By being more conscious with our shopping choices, from brands as well as how we shop, we can invest in new pieces whilst taking steps to minimise the industry's carbon footprint and help reinforce ethical practices too – all without compromising on our own style and taste.

Some brands gain their sustainable reputation through the choice of fabrics they use, opting for recycled materials or natural fabrics that biodegrade at the end of their life-cycle. Others focus on reducing waste, for example making pieces to order or in very small batches, to reduce their carbon footprint.

Our Marketing Executive Ellen Waters shares 5 clothing/lifestyle brands that are working hard to be more sustainable and lessen their impact on the environment

Boden

Boden are aware that the fashion industry has a lot to answer for when it comes to taking care of our planet. Boden promises:

• By this Autumn 95% of their womenswear clothing will be polyester free or made from recycled polyester.
• 60% of their cotton currently comes from more sustainable sources and by 2023 it will be 100%.
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• In 2021, an estimated 617 million litres of water were saved thanks to their sourcing of Better Cotton.

Over the last decade they’ve donated over £1.5 million (and lots and lots of clothes) to various different charities, including;

• The Charlie Walker Trust educates and supports young people (and those with responsibility for them) about their mental health and wellbeing.
• British baby banks and multiple ‘pass it on’ recycling schemes to ensure none of their products end up in landfill.

To find out more visit: www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/sustainability

Tala

Founded by fitness influencer and entrepreneur Grace Beverley, TALA was put together to fill the gaps in Grace’s own wardrobe and to deliver what she thought the industry was missing: sustainably-produced activewear.

TALA focuses on not letting you down on performance, flattering fits, quality or style, and without the hefty price tag. TALA have taken a more sustainable approach by:

• Using a high proportion of eco-friendly materials, including upcycled materials.
• Using recycled packaging.
• Making use of Eco-friendly materials
• Limiting the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production.
• Educating their audience on fitness, mental health and self-care
• Educating their consumers on the importance of sustainability, by providing guides on how to shop more sustainably, allocating blogger sustainability ambassadors and collaborating with other eco-friendly brands. TALA is using the power of social media to highlight the importance of being more wary of our carbon footprint.

To find out more visit: https://www.wearetala.com/

Pangaia

Materials science company, Pangaia claim that they are on a mission to save our environment. Through creating essential products from innovative tech and bio-engineered materials, their goal is to “Design an Earth-positive future, together.”

The brand’s name also reflects their values: Pan- All-inclusive, especially in relation to the whole of a continent, racial group or religion. Gaia- Mother Earth. Pangaia may have a luxury price tag, however they use a majority of eco-friendly materials, including upcycled materials. They also use low impact non-toxic dyes in all of their products.

Pangaia also uses compostable packaging. Through the use of eco-friendly materials, they are limiting the amount of water and wastewater used in production.

To find out more visit: https://pangaia.com/pages/impact-climate-action

Lounge Underwear

Carbon neutral underwear and loungewear brand, Lounge’s CEO, Dan Marsden discusses their sustainability journey: "Taking big steps to become a more sustainable brand was an easy decision for us. Building a company that takes responsibility for its impact on the world was not a choice for us, it was simply black and white. We are by no means done with our journey on becoming a greener company, but this is not done from a shallow CSR point of view - we are genuinely passionate about making a difference for everyone's future."

Lounge are working on various sustainability projects including:

• Supporting reforestation and renewable energy in countries such as India and China.
• Partnering with Delta Simons on their net-zero carbon journey. They are working alongside each other to continually reduce their environmental impact in the upcoming months and years.
• Taking the steps to make all their packaging and some of their products planet-friendly. This includes 100% recycled materials being used for packaging inserts, mailing bags, gift boxes and more.

To find out more visit: https://loungeunderwear.com/pages/sustainability

HURR

Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries, therefore rental is a great option to reduce waste. A lot of people tend to fall into the habit of buying items for a specific occasion, and never wearing it again or throwing it away. As well as being a rental service, Hurr also reuse their packaging and use a green dry cleaning company.

Hurr are also proud members of Ecologi , a group which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of each of their employees, as well as offsetting any business travel.

Offset calculates the amount of CO2 emissions Hurr produces as individuals within the company, and allows them to offset those emissions with monetary donations to projects that work to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

To find out more visit: https://www.hurrcollective.com/

We would love to hear from you on your recommendations of sustainable fashion and lifestyle brands. Please get in touch; marketing@parliament-hill.co.uk