Sustainability
"Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance."
Environmental sustainability is defined as the process of responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long term environmental quality. It is of course important for us to reach our current needs but we don't need to compromise the needs of future generations. Environmental sustainability effects all of us and below are some reasons why we should all try to do our own part to force others to do the same.
• Environmental Quality – For living beings on Earth to survive, we need clean air, natural resources and a nontoxic environment.
• Healthcare – Sustainability and health are complexly related since the efficiency of our environment effects the quality of public health. For example, bad air or water quality can result in many health issues.
• Growth – The worlds population and assets continues to grow, so we require more natural resources such as energy, water, food and space. Sustainability aims to use our natural resources more efficiently and make them last without depletion or degradation.
Our Part
In 2018 we launched our first product, the EMB Tee. Since the beginning we have tried to use natural fabrics and making all our t-shirts of 100% cotton and using water based prints.
The habits at Jaslar Pearl since the beginning has been to constantly improve and grow, meaning that improvements must be made before new products can be released.
Once discovering how harmful the fashion industry can be to the environment, the conscious decision was made to improving the brand by coming up with new ways to run the business as sustainably as possible.
Since then we have spent a lot of time sourcing or custom manufacturing new fabrics that are natural and organic, or if we are forced to use synthetics we are strictly using RPET fabrics.
The word RPET stands for "recycled polyethylene terephthalate". Our RPET fabric is made of recycled water bottles that are first cut into small pieces which is melted into yarn and then woven into fabrics, this process is shown in the image below. We do this as a more sustainable way to use unwanted plastics to help keep pollution out of the ocean and landfill.
The cotton that we have begun to use is known as "Organic Cotton", organic cotton is GMO(Genetically Modified Organism) free and uses less water than standard cotton. Also our organic cotton does NOT involve the use of chemicals and pesticides which subsequently hurts the environment.
At the brand Jaslar Pearl, We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our brand sustainability and minimise our environmental foot print. So keep an eye out on what is to come next by tuning in to our socials.
What you can do
Fabrics
It is important to check the fabrics of clothes before you buy them, not only are synthetic fabrics worse for the environment but also it is possible to result in skin irritation depending on the fabrics fibres and construction. As a more sustainable option try to always go for the natural alternative or look for brands that use recycled fabrics. You can check your clothes construction by looking inside the item at the "Care Label". This label generally tells you how to look after the clothes but also describes the materials used in manufacturing, it will often look like the image below.
We have comprised a list below of natural and synthetic fabrics to help you make a more educated decision on what clothes to buy.
Natural
- Bamboo - Bamboo is great for body insulation in cold weather but is also cool in hot weather as it is highly water absorbent and draws water away from the skin.
- Cotton - Cotton is the most popular fabric used in clothing manufacturing. It is generally very soft on the skin and helps retain heat in colder weather but good quality cotton allows airflow through breathable construction.
- Hemp - Hemp is typically a good natural water repellent and extremely water resistant, withstanding harsh conditions for large periods of time.
- Silk - Silk is usually low in density and makes for light clothing and garments. This is why silk is great for summer as it stays cool in warmer weather and environments. Silk is also very durable as it is the strongest natural fibre available.
- Wool - Wool is extremely warm so is best worn in colder weather. It also has good elasticity and flexibility. Although wool is a natural resource and doesn't damage the environment directly, sheep farming generates large amounts of green-house gas emissions.
Synthetic
- Nylon - Nylon is constructed of artificial polyamide. It is very strong in durability, high elasticity and lightweight. It is also very easy to wash as dirt doesn't stick to it due to the oils and thermoplastic coating.
- Polyester - Polyester is like the cotton of synthetic fabrics being the more popular fabric used in clothing. It is very soft, strong and quick drying. It is often used in blends with cotton to make things like hoodies or sweatshirts.
- Polypropylene - Polypropylene has very high insulation properties and is often used for things like ski and snow gear. It is also strong and resistant to abrasion.
- Elastane - Elastane also known as spandex or lycra is extremely elastic, very light and doesn't absorb water or oils. Elastane is often used with other materials to increase the clothes elasticity.
- Viscose - Viscose is made of regenerated cellulose and has very similar characteristics as silk in its lustrous appearance.
