ESG Outlook: Francesca Ritchie of Teton Leather on Conservation and Revitalizing Ecosystems

ESG Outlook is Sourcing Journal’s discussion series with industry executives to get their take on their company’s latest environmental, social and governance initiatives and their own personal efforts toward sustainability. Francesca Ritchie, hunter, designer and founder of Teton Leather Company, discusses responsible handcrafted goods and the artist’s responsibility as stewards of the land.

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Name: Francesca Ritchie
Title: Designer & Founder
Company: Teton Leather Company

What do you consider your company’s best ESG Related achievements over the last 5 years?

Helping to develop and utilize invasive species alongside INVERSA Leathers in their efforts to revive and revitalize native species and their ecosystems has been both a privilege and what I feel is a responsibility for us as artists and stewards of the land.

I work continually with our partner Conversation Organization—Blood Origins in our aligned efforts to educate and broaden the perspective surrounding human/animal interaction and conservation. We believe that perspective holds power, and we can educate others through our passion for wildlife as a brand.

I went on an invasive python hunt in the Florida Everglades in September 2023 to film a documentary in partner with Blood Origins. My willingness to venture into discomfort and danger was fueled by my desire to understand exactly how invasives species are impacting the keystone wildlife that live in the Everglades, and just how the local community controls both the narrative and future of that fragile ecosystem

Working with brands and conservation organizations, like INVERSA leathers and Blood Origins has been a pivotal point in the heritage of Teton Leather.

What is your company’s latest ESG initiative?

I am working on a line of luxury leather goods featuring invasive Dragonfin from INVERSA.  My goal is to spread awareness of the issues our planet is facing and how we as consumers can support a sustainable future while enjoying handcrafted designer goods, made in America.

What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion accessories?

Marketing is sustainability’s biggest threat. Sadly, many brands will exploit a catchy label and phrasing or the right celebrity sponsor to create a Veblen-good mentality [items that become more in demand as their price increases] around products that are simply whitewashed fast fashion. An unfortunate many brands are harming the greater good of our ecosystem and the manufacturing workforce.

Since you work in the industry, do you find yourself trying to help clarify such misconceptions?

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As a member of two diametrically opposed worlds—luxury fashion and the outdoors/hunting industry—my position has afforded me a unique opportunity to bridge the gap in perceptions and generate awareness that a shared love for our planet can and should be pursued. Despite what at first may seem to be opposing values. I believe that these industries can lead a force of substantial and tangible change by setting the bar higher—shifting the status quo and holding themselves to a standard that has been lacking for far too long.

What is your company’s biggest taking away from the Covid Crisis that is still relevant today?

Our supply chain was greatly impacted by the pandemic and that experience lit a fire in me to tighten the proverbial ship. I want my brand to be made in America—from design to doorstep—my incredible team at Teton Leather is helping me bring back the American dream so that we can weather any storm. Including a global pandemic.

As consumers become more aware of working conditions and how clothing is produced how can the industry best spread the word on progress?

As industry leaders we have a responsibility to choose the right path—not the path of least resistance, not the cheapest path and not the whitewashed path. We need to prioritize telling the story of ethical workforce, sustainable sourcing and conservation. And then we need to backup that story with our actions. Through and through, we can be better.

What do you consider to be the apparel industry biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change?

Concern over capitalism.  We are in a multibillion-dollar industry that has every capability to create and sustain change for the planet, humans and animals alike. It is a matter of priority.

What is your personal philosophy on shopping and caring for your clothes ?

If you can, spend more on fashion up front, do the research and make sure you’re buying for quality, not just a brand name. I think it’s imperative to research where your clothes, accessories and the like are being made, and that the companies will stand behind the longevity of the product. I purchase for quality because I know that I’m investing in items that won’t end up in a landfill any time soon. I live a rugged, active lifestyle and I need clothes that can stand the tests of time and the outdoors. Spend for quality. Wash with care. Repair. Spread the word on solid brands so we can support the right people.

How much do you look into a brand’s social or environmental practice before shopping?

If it’smass produced in an overseas factory for pennies on the dollar and then sold with huge markups, that’s every red flag I could ever need. If it’s a big brand (I won’t name names) they have the resources to be transparent about their ethics. I always want to know that I can trust a brand. If they won’t provide a traceable source/manufacturing chain, there is a reason. I have absolutely skipped out on purchases because I know how far a brand has gone from the shallow advertising they feed to the public.

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