ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024
HOW TO GET STARTED
- When your current wallet reaches the end of its life, swap it out for a full leather wallet
- Take the wallet switch as an opportunity to clean out old expired, and unnecessary cards and materials from your wallet
- Use a little leather oil if you'd like to make your wallet more supple and prevent it from aging
- Don't overstuff your wallet. Sitting on fat wallets can affect your spine and nerves running down your leg
EMBRACE
- Can be used for years if properly cared for
- Is based on a simple/elegant design that uses one type of material
- Does not have any synthetic liner material - 100% leather
- Will not emit microplastics. Completely biodegradable
AVOID PRODUCT TYPE
Nylon Bifold or Trifold Wallet
AVOID
- Wallets don't last forever and wear and tear means a finite life - at the end of life these will end up in landfills and emit microplastics
- Wear out faster than leather wallets
- Often include other plastics beyond nylon for clear ID covers
Noteworthy Product Attributes
This wallet is made in the USA of very high-quality leather. The wallet will take some time to break in. The construction contains no synthetic inner liner which is yet another plus.
Overall Sustainability Score - 80 / 100
Score Breakdown
Manufacturing (Score - 10/10) - Made close to the target market
Distribution (Score - 10/10) - Made close to the target market
Cost (Score - 6/10) - Costs about 2X as much as a higher-end nylon wallet
Packaging (Score - 3/10) - Comes in mostly plastic packaging
Effectiveness (Score - 8/10) - Made of full grain leather and is very durable
Lifespan (Score - 9/10) - Will likely last between 5 and 15 years depending on care and usage patterns
Fun (Score - 9/10) - Feels substantial and has great hand feel
Relevance (Score - 10/10) - Perfectly designed. Simple in construction and design.
Disposal (Score - 10/10) - Completely biodegradable
Recycling (Score - 5/10) - Cannot be recycled in most municipal facilities
