Sustainable clothing companies UK

We've all heard horror stories about sweat shops in Bangladesh and third world countries where workers endure poor working conditions and a meagre pay for long hours. Many brands are keen to showcase their latest fashion with celebrity endorsements but less enthusiastic about the human misery behind the gloss. In addition to the human cost there is often environmental damage associated with the use of toxic pesticides in cotton production.

Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials for clothing. However, conventionally grown cotton often involves widespread use of pesticides, which are hazardous to workers and which can pollute waterways. In areas where cotton is grown conventionally there have been many reports of health problems, including rashes, allergies and respiratory problems. Sadly, children are often used to produce cheap clothing in sweatshops and are exposed to a toxic mixture of chemicals that harms their health. In this sense, conventionally grown cotton is probably one of the least eco-friendly materials around.

Given a choice its clear that most people would opt for fashionable clothing that has been produced in a way that protects workers rights and provides fair pay, and which minimises harm to the environment. Whilst many High Street shops and clothing brands continue with unethical production methods, its reassuring to see the growing number of sustainable clothing companies now operating in the UK.

So what constitutes sustainable clothing? With so many different ways to define 'eco-friendly' its clearly not a straightforward answer. For example, does a clothing manufacturer that uses micro-plastics in its fibres but pays its workers a decent wage and good working conditions qualify?

Brands such as Lofte offer a carefully curated collection of luxury brands, influenced by Scandinavian style. Using ethically sourced materials, our selection comprises some of the most exciting brands in sustainable fashion. They donate 20% of their profits to eco-conscious charities, promising style and sustainability.

Other brands such as Kind Clothing ensure that their clothing is kinder to the earth and all her creatures. They also believe that it's more sustainable to buy 'forever tees' that are ethically made and are exceptional quality, so they'll last for years to come.

There is now a wide range of eco-friendly and sustainable clothing brands in the UK, available at reasonable prices. Instead of cheap, mass-produced High Street clothing why not opt for fashion that is stylish, unique and kinder to the environment?

You can find a wide range of sustainable clothing companies in our green directory to include childrenswear and t-shirts.

envoPAP - The Sustainable Materials Company

envoPAP make innovative, sustainable packaging and paper that’s kind to the planet. By using renewable sources—like sugarcane waste instead of wood—their production has a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional packaging, and still delivers an industry-leading product.

As a certified B Corporation, sustainability’s at the heart of their business. They balance profit and purpose, striving for ethical, eco-friendly, transparent production. They’re also committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 around sustainability, responsibility and innovation. 

Each metric tonne of envoPAPEnvopap helps save 50 trees from being chopped down for paper and packaging production. So far, they’ve saved 760,000+ trees from deforestation. By 2030, they aim to save 10 million trees across the globe, as well as empowering 1,000+ people through job opportunities and donating profits towards sustainable development. www.envopap.com/

Ethiqana – Ethical, Sustainable, Logical

Ethiqana – Ethical, Sustainable, Logical. Ethiqana is a convenient, stylish, ethical and sustainable alternative to the usual. Ethiqana are passionate about people and the planet so they get very excited about things that are ethical and sustainable. They work with small artisan producers. Economic empowerment, creative pursuit and eco-friendliness are at the heart of their mission. Their collection includes organic wooden toys, unique home décor, artistic & economical heating solutions, stylish personal accessories & beautiful greeting cards. Everything is exceptionally handcrafted by artisan heroes so everything is truly unique. Also, every sale contributes to a worthy project through Buy1Give1, at no cost to you! www.ethiqana.com

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Covid and the Environment. The Overlooked Connection.

Dr Gary Robertshaw

Listening to the depressing news about the Coronavirus pandemic and the havoc it has wreaked on lives and economies around the globe, its easy to think that it was unavoidable. Certainly, none of the mainstream media give any meaningful acknowledgement of the association between pandemics and the way we treat the planet. Parallels are often drawn with the Spanish Influenza of 1918 and the cyclical nature of pandemics. However, such parallels are misleading. Whilst pandemics are cyclical, both the probability and frequency of pandemics occurring are inextricably linked to the destructive impact of human overpopulation and environmental degradation.

According to the New Scientist [1], for every star in the known universe, there are at least 10 million viruses on Earth! Viruses are so small that more than 100 million can fit on a pinhead. Compared to viruses, humans are thus massively outnumbered. There is an undeniable relationship between virus transmission and the number of humans on the planet, increased globalisation and human impingement on virus-harbouring wildlife habitats.

