Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and is estimated to be responsible for between 4% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions every year. There simply has never been a more crucial time for brands and consumers to embrace sustainability. How, where and what we buy is integral to the environmental impact on the world. But with so much choice, green-washing and general confusion, how do we make the right decisions? The following brands make it easy; sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do, so by being conscious of what you buy, you can continue to shop with an (environmentally) clear conscience.
Donate and rotate
Peep Eyewear believes the future of frames needs to be low waste and circular. It sources the best pre-loved and vintage frames on the market, then repairs, restores and recycles, giving perfectly good frames a new lease of life. You can even donate old frames, which the company will upcycle or fix before re-selling. If they cannot be fixed, they will recycle or reuse the parts for frame repairs. Less landfill and more unique eyewear make it a great option for patients. For every pair sold, Peep will even help offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree.
Get the hemp
As the name suggests, Hemp Eyewear’s frames are made from an innovative hemp fibre material that is both strong and light, so perfect for making glasses. Hemp is an amazing natural resource. It needs hardly any water to grow, can thrive in bad soil, diverse climates and can even be grown without the intensive use of pesticides. Handmade in its Edinburgh studio, this small team of sustainability enthusiasts are changing the industry status quo by creating viable, fossil-fuel free eyewear that looks great, is totally original and kind to the planet.
Rental revolution
When striving for a more a sustainable future, there can be no place for fast-fashion. Low-cost, mass-produced clothes are a blight on the planet’s resources and produce up to 92 million tonnes of toxic waste per year. Renting clothes, buying pre-loved or vintage is a perfect antidote and companies such as Hurr, ByRotation, OnLoan and Depop are gradually changing the attitudes of fashion lovers around the world. This shift in consumer behaviour is a movement, not a moment in time and one that deserves every success.
Pineapple express
Immaculate Vegan is pushing for a greener future. It selects the best and most beautiful vegan products in the world and makes it easy for people to discover and buy them. Featuring only ethical, sustainable fashion brands who use 100% cruelty free materials, as well as implementing sustainable manufacturing and ethical treatment of their workers. It is a curation of the best in the business. This fold over clutch is not only a design classic but is made from Pinatex – an innovative leather substitute made from the waste of pineapple leaves. Guilt-free purchasing at its best.
Marginal gains
Small changes to our lifestyles can have a monumental effect on the planet. Georganics produces a collection of oral care products accessible to everyone. Everything it does is aimed at minimising the environmental impact of this essential daily routine and by utilising compostable and reusable packaging it has made a low-impact lifestyle a reality for everyone. Brushing your teeth will never feel or taste better.
Hear it on the wire
The waste generated by almost all traditional eyewear manufacturing techniques is frightening. Most ‘plastic’ frames are cut from a sheet of acetate, which typically produces 65-70% of (plastic) waste. Wires Glasses is trying to do things differently. By 3D printing outer rims and using a simple stainless-steel wire for the frame, it has produced a line of zero waste eyewear that is still winning in the style stakes. Simple, clever and super cool – this is sustainable fashion done right.
