Going Green: Through the Eyes of an Ekster Insider

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SHAUNA CLEARY / IRELAND

Going Green

Through the Eyes of an Ekster Insider

Shauna Cleary, Director of Operations

Hi, I’m Shauna Cleary, Director of Operations at Ekster. Growing up in the Irish countryside, sustainability wasn’t a buzzword—it was just how we lived. You didn’t waste what you could reuse, you respected the land that fed you, and you understood that every small action had a ripple effect. Those early lessons shaped how I see the world today.

Setting My Roots in Sustainability

Ireland’s landscapes are a constant reminder

of what’s worth protecting. The raw beauty of the Atlantic coast, the rolling green fields, the rugged cliffs—these places are part of who I am.

Whenever I visit home, I make time for the Howth Walk in Dublin, a coastal trail that brings me right back to that feeling of connection with nature. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about cutting emissions or sourcing better materials—it’s about preserving the things that make life beautiful.

In primary school, I was part of the Green Schools Committee, a national program that promotes sustainability through practical action. I still remember the pride we felt when we earned a Green Flag for our school, knowing our efforts made a tangible difference.

That appreciation for nature stuck with me as I built my career. I’ve always chosen to work with companies that share my values, and in 2022, I led Ekster’s B-Corp certification process. It was a deep dive into everything from ethical sourcing to carbon footprint reduction, and it reinforced what I’d always believed.

Sustainability isn’t a one-time achievement.

It’s a mindset.

Sustainability isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s a mindset.

My Favorite Green Spaces in Ireland

My favorite places hold both personal memories and a deep connection to nature. My Granny’s farm in Tipperary is particularly special—it’s where I spent time as a child, surrounded by rolling fields, fresh air, and a slower way of life. It gave me an early appreciation for nature and the importance of looking after the land.

Person in blue jacket walking on a wooden path in a grassy field.

The Irish Atlantic Coast is truly magical. Places like Dingle, Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher capture the wild beauty of Ireland. There’s just something about the rugged coastline, crashing waves, and dramatic cliffs that make you feel connected to something bigger. Every time I visit, I’m reminded of the raw, untamed beauty that makes Ireland so unique.

If you’re looking for hidden gems beyond Dublin, some of my favorite spots include:

- Dun Laoghaire Pier, just outside Dublin City

- Glendalough in Wicklow

- Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow

- Cliffs of Moher in Clare

- The Burren in Clare

- Blasket Islands in Kerry

The Balancing Act in Business

When people think of sustainability, they often picture compromise—giving up quality, convenience, or design in the name of being “green.” But at Ekster, we see it differently. Innovation and sustainability are interlinked. The challenge isn’t just making something eco-friendly; it’s making it better, more durable,

more useful.

Take our latest launch: the AppleSkin™ Wallet Pro. At first glance, it looks and feels like premium leather, but it’s made entirely from repurposed apple waste.

It’s a perfect example of how we approach sustainability—not as a gimmick, but as a smarter way to create.

By working with suppliers who share our values, we ensure that every product we design meets the highest standards without compromising on ethics. Our design team collaborates closely with our manufacturers, many of whom have been with us since day one, , to make environmentally conscious innovations a reality.

We believe innovation and sustainability

go hand in hand.

We believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

The Realities of a Sustainable Supply Chain

Here’s the thing: the biggest polluters in the world aren’t individuals, they’re companies. And the truth is that making sustainability a priority in business comes with challenges. Premium, responsibly sourced materials cost more. Ethical manufacturers have higher operational costs because they pay their workers fairly. Scaling a business while minimizing environmental impact is a constant balancing act.

Black and white photo of clothes hanging on a rack outdoors.

At Ekster, we’ve worked with the same suppliers since the beginning, building long-term relationships that allow us to push for better practices over time. Our focus isn’t just on reducing harm; it’s on creating products that last—because the most sustainable wallet is the one you don’t have to replace every year.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of sustainability—wondering if you recycled properly last week or debating whether to book that flight. Just remember; the most impactful thing you can do as a consumer is to support businesses that are genuinely making an effort. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.

Person standing on a large rock by the ocean, wearing a backpack.

Making small changes toward a long-term goal

is the most important first step.

Making small changes toward a long-term goal is the most important first step.

The Future is Looking Green

If I’ve learned anything from my work with Ekster, it’s that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. There’s no perfect solution, but that shouldn’t stop us from making progress. We’re still at the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible, and that’s what excites me most.

Our journey to becoming a B Corporation showed me that no matter what scale a business is at, making positive changes toward sustainability is achievable, and everyone can have an impact.

The future of sustainability isn’t just about doing less harm—it’s about finding ways to do more good. For me, that future is personal. It’s tied to the landscapes of my childhood, the companies I’ve chosen to work for, and the belief that small changes add up.

At Ekster, we’ll keep pushing forward, making better gear for life on the go—because the way we see it, the best innovation is the kind that lasts.

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