ETHICAL EDIT: FUNKY KALAKAR

As I try to live my life in a way that is mindful of my impact, my values influence every purchasing decision. Ethics and sustainability have different meanings for many of us, but I am seeking companies with a clear commitment to ethical practices. Fundamentally, it is important to me that my money is spent with businesses that respect human, animal, and environmental welfare. Supporting ethical fashion brands like Funky Kalakar gives you peace-of-mind about what you’re wearing, who made it and where it came from!

I contacted Funky Kalakar for a feature after discovering the brand on Good On You. Funky Kalakar ethos is sustainability, veganism, transparency, and empowerment. These fundamental values align with their primary focus on quality, ensuring superior quality materials are sources, along with excellent craftsmanship for a final high-quality product.

The Cyle backpack shared with you today is their unconventional yet elegant, unique semi-cylindrical shape rucksack. This bag is sure to get noticed and perfect for someone like me who loves to travel. Designed with ample room and many compartments this knapsack means I always have enough room to carry what I need. Like all Funky Kalakar products, the Cyle backpack is designed and produced ethically and sustainably, empowering you to make a sustainable choice.

FEATURES I LOVE

This sturdy backpack looks like sleek black leather yet is PETA Approved Vegan, made from highly durable faux leather that is recyclable up to 8 times. This spacious bag is 100% handmade and inside has a sleeve for a 15” laptop, key loop, slots for cards, zipped pockets inside. I love the exterior zip pockets for having my phone in and my headphones on. Heading out for work or a cycle ride, this bag is perfect. My favourite feature is this sturdy backpack can free stand.

ARTISANS

In the wake of fast fashion, Funky Kalakar manufacturing partner employs artisans, executing fair pay and a safe and clean working environment. The payment of the artisans is also revised regularly based on the inflation index of the economy. As prices rise, the artisan’s salary also increases.

SUSTAINABILITY

We love our planet and need to look after it. Funky Kalakar, as a conscious business has adopted a sustainable approach to fashion, benefiting both people and the planet. This extends to upcycled tires in their shoes to vegan and recyclable handbags. Their commitment is throughout; their packaging is plastic-free and uses paper tape made from corn starch. A critical environmental issue I focus on is the need to minimise my waste and excess, and to promote a circular economy. Rather than supporting fast fashion I now look for having fewer, higher quality items I love. My ethos is to reduce waste, environmental impact, and repurpose existing material. Funky Kalakar asks their customers to return all their products so that they can recycle them.

SHIPPING

The bag comes protected in shipping with a reusable cotton tote bag. Additionally, these reusable cotton dust tote bags are made by a fair trade certified self-help organisation which ensures fair pay to its workers. The inside stuffing is reused waste from the automobile industry discarded foam, wasted during the seat making process. Funky Kalakar ship in cardboard packaging boxes, which are 100% biodegradable.

TRANSPARENCY

Often companies greenwash or hide their ethical policies. I love how transparent Funky Kalakar is, helping their customers to understand what they do and to see its value. Their openness to dealing with fair trade organisations and sharing information on the materials and processes show them to be a company with a conscious. I love highlighting Funky Kalakar, a company who collaborate with NGOs and self-help groups that echo their values. For example, their shoes are handcrafted by underprivileged cobblers in Mumbai, and their packaging bags come from a fair trade certified women’s self-help group.

VEGANISM

I recently decided to transition from vegetarian to vegan; my husband has also decided to become vegan. Life is precious and it is terrific to discover such incredible products that do not harm any living creatures.

The Funky Kalakar items reflect the beauty of the planet we live on. Feel empowered by making responsible decisions!

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