This is why you should care about sustainability
You’ve probably heard the terms sustainability, going green, carbon emissions and climate change. Here are the brands that care about it and how you can get involved.
So, what is it?
Sustainability means protecting the environment, halting climate change and preserving the earth for future generations under three pillars: environmental, social and economic. We look after the environment by adopting new ways of engaging with our surroundings, such as committing to renewable energy, saving water, buying pre-loved clothes to reduce carbon emissions, going plastic-free and driving less.
It promotes social development and improves our quality of life. Industries are achieving economic growth as more organisations find innovative ways to contribute to sustainable development.
Fashion brands elevating the conversation
ADIDAS has been a change maker for over 20 years and has committed to creating sustainable active wear. It produced the first sustainability report and will help end plastic waste. As a result, the brand has forged a partnership with Parley for the Oceans to use recycled debris and certified fabrics. It made half of its collections of recycled polyester, and has pledged to eliminate all virgin plastics by 2024. Its targets for 2025 and beyond include scaling sustainable, low-impact product and intensifying the management of its human rights approach.
LEVI’S By 2025, the brand wants to be using 100% sustainably sourced cotton, having 100% renewable energy in Levi’s-owned and -operated facilities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% across its entire supply chain. It’s also pioneering innovative, durable fabrics (such as cotton-hemp) that require less waste and resources to produce, and has partnered with suppliers and local organisations on their Worker Well-being program, an initiative that focuses on financial wellness, health, family and equality.
COTTON ON released its 2021 Good Report, and its results indicate a positive trajectory. According to the report, the brand has achieved 84% of its 2023 target to wash 100% of its denim using water-reduction processes. It released a Cotton On Foundation water bottle in Australia and New Zealand to replace plastic water bottles, made from 100% aluminium, including 70% recycled aluminium – it’s also resealable and infinitely recyclable. Cotton On has significantly reduced using plastics across its operations by launching poly bags and postage satchels made from over 90% recycled plastic waste and converting to 100% recycled paper swing tags and care labels made from 100% recycled plastic waste. As part of its Ethical Sourcing program, it launched the 14 Rules to Trade to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone in its supply chain. Its admirable goals include switching to renewable energy by 2030 and making 100% of its products with sustainable attributes by 2030.
H&M has committed to reducing textile waste through its Garment Collecting initiative, inviting consumers to bring their pre-loved garments to one of its stores to be recycled instead of throwing them away. It makes its clothes with organic cotton and encourages farmers to adopt organic production.
6 ways to play your part
1. Save energy. Switch off appliances you’re not using.
2. Use renewable energy.
3. Power your home with renewable energy, such as solar power and wind energy, to reduce carbon emissions.
4. Wear sustainable clothing. Shop at thrift stores and sustainable clothing outlets.
5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products, environmentally friendly ones.
6. Recycle and Reuse. Use separate bins and reuse products for numerous purposes before disposing of them.
Useful apps: Joinin, Refresh & Go Green and Sustainability Aware