These are just some things I look for when finding new sustainable and ethical brands! And super helpful to check back on if you think a brand might be greenwashing!
What is the item made of?
Good materials include- organic cotton, recycled cotton, organic hemp, organic linen, Tencel, piñatex, deadstock fabric, recycled polyester (not exactly 100% sustainable, and if you don’t use a guppy bag to wash you are polluting waterways) bad materials- polyester, conventional cotton, viscose,
How much does the item cost?
To be clear, just because an item is ‘expensive’ does not mean workers are being paid fairly. But it will usually give you a good idea of pay scales. A £10 t-shirt? Let’s say a brand has a 60% profit margin- so they keep £6. Then take away the costs of producing the garment- the materials, advertising, the shipping, which is usually around 25%. So, we are now left with 15%, £1.50, to pay the garment factories, who will then take a profit and pay their worker with the rest. How do you fancy getting paid 90p to sew together a whole t-shirt? Always question a low price.
How many collections have they released?
Traditionally, brands would release two collections a year- spring/summer and autumn/winter. Now brands release clothes every week! In no way is that level of consumption sustainable.
Are they certified?
Some to look out for Fairtrade (ensures farmers are getting fair wages) GOTS (organic fibre certification), soil association (organic), confidence in textiles (tested for harmful substances), global recycle standard (certify recycled content if you’re buying recycled plastic/polyester clothing), ecolabel (environmental excellence)
What is it’s Good on You rating?
Search for any brand- this app pretty much has it all! Developed by Emma Watson, Good on You scores the brand out of 5 in labour, environment and animal. If you’re ever unsure about a brand, just search it up!
Do they disclose where their materials come from and where their factories are?
Transparency is key, if they don’t want you to know these things you can expect they are cutting corners.
Hope this helps you identify the brands that are doing the most!
sustainablejas 