As the human population grows inexorably upwards, deforestation, hunting, wildlife trade and conversion of land for agriculture are exposing more people to zoonotic diseases whereby viruses spread from animals to humans. According to a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society [2], the causes of wildlife population declines have facilitated the transmission of animal viruses to humans. The UN has also warned that up to one million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity. The stakes could not be higher.

When we destroy Nature we destroy ourselves. Global markets and the stampede to foster economic growth ignore this simple yet powerful tenet. As we have seen, markets are defenceless in the face of a rapidly spreading virus. Another pandemic involving a more virulent virus in the next few years would result in economic collapse.

Wherever overpopulation occurs, Nature will always seek to redress the balance. Human overpopulation and destruction of wildlife habitats present viruses with greater transmission opportunities. As James Lovelock, originator of the Gaia theory, has said "We are an opportunity for the virus... If you go on building up the population, it's almost inevitable." Cruel and dirty factory farming of animals for meat production is also providing a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and is a ticking timebomb. Reducing meat consumption, reducing family sizes, cutting carbon emissions and buying sustainable products from eco friendly companies can all have a positive impact.

In today's civilised societies, we are shielded from carnivorous predators and our legal and security services seek to protect us from harming each other. We feel safe and separated from the ravages of Nature. Yet this is an illusion. We are part of a vast eco-system, only the predators now are different.

Nature is vastly more powerful than all human ingenuity and technology combined. We can change our destructive ways and look to build a more sustainable future, or Nature can make the changes herself. The choice is ours.

[1] Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24833104-300-the-race-to-find-and-stop-viruses-that-could-cause-the-next-pandemic/#ixzz6ez5Obcer

[2] Global shifts in mammalian population trends reveal key predictors of virus spillover risk, https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2736

[3] James Lovelock: Gaia theory creator on coronavirus and turning 101 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-53644147

JUMP - Eco Friendly Print and Design Services

JUMP are proud to be certified by The World Land Trust as a Carbon Balanced Printer. With the aid of in-house solar power, they can provide the highest quality FSC certified materials and print using vegetable-based inks, in a carbon neutral environment; producing zero emissions and zero waste to landfill. As one of the few UK Carbon Balanced Printers, they measure their carbon output to offset emissions through dedicated environmental projects. JUMP Design and Print’s mission is to deliver the highest quality, creative Design and Print Services across the UK; smartly, sustainably, and mindfully. Visit: www.jumpdp.com

Beluga whales Little Grey and Little White move into their sea sanctuary...

The ultimate carbon capture solution

Dr Gary Robertshaw

Looking around the moors in the North of England its striking how windswept and desolate the landscape looks. But it hasn't always been like that. England was once covered by lush forests after the last ice age, populated by oak, hazel, birch, pine and many other types of trees. Much of this was cleared in the name of economic development from early settlers using it for sustainable pasture and cultivation to modern machinery destroying huge swathes such as that for the HS2 project.

Sadly, according to the Woodland Trust, the UK now has only around 13% of its land covered by trees. This is woefully inadequate and far short of the 19% target the government has set by 2050 to meet its net-zero climate change targets.

Whilst there are many well-intentioned and indeed highly effective initiatives underway such as the offshore windfarm boom, it still remains the case that trees are one of the simplest and most powerful weapon in the fight against climate change. Trees can be considered the ultimate carbon capture method; a young wood with mixed native species can lock up to 400 tonnes of carbon per hectare (or 10,000 square metres). Tree planting has also been shown to be highly effective against flooding and reducing pollution.

It's both amazing and depressing to know that such a simple and highly effective method is at our disposal, allowing us to meet our net-zero target in the UK, yet its not widely acknowledged. The ultimate carbon capture solution - plant more trees (many more!) 

A response to George Monbiot’s Guardian Population Column

George Monbiot’s position on population can be summarized as, “Don’t worry about fertility rates. They are not the real problem and it’s racist to say they are.” He points out, correctly, that climate change and other environmental impacts are mainly due to people in rich countries and that poverty and violence come in large part from the exploitation of the poor. He thinks it is racist to worry about population growth in Africa and other poor countries.

Read the full article here

Pareto principle - solution to the environmental crisis?

Dr Gary Robertshaw

The Pareto Principle is named after the economist Vilfredo Pareto. In its broadest sense it states that 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes. It's also commonly known as the 80/20 rule. For example, in a business context, 80% of sales coming from 20% of a company's customers. The precise split may change and the 80/20 rule is not always exact, but in essence the principle makes the point that there is an unequal relationship between inputs and outputs. 'Not all customers are equal'.

