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Vegan wallets are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious consumers who want to make a positive impact on the environment.

Unlike traditional leather wallets, vegan wallets are made from alternative materials that do not involve the use of animal products.

The use of vegan materials not only benefits animal welfare, but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Our brand, Karuna Dawn, has a great range of sustainable, vegan wallets made from fallen Teak leaves. This means that the leaves weren't even pulled from the tree, instead, fallen leaves are gathered from the ground and go through an environmentally friendly process to make them into durable, stylish wallets. 

I go more into our brand of wallets further down but here's some of the facts behind animal leather and vegan leather

The cruel trade of animal leather

It's no secret that the use of skin from animals is cruel and hideous. A cow, for example, is slaughtered just 18 months into their natural 20 year life expectancy.

The softest, most "luxurious" leather comes from the skin of new born calves or even unborn calves, cut prematurely from the wombs.

Honestly, how cruel can we be?

I go more in-depth into animal leather in a previous blog, exposing practices and dispelling the notion of whether leather can be ethical.

However, here is the quick summary of the impact of animal leather

Animal Welfare

Animals raised for their skin are often subjected to cruel conditions, such as confinement, overcrowding, and inhumane slaughtering practices.

Environmental Impact

The leather industry is known to have significant environmental impacts. The chemicals used to treat the skin, such as chromium and other toxic substances, can pollute waterways and harm the environment. The production of leather also requires large amounts of water and energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Moreover, the raising of animals for leather production contributes to deforestation, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity.

Human Impact

The leather industry is notorious for poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation of workers. Many workers involved in the industry, especially those in developing countries, are exposed to hazardous chemicals and face significant health risks. In addition, they often work long hours for low pay, without access to basic labor rights such as collective bargaining and union representation.

Not all Vegan Wallets are created Equally

When you're shopping to find a great vegan wallet, it's important to note, not all vegan wallets are created equally. Here, I'm referring to the use of PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

PU and PVC are two commonly used materials in the production of vegan leather and let's face it - they are nothing but plastic.

PU is a synthetic material made from petroleum-based chemicals. The production of PU involves the use of solvents, which can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Additionally, the production process of PU requires the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

PVC, on the other hand, is a plastic material that is made from chlorine and petroleum. The production of PVC is energy-intensive and requires the use of toxic chemicals, including dioxins, which are known to be harmful to human health and the environment. PVC also releases VOCs into the air, which contribute to air pollution.

Both PU and PVC are non-biodegradable materials, which means that they do not decompose naturally and can take hundreds of years to break down. When PU and PVC products are disposed of in landfills or incinerated, they can release harmful chemicals into the environment, including dioxins, heavy metals, and other toxins.

Moreover, the production of PU and PVC leather involves significant water usage and pollution. The chemicals used in the production process can contaminate waterways, harming aquatic life and affecting the health of people who rely on these water sources.

Karuna Dawn Sustainable Vegan Wallets

Our Leaf Leather Wallets are the perfect blend of style and sustainability. Handcrafted by skilled artisans using fallen Teak leaves from northern Thailand, each wallet is unique and visually stunning.

The Teak leaves used are extremely durable and waterproof, ensuring that your wallet will last for years to come. Our wallets come in popular colours and your choice of with or without coin purse. 

Our leaf leather range is an innovative product and a kind alternative to animal leather. As they are made from leaves and each leaf being unique in size and pattern and the way in which it has taken to the dye, no two wallets will ever be the same. You are buying a truly unique product. 

Moreover, your purchase supports local village communities and promotes ethical, sustainable, and vegan fashion.

Whether you purchase our range of Leaf Leather wallets or choose another product, make sure you understand the materials used and the manufacturing process. 

Support brands that are vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable and ethical.

Your vote matters and helps to maintain the growing momentum for a change in the fashion industry for better practices benefiting all concerned.