My home is not totally vegan. One of the things I've been meaning to donate to Salvation Army and replace is my husband's leather belt. He only has one belt, it still functions, and he wears it every day, so I have to find a replacement before I can get rid of it.
I think I found it! Yesterday I was walking through Chelsea Market, where they have an "ID Pop Shop Independent Designers Sale" (lots of really cool unique stuff there, I don't know why people who visit NY from around the world bother shopping at the big mutli-national chains because that stuff is the same around the world. This is the place to see REAL local NY talent). ANYWAY I saw this one booth (above) with really cool textured accessories - made from CORK. I timidly asked the lady working there if there is any leather in the belts, thinking maybe there was leather layer in the middle, and she proudly responded that all their products are vegan! Well, in that case, let me take a look around!!
The shop is Cliff Belts, and they actually have a ton of different accessories that are typically made out of leather, plus guitar straps(!). My favorite items are the ones with the natural cork color and texture showing through (they also have colored and embossed styles). So unique! The lady in the booth showed me some cool features of their belts, where some of them are mix-and-matchable with the buckle and strap, and another line of belts are made out of recycled subway car grab poles! Super awesome!
I love that it is strong, durable, ecological, cruelty free, and lighter than leather. Cliff Belts says, "Cork is environmentally preferable to leather as it comes from a lower carbon impact source (tree bark) and does not use animal products in its manufacture (a vegan product). The environmental concerns associated with leather include the energy and carbon intensity of generating animal products and the chemicals used in the leather tanning process that can be damaging to human health and the environment. Cork is a naturally beautiful and greener alternative to leather."
Anything from this shop would be great for anyone who wears pants, wants to define his or her waist, or carries things (so basically everyone). And probably also for anyone that loves wine (because wine people are into cork). I'm going to get this belt for my husband, and I want this for me, I'm hoping I can put a little notebook inside it.
PS - Reminder, Vegan Dinner at Ayurveda Cafe is tonight!
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