Pareto also has wider applications in areas such as biology and problem solving. It's very often the case that small changes to one specific area can cause significant overall changes. In an environmental setting, take bees as an example. Whilst only one insect amongst the huge number of different insect species, if bees were to go extinct then it would have quite profound consequences for food production.

Likewise, it could be argued that a relatively small number of changes could have a significant impact on the planet. Two such changes are beef consumption and family planning.

1. Replacement of beef with viable plant-based substitutes

Beef production requires massive amounts of land, energy, and water, and is fuelling destruction of the rainforests – the lungs of the Earth. Globally, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all the world’s transportation systems combined! As well as deforestation, it also takes 48 times as much water to produce beef compared to vegetables.

2. Greater education and empowerment of girls

The human population is growing unsustainably and putting huge pressure on natural resources, which are being consumed faster than being replaced. Where girls are better educated as children, and treated as equal to men in adulthood, with freedom of choice in marriage and access to freely available contraception then birth rates tend to decline. There are many good examples of this correlation.

Currently, there is a lack of political will and investment to address point 1, which is why we are rapidly losing the rainforests as they are cleared for rearing cattle. In tandem, there is religious resistance to point 2. Many patriarchal societies sadly prefer the status quo.

Taken in combination, these two changes alone would have a dramatic impact on the well-being of the planet. Of course, other positive actions also play a part such as eliminating plastics, tree planting, protecting endangered species, renewable energy and cutting carbon emissions, and many other laudable initiatives.

The point though, is to move away from the erroneous notion that saving the planet is too difficult and that many complex changes are needed. In fact, a few small changes in order of priority, following the Pareto Principle, would make a major difference.

Green and Ethical Investments

Financial advisors in my area – finding ethical advisors, green and ethical investments

Banks and financial advisor practices are always keen to churn out statistics on returns, x% on this bond, y% on ISAs, etc.. but as an eco-conscious consumer how do you know what they are investing in and its impact on the planet?

Many investors are sadly unaware of the impact of their savings and investments on the environment.

Is a good return on your investment worth losing endangered species, losing the rainforests and displacement on millions of people due to rising sea levels caused by global warming? Does investing in ethical funds mean smaller returns? How should these be balanced?

There are a growing number of advisor practices that work exclusively on green and ethical investments, that provide stable and good returns whilst minimising harm to the planet. The rapidly expanding offshore wind industry being one such example. In fact, according to a report by Imperial College London, offshore wind power is now so cheap that it could actually pay money back to consumers. Investing ethically means not funding fossil fuel industries, tobacco companies, arms industries, new coal mines, deforestation, polluting industries, oppressive regimes and countries with poor human rights.

More investments going into the burgeoning green economy helps to protect the planet and the future of our children, creating new jobs and improving the overall quality of life and well-being. Next time you think about investing or moving your investments why not speak to a financial advisor who specialises in this area?

The Fair Trade Store

The Fair Trade Store is a UK-based online shop dedicated to bringing you Fair Trade products and gifts, bags, jewellery, fashion accessories, homeware and more – all handmade in the developing world. Trading since 2009 they now have thousands of happy customers. The products they sell are unique and not readily available in supermarkets or department stores, which allows you the opportunity to purchase something special. By shopping with The Fair Trade Store you are just a few steps away from artisans in some of the world`s poorest communities. Your purchase helps transform trade and change lives. How good is that?

Visit www.thefairtradestore.co.uk

Call 01704 569111

Email: enquiries@thefairtradestore.co.uk

Ethical Money

Ethical Money helps conscientious investors avoid fossil fuels, weapons and other unwanted sectors and only invest in companies working towards a sustainable future. Fully FCA regulated investments for your pension, ISA, investment account, Bond or Trust. Lower your carbon footprint with ethical investments. Independent advice from regulated advisers helps you pinpoint investments that align with your beliefs. Ethical solutions are now easier to access and with competitive costs and performance there is no need to compromise your returns for your beliefs.

Get in touch to find out more on 023 8000 3456

www.ethical.money

Milam

At Milam mattress they make completely natural and green, amazingly designed, high quality bedding products that are certified to the strictest environmental criteria. Their main product is a premium category latex mattress and they also have alpaca wool duvets, pillows and organic cotton bed linen in their portfolio www.milammattress.co.uk

Contact: hello@milammattress.co.uk

Telephone: 020 3488 4106

What is a green economy?

