Our Eco-Conscious Picks for Earth Day 2022
More and more brands are starting to feel the pressure to go in the eco-conscious direction and provide more sustainable options for their consumers — and for the planet. This Earth Day — the annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection — we wanted to highlight certain brands and products that are making a difference. It doesn’t mean these brands are completely perfect (who is?!) or that their offerings are solely sustainable, but brands that are taking strides toward a more eco-conscious future and providing more sustainable alternatives to their client base. From sneakers made from recycled materials, to champagne from a House trying to reduce its environmental footprint — here’s what we have our eyes on this Earth Day.
Dior Eco-Aware Beachwear Capsule
Learn More
For Dior’s latest capsule collection — the new Beachwear Capsule — the director of Dior’s collections, Kim Jones teamed up with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental organization and collaborative network addressing major ocean threats with a strategy called “parley air: avoid, intercept, redesign.” This collaboration features a range of environmentally conscious items that reiterate the House’s goal of becoming more eco-innovative in hopes of a more sustainable future. The collection celebrates our oceans and nature with fashion-forward and beach-y pieces (mostly in blue) such as sandals, track shorts, bucket hats, and more. (From $320)
Champagne Telmont
Learn More
The leading sustainable champagne house, Telmont has adopted a pioneering approach to achieve some ambitious environmental goals. It aims to convert its entire vineyard to 100 per cent organic agriculture by 2025 and assist its partner growers with the same thing by 2031. The House uses 100 per cent renewable electricity and is also strongly committed to protecting biodiversity in its estate in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint. Telmont also uses strictly classic green champagne bottles made from 85 per cent recycled glass, as clear glass recycled bottles are difficult to come by in significant volume. Champagne Telmont has just announced that Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his environmental advocacy, is now an investor in the company. According to the brand, Telmont is committed to creating the most sustainable, organic champagne and is heavily focused on preserving their land and its biodiversity — making it an impeccable choice in celebration of Earth Day and beyond — your new go-to choice for special occasions. (47,00 € for Réserve Brut)
Panerai eSteel Collection
Learn More
Panerai has unveiled three new Submersible models made out of eSteel, the brand’s groundbreaking recycled alloy comprising more than half of the watches’ total weight. This comes on the heels of the initial launch last year at Watches & Wonders, where Panerai made a splash with the Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel — a three-watch collection with components made of majority recycled metal. As part of an open-sourced initiative to find new ways to make Swiss watch production more environmentally friendly, the launch of eSteel underscored Panerai’s commitment to sustainability. A next-generation metal obtained from pre-consumer recycled steel scraps — some of which come from the Swiss watch industry — the production of eSteel significantly reduces CO2 emissions, the brand says. And although these watches are better for the planet, you’re not giving up on quality or style. ($14,400)
Louis Vuitton Charlie Sneakers
Learn More
The Charlie sneaker and Charlie sneaker boot from Louis Vuitton are the House’s first eco-designed sneakers (as well as its first unisex model). The Charlie sneaker is made of 90 per cent sustainable materials; the upper is crafted from a mix of recycled and bio-based materials, and the outsole is made of bioplastic from renewable sources. This sneaker helps prove that choosing more sustainable options doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. (From $1,360)
Armani Acqua Di Giò Eu De Parfum
Learn More
All bottle sizes of Armani’s new re-envisioned fragrance, Acqua Di Giò Eau De Parfum, are endlessly refillable — a nod to their eco-conscious commitment, while also signifying that it’s a beautiful object that lasts — something delicate yet sturdy, something timeless with longevity and history. Its new statement look is sleek and masculine — crafted in transparent glass (up to 15 per cent of which is recycled for the refillable formats and 25 per cent for the refill bottle) and finished with a dark, wood cap, inspired by nature. The new cap is made from sustainably sourced wood meaning that less plastic and less metal are used in this new design compared to previous plastic and aluminum caps. The bottle is easily refillable, and this new format saves 43 per cent in glass use, 22 per cent in plastic use, 67 per cent in metal use, and 19 per cent in paper use (when compared to the equivalent volume as three existing 75ml Acqua Di Giò spray bottles). (From $100)
Oris Aquis Date Upcycle
Learn More
Few watch brands are as clearly focused on sustainability and the environment as the team at Oris. Yes, the brand consistently involves itself with ocean conservation and cleanup initiatives (Oris Change for the Better Days take place around the globe, including an upcoming beach clean-up day in Norwalk, Connecticut on Saturday, April 30th), but they also look at sustainability in day-to-day business operations, packaging, logistics, and even in the materials used in watch production. The Aquis Date Upcycle is a perfect example, as its dial is made of recycled PET plastics to create unique and colourful mosaic dial patterns. ($3,000)
Nike Air Max Dawn
Learn More
These Nike Air Max Dawn sneakers are crafted from at least 20 per cent recycled material by weight, which is certainly exciting for those looking for more eco-conscious footwear alternatives. With sports and athleticism being a huge part of Nike’s DNA, these sneaks are comfortable and practical yet cool — offering a modern interpretation of something classic that’s still holding on to its vintage running vibes, while doing something for the planet in return, and we’re here for it. ($145)
Belvedere Vodka
Learn More
When you think about sustainability, I’m not sure how many of us think about booze — but why not? Belvedere Vodka is inspired by nature — made from Polish rye and purified water, distilled by fire. And while its ingredients are pure, natural, and inspired by nature — the brand’s commitment is just as pure. From their local Polish rye sources, to their employees who distill Belvedere in Zyrardów, Poland, their shared goal is to “nourish the land we share and protect its natural character for future generations.” In addition, from 2012 to 2017, the brand cut energy CO2 emissions by 42 per cent by shifting fuel sources — and that’s not all! In 2018, they received a grant from the European Commission to pilot a green energy initiative which saw the implementation of a biomass capture facility in 2021 — the same year they committed to all their innovations being organic. According to the brand, their new plant will produce 100 per cent renewable energy, getting Belvedere on track to be completely energy carbon neutral in 2022. The best part? You can grab yourself a bottle at your local LCBO. ($52)
