What in the world is vegan leather? Why should I buy a vegan bag?

Why buy a leather handbag when there are cruelty free options that are just as luxurious? We carefully source our vegan leather so that it is supple and high quality.

Our vegan leather (also known as faux leather) is made with polyurethane, which is better for the environment than other substances like PVC. Polyurethane uses fewer solvents and chemicals in processing compared to PVC or leather. Furthermore, PVC leaches toxins into the environment and does not biodegrade.

In general, the making and processing of vegan leather uses fewer resources than animal leather and is more eco friendly!


What makes Canopy Verde handbags and purses eco-friendly?

We use organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a trusted leader in the industry. This means we know with 100% confidence that our organic cotton does not have the toxic pesticides and fertilizers that are common in conventionally grown cotton.

We thought that using conventional, chemically-processed dyes on organic cotton would defeat the purpose of going organic. So all the dyes used in our canvas are chemical free and earth friendly, as certified by GOTS. Using vegan leather as opposed to animal leather also leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

Here at the Canopy Verde office, minimizing waste is practiced everyday. At the design stage, we try to create patterns that generate the smallest amount of wasted fabric and we reuse materials in our prototypes that would have been destined for landfills. We also recycle, compost, and minimize energy usage.


What are the benefits of organic cotton?

Cotton is one of the most toxic crops in the world, using close to 10 billion pounds of fertilizers and pesticides every year. These chemicals leach into the soil, air, and water. Conventional cotton not only harms wildlife and the environment, it also creates a hazardous workplace for farm workers.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It leaves a much smaller carbon footprint by relying on a variety of methods, from insect traps to crop rotation, to combat weeds and foster soil fertility.

By choosing organic cotton, you are voting for cleaner air, fresher water, happier farmers, and a healthier food supply chain!


What’s wrong with conventional fabric dyes?

Unfortunately, the dyes that typically make garments a vivid red or bright yellow are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to polluting water sources. Conventional dyes use chemicals and toxins that often find their way into local rivers and lakes.

The organic cotton we use has been treated with eco friendly dyes, as certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a recognized standard for textile safety. To pass the GOTS certification, dyes are required to meet rigorous standards of metal content, toxicity, and biodegradability. Using eco friendly dyes minimizes our carbon footprint in the manufacturing process.


Why buy certified organic cotton?

China is still a burgeoning market when it comes to eco friendly practices. Although independent certification involves extra costs, it was important for us to know definitively that our fabric is independently certified and truly organic. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certificate also ensures that the dyeing process is eco friendly.


Where are Canopy Verde handbags made?

Our bags are made in China. Eco-friendly is not the first description that comes to mind with the label “Made in China.’ However, in recent years, the options to source eco-friendly materials have increased significantly, with many more choices for green materials and production processes.

We are firm believers that we can be a part of the burgeoning green movement by being active participants, whether that means bringing business to certified fabric mills or encouraging more energy-efficient methods at our factory.

Another reason for choosing China is a personal one. Founder Linda Wong was raised in Taiwan, worked in Hong Kong, and has family in China. The opportunity to help promote quality business practices and green sourcing options in China is personally significant.


Why do eco friendly handbags cost more?

With the rise of fast fashion, we recognize that you can easily find a chic handbag at a lower price. While such a bargain is hard to resist, this price tag comes with its own cost, especially from an environmental point of view.

Eco friendly handbags tend to cost more than their conventional counterparts due to a number of factors. The organic cotton that goes into our handbags is more expensive to harvest because it requires more labor than conventional cotton, which relies on chemicals and pesticides. We also pay more to ensure that the cotton we use is independently certified by a third party, the Global Organic Textile Standard.

Another cost element of our handbags is the eco friendly dyeing process we use, which is certified by the same organization.


Does anyone need another handbag?

Good question. Nobody ever really needs another handbag. Most of us are in the fortunate position of usually wanting something vs. needing something, so wouldn’t it be better to own an item that was made thoughtfully? When you buy a Canopy Verde handbag, you can rest assured that the cotton was grown organically, dyed in an eco friendly manner, and designed in an environment that prioritizes earth friendly business practices.


How is Canopy Verde involved in the community?

We donate handbags to various causes, from the YWCA’s Purses for Passion in Minnesota to Habilitat in Hawaii. We donate product to school auctions in Brooklyn, where Canopy Verde is based, including PS 321, PS 107, PS 39, and the Assembly of Arts and Letters.

What shipping options do you offer?

Shipping in the US is free with $99 purchase. Purchases under $99 range from $2.50 – $4.50 depending on the weight of the item. We use United States Postal Service and FedEx Ground.

If you need expedited shipping, please select Express Shipping for 1-2 day delivery. Express shipping ranges from $25 to $35.


Do you ship internationally?

We currently ship to a number of countries around the world using United States Postal Service.

The rate varies depending on package weight and destination.

Canada – $9 – $25
Australia – $14 – $29
Asia –$14 – $29

We currently do not ship to Europe. For orders to Europe, please visit our Etsy shop.


What is your return policy?

We want you to love your new bag! We want you (and any gift recipient) to be happy with your purchase. As long as the item is returned un-used, we are happy to provide a full refund of the purchase price (minus shipping and credit card processing fees). Please email bags@canopyverde.com.


Where can I buy previous season’s styles?

We are only showcasing our new collection on www.canopyverde.com, but you can go to our Etsy shop for styles from previous seasons.


What does the interior of a Canopy Verde bag look like?

Canopy Verde bags use our signature orange lining.

With the exception of the smaller bags, all styles have two open pockets which can be used for keys, sunglasses, or phone, and one zippered pocket. Many medium and larger bags like the totes, backpacks, and weekenders also come with one or two outside pockets.

Check out the videos on our product pages to get a more detailed look at each bag interior.


Are Canopy Verde handbags water resistant?

Our vegan purses are water resistant and can be cleaned with a wet cloth or wipe. With our canvas and vegan leather styles, a little water will not hurt the bag, but carrying it in a torrential downpour is not recommended!


How do I care for my Canopy Verde handbag?

For any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on the surface of the cotton canvas, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush, water, and a dab of detergent.

Do not submerge the bag in water or throw it in the washer – this may cause the colored fabric to bleed and result in the bag losing its distinctive shape!

For heavier stains like chocolate, rubbing alcohol can be very effective! Use a soft brush and scrub gently until the stain is removed.

You can also spray a coat of Scotchgard Fabric Protector over the canvas to keep it looking fresh and new.


Do you sell wholesale?

Yes, please email bags@canopyverde.com for more information.

 

 

No products in the cart.