During the research and development phase for Watson & Wolfe in early 2017, our founder Helen, learned of the environmental damage being caused by the fashion and leather industries.
The true impact of these industries on our planet is hidden so consumers will continue to over-consume without thought. The cycle of fast-fashion, overproduction and waste continues to spiral out of control.
Having worked in the leather goods industry for 10 years, it was this insight that changed the course of Watson & Wolfe and created the compassionate and planet conscious business it is today.
You can read and learn more about Helen's personal journey
here.
A common misconception is that cow leather is a natural, organic material and therefore better for the environment. In fact, the impact of leather on our planet has been known for a long time and was highlighted in the 2017 Pulse of Fashion Industry Report. The report and its research determined that of all materials used for fashion, animal fibers occupy four of the top five least environmentally friendly, with cow leather being the most damaging.
In Kanpur, India - the self-proclaimed "Leather City of the World", which in 2003 housed more than 10,000 tanneries, was dumping more than 22 tons of effluence into the Ganges River every day.