Sainsbury's plastic policy - they couldn't care less

Mama Nature

Mama Nature are an award winning eco-friendly, organic skin care company that freshly prepares all products by hand. They just can’t help their mothering instinct to nurture, help and protect. Because their diverse range of products are innovative, revolutionary and life changing they are recommended by Dermatologists, Mid-wives and Health Visitors.

They care about your well-being and that’s why they refuse to fill their products full of synthetic ingredients. They are leading the way in the use of natural and organic ingredients in skin care. Everyone needs a Mama LOL. www.mama-nature.co.uk

Nilaqua

Nilaqua is a range of “towel off” personal care products, which allows you to wash effectively without additional water or rinsing. Easily removing mud sweat and odours. Just apply, massage and towel dry. Each bottle replaces the need for hundreds of litres of water, is recyclable and multi-use. Nilaqua also offers waterless hand hygiene with refillable dispensers which means you never have to bin plastic pouches again. The inert water based formula still kills a high spec of germs and used daily in the NHS.

www.nilaqua.co.uk/how-can-i-save-water/

Ingle & Rhode

Ingle & Rhode is an ethical fine jeweller, specialising in engagement and wedding rings. They use only certified recycled or Fairtrade gold and platinum in their jewellery, and only ethically-produced gemstones, including lab-created diamonds. They don’t agree with sweatshops or production lines. Their rings are all made individually in the UK, and their craftsmen and women are amongst the most respected in the industry. The exceptional quality of their materials and craftsmanship mean that they create exquisite pieces of jewellery backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Ingle & Rhode believe that the finest jewellery shouldn’t be the preserve of the wealthy few, and offer exceptional value to all of their clients. They’ll work to your budget, whether modest or generous, to create a future heirloom. They understand that buying a piece of fine jewellery isn’t something you do every day. They provide expertise and advice in a relaxed environment, and they are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all of their clients. www.ingleandrhode.co.uk

Sleep Organic

Sleep Organic is an online luxury bedding store with a difference! They create and provide original design duvet covers, matching pillowcases and flat and fitted sheets. They exclusively use certified organic and fairtrade cotton of the finest quality (percale and sateen) giving you peace of mind that your night’s sleep won’t cost the earth! In addition to classic white, navy blue piping and stylish silver line embroidered duvet covers, they offer cat, dog and bunny themes for the animal lovers among you. Their embroidered lavender flowers design is also a popular choice. Come visit and see for yourself! www.sleeporganic.co.uk

Contact: customer.service@sleeporganic.co.uk

Telephone: 020 7965 7362

Bamigo

Bamigo is an eco-friendly, sustainable supplier and retailer of men’s clothing line hand-crafted from bamboo viscose fibre. Their products include bamboo underwear, sportswear, socks, T-shirts, and loungewear which are silky-soft, breathable, comfortable and handmade. Bamigo’s collection is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, crease-free and is a perfect fit for the modern man.

Bamigo is certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Website: https://bamigo.com/gb/

Contact Email: info@bamigo.com

Phone: 01604 300121

Fair trade t-shirts

Ethical, fashionable and funky fair trade t-shirts to suit every taste! Made without using child labour or sweat shops. Materials used include hemp, bamboo and organic cotton – pesticide free and without harming the planet or involving exploitation.

Did you know? Conventionally grown cotton is the second most pesticide-laden crop in the world? It takes approximately 150g of chemicals to grow enough cotton to make just one t-shirt. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown in certified pesticide-free and herbicide-free soil, using organic farming methods, which produce healthier fabrics, preserve the quality of our water and prevent toxins from entering the human food chain in the form of cottonseed and other byproducts.

Fair trade t-shirts are worn by an increasing number of celebrities and are becoming more mainstream.

“When some high-sounding institute states that a compound is harmless or a process free of risk, it is wise to know whence the institute or the scientists who work there obtain their financial support.” – Lancet, editorial on the “medical-industrial complex,” 1973

Hippie Pants

Hippie-Pants is a fair-trade yoga and meditation brand. It produces pants, kimonos and shirts in small batches in Thailand from where it ships globally to its customers. Founded in 2015, the company began by offering the yoga market a comfortable and sustainable alternative to leggings, before branching out to menswear and accessories. The brand offers a fair trade guarantee to protect its local designers and collaborates with NGOs to support a socially responsible, environmentally conscious operation. Hippie Pants products are also vegan-friendly being made only from locally sourced cotton, bamboo rayon and wood.

Email: info@hippie-pants.com/
Website: www.hippie-pants.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaihippiepants/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team.hippiepants/

Climate crisis - what climate crisis?

"Climate change itself is probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm.” -Tony Abbott, Former Australian Prime Minister in 2017