elegant minimalistic look that I love. This uses the fibres from the thick leaves of the Hana Plant that can be grown sustainably. They are woven together to produce a thick fabric. I have seen seller’s state this is good for the local communities where it is grown and is Peta approved, further increasing it eco-friendliness. However, if you pick an item up with it, try to ensure that is uses natural, certified dyes on the product.
Teak Leaves:
This is another interesting one and the one that I believe connects the most with nature (visually), so if you are like that, I would recommend this one. This uses natural raw teak leaves that are able to withstand tropical storms, so are naturally strong, durable and water resistant. This material has a natural look similar to that you could see on the jungle or forest floor. I have mostly seen it been used to create purses or bags.
Fruit leather:
Fruit leathers are much like some of the alternatives I have previously mentioned. This uses the skins and seeds (the left over bits) of fruit (Apple, Orange and grapes) to create a durable leather like material. This can be tear and water resistant making it durable and hardy. As it is from fruit it is a sustainable by-product, which also makes it a great choice. One of the top fruit leather is:
Wineleather- This is made from grape marc, which is the leftover bit from the winemaking process (Consisting of grape skins and seeds), processed in an environmentally friendly way to make a leather. This often has a rich red, burgundy look, which may be to your liking.
This goes to show that there are a number of alternatives that could be used and adopted to stop the use of leather. I understand that some of these may be hard to find or get your hands on, as they are still in development and growing in the market. However, with higher demand they will become more easily accessible and prominent in the industry. There are 12 alternative on this list and I would be incredibly surprised if you could not get hold of the item you want with one of these. For this reason and the ethical reasons you should really consider them not only for the ethics but because they provide a great fashion alternative. When purchasing any items always look at the company, as they are often proud to proclaim they are animal/ cruelty free, vegan friendly and often demonstrate other incentives such as planting more than they take to better help in the world. If you are looking for alternatives to leather I applaud your dedication to begin to help the environment and animal welfare but do make sure to do some research first. Just because it uses a potentially sustainable product doesn’t mean It is sustainable and ethical. An example of this is many of these plants are sustainable unless they are over harvests depleting their number and their impact on their respective ecosystems. Finally, I hope there is at least one alternative on this list that you want to learn about and possibly even start using as an alternative to leather not only for ethical reasons but also the wider environmental reason.
Updated: Feb 3, 2023
The ‘wallet’ is an everyday item for millions of people. Traditional wallets come in a bi-fold format and often made from leather. However, Moral Origin have producing a unique looking sustainable and ethical wallet, so I thought I would get one and review it. The reason I believe the wallet is so important is because it is the quintessential accessories for the majority of people. The fashion industry can be very toxic and unethical, so having an accessory like this, which I believe is categorised under fashion is a great step forward. Anyway, here are my thoughts on this quirky but brilliant wallet and the company behind it.
Moral Origin has created a sustainable wallet using, as the title suggest, cork. Cork is the primary material of the wallet, which is all sourced in an ethically and sustainable way. Even Moral Origin detail how ethical cork is by highlighting the following:
100% Natural
Chemical free
Incredibly low ecological footprint
Recyclable
Biodegradable
Vegan
Fights global warming
Protects endangered species
Cork is a great sustainable resource because of it properties and it other ethical characteristics detailed above. It should also be noted that it is a sustainable material in it itself. Cork is harvest by shaving the bark of the Cork Oak tree and then left to grow and harvested again. This means the tree do not have to be cut down, leaving them in the area for the local wildlife.
Moral Origins not only ensure their product is ethical they also make their packaging 100% recyclable, further increasing its sustainable reach. Finally, as they are all about the ethics they ensure their production is ethical by giving you the option to assembling the wallet yourself or the small team who run Moral Origin assemble it for you. As for fashion and especially wallets you probably won’t get a company that is more ethical.
You can purchase their new wallet fully assembled for £15.00 or if you want to save some money and feel capable (you should, it’s fairly easy) you can get the self-assemble set, which costs £12.50. They also offer a purse that can be brought assembled or for self-assembly. If you decide to go for the self-assembled optioned (like I did), here is what you get in the box:
The cork cut out to make the wallet
Three sets of (what looks like brass) screw pins that hold the wallet (you only need two sets).
Business card sayings thank you and where to go for a set-up tutorial video.
The assembly itself is very easy, after watching the tutorial video and following it for 5 minutes, I was easily able to assemble the wallet. However, if you do not want to know how it is put together or save yourself some money you could just pick it up already assembled. Once assembled it creates a bi-fold wallet, which is a little bit bigger than a typical bankcard. It has a little pouch on one sides behind a section for card to put any change (coins) into it and the other side only allows for card but you can easily store a few notes behind them.
I have had the wallet for well over a year and it is incredibly durable. I thought over time it would get scratched or worn out and start to fray but no, it’s still going strong. Now for the important bit, well, for me at least. I hate it when I get a nice looking wallet but it can only fit 6 cards in it, I’m not sure about you but I defiantly have a lot more than that. Additionally, I don’t want to have more than 6 cards and it become the size of a brick and I believe Moral Origin have done a great job at beating this. At for the amount I managed to fit the following in the wallet:
9 x plastic cards
4 x card/paper cards (like business cards)
2 x bank notes (even the larger notes used in the UK)
4 x Pound coins
This was achieved comfortably; using both sides to hold my cards and fitted everything my old traditional bi-fold wallet could. Granted if I had a large number of notes, it would struggle, unless I got rid of some cards but this is not so much of an issue with bank cards and contactless payments. I believe you could fit up to 11 plastic cards in this case and have room for a note or two and some change, which is more than most wallets can do. Due to this, I was pleasantly surprised that a minimalist wallet like this was able to hold all this and change.
Overall, this is a unique and interesting minimalist wallet with a great look that is also ethical and sustainable. I believe more support should go to companies that put ethics and sustainability at the forefront of their product. One of which is Moral Origin, who have the goal to achieve “a future where ethical is the norm”. I would defiantly recommend picking this wallet up not only for its sustainability aspect but because I believe it is an amazing looking, well designed minimalist wallet that is ideal for most.