Groceries
Australia contributes approximately 67 MILLION TONNES of waste each year a lot of which ends up in landfill. We can reduce each households waste production by starting in the supermarket with packaging. If you think about it, you buy a packet of chips that has smaller packets of chips and you put it in a plastic bag or put fruit in a plastic bag and then in another plastic bag, it's unnecessary. So when grocery shopping try to buy products with less packaging where possible. Where not possible steer towards food packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable, but MAKE SURE YOU RECYCLE IT. Theres no point buying something recyclable if you don't recycle it as it just ends up in landfill otherwise. Don't buy/get plastic shopping bags even if they are "re-useable", they will eventually break and end up in landfill. If you bring your own bags made of things like cotton they are a lot more durable than plastic and they are also bio-degradable.
It is also beneficial to buy less meat, we aren't telling you to become vegan but to eat plant based foods where possible. Cattle farming makes more green-house gas pollution than all global transport put together. Technologies are getting better day by day in making plant based foods taste, smell and even sound(when cooked) more like real meat than ever before so why not give some a try?
Transport
Vehicles whether cars, boats, trains or planes all make up approximately 15% of global climate change pollution. We understand that not everyone has the privilege of working at home or close enough to walk/ride a bike, but if we all try to limit our driving and catch public transport and walk/ride a bike where possible we can make gradually difference.
Sustainable Brands
Although not all brands think sustainability is as important as we do there are some brands out there who have similar values to us and try to do their part. We have curated this list so you can shop with ease knowing they care about the things you do.
Furniture
Avocado - Avocado specialises in mattresses and other furniture made of non-toxic, natural and organic materials.
Burrow - Burrow builds furniture with sustainably-sourced hardwood, durable steel latches, non-toxic cushions, and durable fabrics.
Medley - Medley sells furniture made of non-toxic, eco friendly furniture whilst leaving plenty of room to improve their processes in making them more sustainable.
Thuma - Thuma focus on building eco-friendly beds made of environmentally friendly, up-cycled and repurposed materials. They also focus on the sustainability of the factories they chose to make their product and the packaging they use.
Clothing
Adidas - Because Adidas is such a large global brand they aren't able to completely change overnight. For the past 20 years they have made an effort to become a more sustainable brand. The global brand has ambitions of cutting down half the amount of water used in their factories and phase out virgin plastic in manufacturing.
EBYAK - EBYAK is a streetwear brand based in London with a focus on sustainability committed to sourcing environmentally conscious. They aim to enrich the world and support it for the future.
Patagonia - "We're in business to save our home planet" thats Patagonias mission statement and doesn't that about say it all?
RÆBURN - RÆBURN designs luxurious streetwear with every business decision underpinned by their 4 R’s: RÆMADE, RÆDUCED, RÆCYCLED and RÆBURN.
Satta - Satta is a UK brand inspired by nature and captivated by the city. They focus on small production of products produced natural and sustainable materials with a holistic approach.
Stella Mcartney - You have most likely heard of this family, Stellas mother Linda was an animal rights activist and is now the name behind a plant based meat alternative(They make great sausage rolls). You might of heard of her father Paul who was part of a little band called The Beatles. The Stella McCartney brand is a designer label that has a focus on sustainability from the products they release to the office supplies in their stores.
Timberland - Timberland guided by a higher purpose mainly manufactures waterproof work style boots made of responsibly sourced materials like recycled plastic and rubber. They also have a clothing line where they try to use 100%organic cotton where possible.
Veja - Veja makes beautifully crafted sneakers made of eco-friendly materials. They have a range of vegan leather sneakers made of recycled plastic and the soles are made of organic rubber from rubber trees in the amazon.
Groceries
Good Culture - Good culture makes dairy products made on natural, non gmo ingredients. The milk comes from grass-fed respected free roam cows. Their packaging is 100% recyclable.
Just Water - Just water sells bottled sustainably sourced 100% spring water in packaging made of plant based plastic. The bottles are manufactured of 82% renewable resources, materials that grow back.
Linda McCartney's - Linda McCartney was an animal activist that believed in great tasting, honest meat free food that shared pleasure that eating well could bring. Their packaging is also 96.4% plastic free.
Loving Earth - Loving earth make chocolate from cacao which has been grown by the Ashaninka community, in the remote forest at the source of the Amazon River in Peru, the place where cacao originated. They are an ethically driven company that believes food is sacred. They make healthy indulgence in a way that is good for the planet with their sustainable packaging and processes.
No Evil Foods - No evil foods is a great way to start eating less meat. They are leading the pack for environmentally sustainable, plant-based meats that feed and fuel the movement toward a better food system.
Tideford - Tideford have taken their love for vegetarian, gluten free food and decided to make vegan soups, sauces and misos all in recyclable packaging but they are looking to stop the use of plastic altogether. Everything they make is gluten free, meat free, nut free, organic and wheat free.