{"id":49870,"title":"Embracing a Sustainable Future","description":"What is the difference between slow fashion & circular fashion? What do different clothing certifications mean? Read FAQs on the latest sustainable fashion trends and the eco-friendly options available for families.","content":"

\"6xlgfaqbsjuwlkwb2wulmgdxxgnsqphqw39l8wge9p0vpcv1.png.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"Changing the Way We Shop<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>

The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, but a wave of change is underway. Several trends are driving the shift towards sustainability:<\/span><\/p>

Slow Fashion:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

What is slow fashion? This movement emphasises buying fewer, better-quality items that last longer, counteracting the fast-fashion cycle.<\/span><\/p>

Circular Fashion:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

What is circular fashion? This system focuses on keeping clothes in use for as long as possible through resale, repair, and recycling fabrics.<\/span><\/p>

Transparency & Traceability:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

Consumers are demanding more information about where their clothes come from and how they're made. Brands are responding by providing supply chain details and certifications. Here are some you might want to be aware of:<\/span><\/p>

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

This certification ensures that textiles are made from at least 70% organic fibers. It also requires compliance with environmental and social criteria throughout the entire supply chain.<\/span><\/p>

OEKO-TEX\u00ae Standard 100<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

A globally recognized certification that tests for harmful substances in textiles. Products with this label are verified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.<\/span><\/p>

bluesign\u00ae<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

This certification focuses on the environmental impact of the whole textile supply chain. It ensures that products are free from hazardous chemicals and that resources like water and energy are used responsibly.<\/span><\/p>

Cradle to Cradle Certified\u2122<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

This programme assesses products for their overall sustainability, including material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.<\/span><\/p>

Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Ensures that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to land management and from sheep that have been treated responsibly.<\/span><\/p>

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Aims to make global cotton production better for the environment and farming communities by encouraging sustainable farming practices.<\/span><\/p>

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

When applied to fashion, this certification ensures that any wood-based fabrics, like rayon or viscose, come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.<\/span><\/p>

Let\u2019s Talk About Fabrics<\/span><\/h2>

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in sustainable fashion.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Innovative fabrics offer sustainable alternatives with lower environmental impact.<\/p>

Organic Cotton: What\u2019s the difference?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Traditional cotton farming uses harmful chemicals that pollute water and harm ecosystems. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.<\/span><\/p>

Why Recycled Materials?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>

Recycled materials reduce waste and the need for virgin resources. Repurposed fabrics include examples like recycled polyester (rPET) from plastic bottles or recycled cotton scraps.<\/span><\/p>

What are Innovative Fabrics?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>

This category refers to materials like Tencel (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp), hemp, and linen. Tencel is produced in a closed-loop process, minimizing waste and water usage.<\/span>\u00a0 Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires little water and no pesticides.\u00a0 These alternatives are becoming increasingly popular as clothing companies seek to reduce their footprint.<\/p>

A Seed to Store Story<\/span><\/h2>

Sustainable fashion isn't just about the environment; it's also about the people who make our clothes. Ethical production ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights.<\/span><\/p>

Fair Trade Certifications:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>

Look for certifications like Fair Trade International, which ensure that workers receive a fair price for their labour.<\/span><\/p>

Transparency in Supply Chains:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>

Brands that are transparent about their supply chains are more likely to be committed to ethical production.<\/span>\u00a0 Check for information on factories and worker conditions.<\/p>

Supporting Small Businesses and Artisans:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>

Buying from small businesses and artisans often supports fair labour practices and traditional crafts.<\/span><\/p>

Tips on How to Make More Sustainable Choices<\/span><\/h2>

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it's a necessary shift towards a more responsible and ethical industry. By making conscious choices, you can support brands that are committed to protecting the environment and ensuring fair treatment for workers. Ready to embrace a future where fashion is both stylish and sustainable?<\/span><\/p>

These everyday habits will get you started:<\/span><\/p>

Lessen the load:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

You can extend the life of your clothes by washing them less frequently and airing them instead. When it\u2019s time for a rinse, turn your dark clothes inside out to protect against colour fading, wash your clothes in cold water, hang them to dry, and repair them (or find someone local to help you) when needed.<\/span><\/p>

Sharing is Caring:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

For special occasions, consider borrowing or renting clothing instead of buying something new.<\/span><\/p>

Quality over Quantity:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that you'll wear for years to come. Fashion always come around and it\u2019s fun to pass them on to younger members of the family when it does!<\/span><\/p>

Choose Well:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

Start prioritising eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and transparency. It\u2019s not about what\u2019s in your cupboard now but making a difference going forward, so the next time you make a purchase, consider these 3 things.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>

Discover Pre-loved:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

Secondhand doesn\u2019t need to be dull. On the contrary, have fun exploring local car boot sales and charity shops. You\u2019ll be surprised how many secondhand treasures you find!<\/span><\/p>

Expect Transparency:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>

With more knowledge about sustainability practices, you will begin to notice the many options available to you. Make a choice to support companies committed to making a difference.<\/span><\/p>

Now, Gently Does It<\/span><\/h2>

Small steps make a big difference. It\u2019s about improvement, so begin today with one of these new habits. Choose one that appeals to your personality, so it becomes something you naturally want. Make change interesting and, in doing so, you\u2019ll have a new habit that is sustainable both for you and the planet.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.\u201d Maya Angelou<\/strong><\/p>

Thank you for reading my post, I hope you found it helpful. Best wishes, Yolanda x<\/p>

About The Bridges Co-Lab:<\/em><\/p>

Hi, my name is Yolanda, but call me Yo. As a primary school teacher, I love making resources that bring big ideas to life. Fostering creativity and playfulness are all in a day\u2019s work. My latest (ad)venture is taking this love online to create green, sustainable products that celebrate wordplay, travel and nature\u2019s wonders.<\/em><\/p>

I am excited to be partnering with Teemill. Teemill is committed to organic materials, low waste technology and pollutant free production. This means I can deliver products safe from chemicals and, through sharing my design studio tool, you can start making gifts that are part of a sustainable circular economy, all designed to support the health of the planet.<\/em><\/p>

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