Photo take from Batoko.com
Sick of the throw-a-way fashion mentality? Wanting to buy items of clothing and know where they come from? This week’s blog post is all about how to look good with a clear conscience.
Has this week’s news story regarding Boohoo’s exploitation of it’s supply chain factory workers been the nail in the coffin for you when shopping on the high street.? With sustainability and ethical practices being such a prominent topic in the fashion industry you would think factories might have changed their bad habits by now, suppliers might of got stricter on what factories they use and brands might have put ethical policies at the forefront of their business.
It’s hard to know what brands to trust when it comes to their sustainability, ethical conscience and eco-friendly practices that they truly do follow rather than just put out there to appease the consumer.
I am constantly bothered by high street ranges like ‘H&M conscience ‘ range, what does this mean? When you drill down on their website, it cites using materials that are made from at least 50% sustainable sourced materials, with the exception of cotton which is only 20%. But the materials don’t make up the full package, are these garments made in the same factories other garments are made in, are they paid below the minimum wage, are they being shipped and packed with non recycled packaging and flown around the world creating more air pollution?
Eco friendly fabrics aren’t enough, high street brands need to be accountable for every single part of the supply chain and if you truly believe in shopping consciencesly then make a start with the best sustainable brands that I use for clients and myself.
Everlane
Everlane’s mission statement is to build a transparent and environmentally responsible supply chain that leads the way in reducing the impact on the planet making clothes has on it. They consider the materials they use and production partners they work with to reduce waste, chemicals, and plastics that endanger the planet’s ecosystems. They produce timeless basics at great prices that are designed to last, so making the right choice can be as simple as putting on a t-shirt.
Tretorn
From parkas made using recycled PET bottles and jackets created from discarded fishing nets to eco-friendly trainers constructed with locally sourced canvas, heritage Scandi brand Tretorn is serious about making sustainable, functional pieces with longevity. The company's eco essentials initiative aims to create environmentally-friendly contemporary rainwear designed to last which is at the heart of everything they do. For them, it is absolutely essential to act sustainably and take care of the nature, they use heritage and knowledge to contribute to a better future. From using old fishing nets, to recycled polyester, using left over fabrics to make garments to creating rainwear out of plants like sugarcrane and tapioca, Tretorn sustainable innovation surely is the future.
Veja
Meghan Markle's favourite trainer brand has been changing the sneaker game since 2005. They produce environmentally friendly sneakers made with raw materials sourced from organic farming and ecological agriculture, without chemicals or polluting processes. By using organic, agroecological and fair-trade cotton to make the sneakers canvas, rubber grown in the Amazon rainforest for the soles and recycled plastic bottles to create a mesh Veja is unique selling point is it’s sustainability. They also work with an organisation that helps people who have been incarcerated or are otherwise struggling to find work, to employ workers to prepare orders to bring their ethical practices full circle in the supply chain.
Batoko
I discovered this swimwear brand through Instagram a couple of years ago and brought unique colourful swimsuit from their range last summer that I truly fell in love with. Their swimwear is made from recycled plastic waste intercepted before headed for landfill and our oceans, it’s literally made from rubbish! Batoko is a micro-business and they aim to stay that way, consciously keeping the collection small, simple and at a much more sustainable pace that's kinder to the planet and the people that make them. They focus on the individuality and longevity of each design and ensure that they never over-produce so therefore producing no waste for the environment. By keeping it small their supply chain is small so they can keep control over the people that make the swimwear.
Nobody’s Child
Nobody’s Child’s mission is to provide sustainable solutions; they re-purpose leftover fabric from past seasons to divert it from a lifetime in landfill, they donate leftover’s to fashion colleges and they main purpose is to avoid landfill. What I like about this green brand is that they don’t buy or design season to season, they drop small collections and continue to run them in different fabrics that they can get hold of. They are not dictated by trends or seasons so therefore produce garments that you want to wear all year round. They source locally and reduce their carbon footprint by working with UK manufacturers and are smart with who they partner with globally. What’s also great about this brand is the accessible price point they sell the garments at, making shopping greener more affordable for everyone.
