As consumers, we’re now, more than ever, recognizing the impact of our daily choices on the environment. Choices such as the apparel and accessories we buy. Many of us are going out of our way to make changes and only shop sustainably.
Some brands, including Mondaine, are also making changes; releasing more sustainable lines or pivoting entirely to eco-friendly-only products. While this is a big win for everyone doing the work to make sustainability mainstream, consumers must now prioritize doing adequate research when shopping for sustainable apparel and accessories. This will help us avoid greenwashing; non-sustainable products marketed as “green”.
Here are two important questions to ask before purchasing an item, even if it is tagged as sustainable.
Questions to ask when buying sustainable fashion items
When shopping, note that not every store website or attendee will have the answers right away. At Mondaine, we’re always working on including more information online in order to be more transparent and share sustainability commitments.
So don’t be afraid to go a step further. Reach out to the brand through social media or send an email. Brands that are committed to helping their customers live sustainably are usually happy to provide more information. The answers you get will help you determine if an item is truly an eco-friendly option.
What are the materials made of?
The item you’re buying should be from ethically made, biodegradable materials. So, if you’re buying a shirt, virgin polyester and other synthetic materials should be a no-no. By virgin, we mean that these apparel and accessories are not made from materials that are recycled or reused in any way.
Look out for biodegradable materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp, food/fruit byproducts, and so on. And if the item or accessory was made using synthetic materials, ensure that they were recycled or reused. For example, at Mondaine, we use recycled PET for our textile straps, giving these materials a new life away from landfills.
How long do I plan to use this item?
Regardless of how eco-friendly a fashion item is, it still goes to waste if you do not use it responsibly. Avoid buying trendy items that go out of style quickly. Instead, choose things you will use for years to come. Extend the lifetime of your fashion items by taking good care of them and sending them in for repairs when needed. When you decide to stop wearing them, see if you can recycle or repurpose them.
Interested in a classic watch for your sustainable closet?
The Mondaine signature watch face fitted with our grape straps is a staple for the eco-conscious and fashionable, because we can be both.
The grape leather straps are made from upcycled wine byproducts (so no baby grapes are harmed in our process), recycled, and naturally degrading materials. These straps are then assembled with vegan glue. Our eco-friendly materials help us create watches that do not further pollute our biosphere. All our watches are made with up to 80% solar energy out of our factory in Biberist. Mondaine is also proudly CO2 neutral.
With our vegan grape straps, there’s a perfect match for every style. Each strap is created and assembled using great quality materials and coloured using water-based dye. We’ve designed the straps to be good for both the people who wear them and the planet.
We also offer repairs and recycling programs because we don’t ever want to see any watch go to a landfill. Looking for your next watch? Check out the classic grape collection here.
