We need to be more like these sustainable brands!

We need to be more like these sustainable brands!

by Ramneet Kaur Maras | Editor | @thefinder._

With the weather being abnormal for the time of year it is, from droughts, forest fires and floods countries are experiencing, we need to ask ourselves a question. Are we doing enough to reverse the damage that has been done? Thankfully, there are brands out there who are trying to make that effort and I am putting a special spotlight on the luxury and affordable brands that are about sustainable and ethical fashion.

Zeeba Scarf Print Scarf

TARA Blouse

STROLLER Womens Stormy Sea

Fire & Hide Large Post Bag

Elvis and Kresse are definitely your parent’s favourite child. They rescue raw materials including decommissioned firehoses, turning them into luxury lifestyle accessories and donate 50% of profits back to charities. That’s right, you just read “50% back to charity” and “luxury” in the same sentence!

Fire & Hide Clutch Bag

Jannika Blouse Midnight Navy

V&A Cosmic Print Shirt Dress

Recycled Florence Authentic Straight Leg Jeans

Suki Stripe Trousers

INTERVIEW TIME!

In our search for brands taking an environmental and ethical stand, we found BIDBI (Bag It Don't Bin It). They are a manufacturing company based in Sheffield, who product customised tote bags we all want and need. We got the opportunity to speak with their Marketing Manager, Arnika Bhupal to explore their ethical and sustainable range and more.

1. What’s the inspiration/ethos behind Bidbi?

BIDBI was founded with the environment in mind, tackling the problem of being both fashionable and sustainable with many high street shops being some of our first clients.

2. What kind of fabrics/materials are you using?

All our bags are made using 100% natural cotton. We offer this in various varieties: jute, Juco and Canvas. We only work with natural materials.

3. How important is it that Bidbi is Fairtrade certified and the source of ethical labour from a sustainable supply chain?

It is, arguably, one of the most important aspects of BIDBI. Making sure our bags are made by individuals who are fairly treated and paid a living wage is a key pillar of our company ethos.

4. How did you get the Fairtrade certification mark?

You need to go through a rigorous auditing process to meet their high operating standards. The certification offers a mark of commitment to environmental sustainability, empowerment of smallscale producers and fair and safe working conditions. We only use the mark on items that are certified Fairtrade cotton, where everyone in the supply chain is subject to the same strict standard.

5. Can you tell us the last thing you bought that was ethically or environmentally sustainable and why did you choose it?

I bought a pair of trousers from a charity shop. I rarely buy new clothes as I am aware of the massive problem with fast fashion. When I buy clothes from charity shops, I feel a lot less guilty as it is much less wasteful, they are second/third hand and I am also helping the charity!

6. For customers who do not want to place an order of 200 bags, is there somewhere they can purchase 1 bag?

We have a sister company called Doodle Bag (doodle-bag.com), where you can buy 1-200 units. This is great if you only need a few bags for a Hen Do or if you want to personalise a gift!

7. Why are you concerned with ensuring that the workers in the partner factories in India are supported?

Roughly, what is the number of times a year your team visit the factories? Child labour, exploitation, and poor working conditions are rife in developing nations. There is no need to treat other people poorly. Our directors visit the factories at least once a year, to keep up a good working relationship and to also make sure we know where our bags come from! We also ensure that we have all the up to date accreditation certificates for all the partner factories and any auditing notes so we can pass on our confidence to our customers.

8. What sets you apart from other companies?

The quality of our bags is second to none. Our director works closely with the factories in developing each bag style and ensuring the quality of each product we bring to market is head and shoulders above our competitors.

9 . What is your most popular item?

Hmm, that is a tough one but I think it would have to be our Luxury Shopper Bag.