Love for the Planet: Sustainable Brands Redefining Fashion
By Marie Deshayes
We want to care, we try to care, we even try to make ethical choices. But it’s not always easy with a lack of clarity. In an era where sustainability and ethics are becoming core values for consumers, it’s crucial to recognise that no one is perfect ecologically, and achieving absolute perfection is a significant challenge. However, some brands stand out for their sincere and innovative efforts to minimise the environmental impact. Meet amongst this piece Gobi Cashmere and Ekó Botanicals Skincare who distinguish themselves by combining tradition, quality, and responsibility. Easy steps towards being kinder to our planet. Read more on Love for the Planet: Sustainable Brands Redefining Fashion.
Main image on the left by AZ Zoom from Pixabay
Image from gobicashmere.com
Today, brands are undergoing a significant transformation as they strive to become more eco-responsible and environmentally conscious. Unlike in the past, when profit often took precedence over sustainability, many companies now prioritise reducing their environmental impact. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the global ecological crisis and a consumer base that increasingly values ethical practices.
Gobi Cashmere, founded in Mongolia in 1981, is renowned for its high-quality cashmere clothing and accessories. The brand stands out not only for the softness and warmth of its products but also for its commitment to radical transparency and sustainable practices. Gobi Cashmere’s collection “Responsible” features undyed cashmere, showcasing the natural hues of Mongolian goats and avoiding the use of chemical dyes. Dyes made in laboratories can be very damaging.
Image from gobicashmere.com
Gobi prioritises quality, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern manufacturing expertise to ensure their apparel is designed for longevity. Their materials are made to last, with garments designed for endurance. By eliminating middlemen and waste, Gobi offers high-quality cashmere at affordable prices. Their direct-to-consumer model ensures consumers receive value without compromising on quality or ethics.
Apinke Efiong, Founder Ekó Botanicals
The humane treatment of animals is integral to Gobi’s sustainability efforts. Their trusted herders hand-comb the goats, ensuring the animals are treated like family. This humane method, not only respects the animals but also produces more comfortable cashmere. They also work closely with nomadic herders to prevent deforestation, continuously investing in new technologies and processes to minimise environmental impact.
Image from ekoskincare.co.uk
Founded by Apinke Efiong, Ekó Botanicals Skincare offers a range of natural and sustainable skincare products inspired by traditional African and British practices. Utilizing organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, these products aim to provide effective solutions for maturing skin while respecting the environment.
The journey of Ekó Botanicals is a heartfelt tale of love and connection with nature, beginning in the lush landscapes of Lagos. As a child, Apinke was captivated by the vibrant blooms and intoxicating scents encountered on her morning walks to school. These moments of pure, natural beauty left an indelible mark, nurturing a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. This deep-seated enchantment with nature stayed with her, guiding her path and inspiring her to create skincare products that honour the earth’s timeless beauty and wisdom.
Image from ekoskincare.co.uk
As adulthood dawned, the quest for skincare products suitable for maturing and darker skin proved elusive. Despite a professional background in financial markets, there existed an undeniable gravitational pull back to botanical origins. Inspired by a familial legacy, with a great-grandfather renowned as a botanist at the esteemed Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, a journey to unearth nature’s remedial powers commenced.
They emphasise the use of nutrient-dense plant oils and botanical extracts, sustainably sourced from African and British farms. Their packaging is made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Image from ekoskincare.co.uk
Gobi Cashmere and Ekó Botanicals Skincare demonstrate that significant strides can be made towards sustainability. By combining ethical practices, natural ingredients, and radical transparency, these brands illustrate that it is possible to merge quality, tradition, and environmental responsibility. While no brand is perfect, their efforts are commendable and serve as inspiring examples in the fashion and skincare industries.
Carrying forward with this idea of Love for the Planet: Sustainable Brands Redefining Fashion and the narrative of sustainable innovation, Isomi introduces the Tejo modular sofa system, crafted from recycled cork waste. This remarkable system embodies elegance, comfort, and versatility, while also playing a vital role in preserving Portugal’s cherished cork forests. The Tejo sofa system is a heartfelt testament to the circular economy, tackling the intricate challenges of sustainable furniture design with grace and ingenuity. By embracing natural, recyclable materials like cork and natural latex, and designing for effortless disassembly and recycling, Isomi pioneers a new standard in eco-friendly furniture, merging beauty and sustainability in a way that honours and nurtures our planet.
As we conclude our discussion on eco-friendly brands, it’s important to highlight an essential resource for those passionate about sustainable fashion. “Total Ethics Fashion: People, our fellow animals and the planet before profit” by Emma Hakansson, presents a comprehensive exploration of her ‘total ethics fashion system’. This system prioritises sustainability, ethical production, and a just transition in the fashion industry.
The book addresses the misuse of terms like ‘sustainable’ and ‘ethical’ in fashion marketing and proposes creative solutions for building a more conscientious industry. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment, it serves as a call to action for meaningful change, supported by influential figures in the fashion industry.
Supporting these brands means more than just buying clothes; it’s a commitment to a vision of a better world. Each purchase becomes an opportunity to make a difference, expressing our values and showing our love for the planet. Let’s embrace eco-friendly brands with open hearts and support their efforts to create a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a positive impact through our fashion choices.
If you enjoyed reading Love for the Planet: Sustainable Brands Redefining Fashion, why not read Heal The World.
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