Noun |\ ˈkak-təs ˈle-t͟hər\

A leather made from the Nopal cactus, or the prickly pear, which is harvested by cutting off only the cactus leaves, so the entire plant isn’t harmed and can continue to grow.

Desserto, a Mexico-based brand, is so far the only manufacturer of cactus leather. The performance of the fabric is comparable to conventional leather, and it is said to be durable, waterproof and breathable.

Also read:

All you need to know about Cactus leather

5 more plant-based leather alternatives

Noun | \sər-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē\

1. A principle driven by design that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, reuse products and materials, and regenerate.
2. A system that ensures products are compostable or can be placed back into the cycle that they were bought from, to extend their lifecycle, or offer a better end-of-life solution. It ensures nothing goes to waste and everything used once, is utilised again and again.

Also read;

Kind, Mindful Donations: An example of circularity Celebrities embracing a circular lifestyle

Noun | \ˈkȯrk ˈle-t͟hər\

Fabric obtained from the cork oak (Quercus suber), which serves functions similar to animal leather.

The production of cork leather is 100% free of chemicals, making it a popular choice for accessories, furniture, yoga mats, bags and shoes.

Also read:

All you need to know about Cork leather

5 more plant-based leather alternatives

Noun | / ˈkō-kə-(ˌ)nət ˈle-t͟hər /

A leathery fabric, made from the organic and sustainable bacterial cellulose of coconut water, grown on agrarian waste (banana stem, sisal and hemp fibres).

Malai Biomaterials, a Kerala-based startup, is producing this PETA-certified cruelty-free vegan leather, which is strong, durable, water resistant, flexible, breathable, 100% biodegradable and also supports the local economy.

Also read:

All you need to know about coconut leather

5 more plant based leather alternatives

Adjective| \ˈkäm-ˌpō-stə-bəl\

A product or a material that has the capability to naturally decay into land and become a fertilizer or manure for plants.

Compostable fabrics make for a better, planet-friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics. These natural fabrics can decompose into the land, and reduce the trash going to landfills.

Also read:

How to compost, compostable fabrics

Polyester and the plastics in our wardrobe are non-compostable

Phrase | \ kän(t)-shəs ˈlɪvɪŋ\

1. Conscious living is  being aware and mindful of our surroundings, and making choices that do not cost the planet, or hurt the people involved.

2. When it comes to our clothing, conscious living is a mindful way of dressing as well as of producing garments and accessories, right from considering what raw materials are used and where they come from, to how the clothes or accessories are crafted, packaged, sold and, in the case of the wearer, consumed, looked after and, eventually, disposed of. 

Also read:

Conscious closets – Smriti Lamesh

Conscious closets – Anjali Gupta

Adjective | \ ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē-ˈfrē\

1. A product or a brand that does not harm or kill animals at any point in its production cycle.

2. A cosmetic product that hasn’t been tested on animals.

According to PETA, cruelty-free means that a company or brand has taken the position that it won’t allow tests on animals, including in its supply chain, for any reason, whatsoever. The ‘cruelty-free’ label is being widely used in the fashion and cosmetic industries. While it has clear implications for cosmetics, the label falls short when it comes to fashion.

Also read:

Learn more about cruelty-free fashion

Think before buying