We think big but work small; we're a 'Glocal' business. Fast fashion is finally being called out for the damage it's doing to the environment, so as the media catches up with immoral practices on both people and planet, we work to better the moral, cultural and environmentally aware business we have strived for all along. We're honest people, so whilst our future looks green, today, we're working on it. Our sustainable mission: To Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.
Our mailbags are resealable, which means single-use is out the window - these storage bags can be used over and over again, meaning people can keep them for a lifetime. As a business we recycle whenever possible and have stopped using plastic bottles in our communal areas, opting for refillable glass bottles instead. Our energy provider is Bulb - they provide us with 100% renewable energy and their gas is 100% carbon neutral. We use First Mile across all areas of the business for recycling and bulky cardboard disposal, we also use them for waste removal at our warehouse. We use DPD to deliver all our online orders, they are committed to making every parcel they send carbon neutral. While it’s impossible to do everything, small changes over a long period create change, which is why we're constantly looking for ways to rethink and reuse, building a better environment step by step - check out a few you can do below...
#001
REDUCING YOUR WASTE
Waste reduction - the act of reducing or eliminating harmful wastes, promoting a more conscious environment. We can make a change by gradually cutting down on our food and plastic misuse - foods sent to landfills release toxic greenhouse gases, resulting in climate change and global warming. It’s hard to avoid one-time-use plastic packaging, but they are ways to reduce our consumption. Replace them with sustainable, reusable products, free from BPA - an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. Choose recyclable and reusable options for food: such as HAY's Square Lunch Box, a better option than buying non-recyclable containers. When food waste goes to landfill, it decomposes, creating methane, which is 23x more deadly than carbon dioxide.
#002
MATERIAL-CONSCIOUS PRODUCTS
While the fashion industry may have been a major factor in the acceleration of a number of environmental issues, a large percentage of brands are now taking a long look at dealing with practices that have contributed to global warming, ocean pollution and much more. One key movement sees designers taking a totally new view on the materials used in production of garments and goods.
STORY Mfg pride themselves on using organically and ethically sourced fabrics, producing their garments in India using non-harmful, natural dyes. Puebco and Needles up-cycle surplus fabrics and vintage pieces to give products a second life, whilst vastly reducing the amount going to waste...
#003
GO CHEMICAL-FREE
To keep up with a global movement towards a more sustainable environment, chemical-free options are becoming more accessible. More and more brands are going paraben, phthalates and sulfate free - but what exactly do these chemicals do? Despite their sole purposes being to improve shelf life (parabens), create bubbly lather you see in most shampoos (sodium laurel sulfate) and make plastics in cosmetics such as nail polish more flexible (phthalates), they are incredibly harsh to our bodies. They are not only drying and irritating, but these chemicals can also end up in our ocean, causing irreparable damage to wildlife and coral reefs. When looking for your next cosmetic and beauty products, opt for chemical-free options to be kinder to your body and planet. Margarte's Haeckels are a great example of a natural cosmetics brand, with a wide range of products from soap blocks, hair oil and body balm derived from seaweed . Not only that, but their packaging is also recyclable and reusable. You should also check out Grown Alchemist too, who use a new generation of organic skincare formulations comprising of natural technologies that have revolutionised the traditional approach to anti-ageing skincare, body and hair care.
#004
BUILT TO LAST
In a world of fast fashion and throwaway culture, it’s way too easy to get sucked into a cycle of high consumption and high waste. Maximising your clothes’ lifespan by selling or donating them once you are done is a great option, but it’s also important to consider the initial purchase; ask yourself, is this going to be something I will wear for years to come.
As part of our buying strategy we have always undertaken a goal of buying well made, quality clothing and goods. Quality is one of the fundamentals we look for when selecting items or choosing to work with a brand. We exist on the perimeter of the fashion industry and avoid arbitrary trends, instead looking for products that resonate with our customers and are influenced by the flow of culture. We believe these products are more meaningful and will have a longer lifespan. When selecting products we are looking for future classics. We want to identify pieces that people will be happy having in their wardrobes for life, rather than being outdated in 6 months. Over the years we have grown a group of discerning customers that understand the principles and pricing of genuine quality clothing. Our goal is to always buy pieces that have longevity in their aesthetics and production. We encourage our customers to buy better and buy less.