The high street, as you know has taken a battering over the past 6 months. We have lost names such as Woolworths, Wittards, Zavvi, Adams and Morgan and don’t be surprised to see more fall before the recession of 2008 is over. These are indeed sad times for those directly associated with these companies either as employees, directors, suppliers, customers or founders. However in reality we must look upon this as an opportunity to create something better.
Yes, we associate these names with our high street, our childhood and much more the nostalgia could be endless, but if we take even a brief look at history the shops that we know and are losing today played absolutely no role in the retail market of 1850, the early 1900’s or even in the 1950’s. Our retail market has a distinct short term life span and we should realise that beyond a small number of exceptions such as Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis who you will notice have a diverse product range and pitch themselves as department stores, our high street is built for a high turnover and will continue to operate that way.
Stores will come and stores will go unless like the above they adapt to change and provide services and products that are diverse enough to weather the bad times of short term product demand slumps and able to take advantage of product demand peaks. The leaders and prime examples of adaptability in recent years are supermarkets. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda are fast becoming budget department stores. Although they also have greater history than most stores they have over recent years taken the proverbial baton and ran with it, providing what the people demand when they demand it. Hats off to them for ingenuity.
Now what has this got to do with the new high street being green? After the bust of the early 1990’s the high street facades that were left dull and empty were bolstered by coffee shops and patisseries. Just like then faced with such grim times, we all know that eventually, although appearing highly unlikely at times, that the bad times will end and we will once again find ourselves hiking around shopping centres across the country and surfing internet stores around the planet. So, what will fill the high street facades and online shopping centres? Well we can’t have online coffee houses in a literal sense. Actually not yet, but who knows what the future holds.
But, what will fill the spaces are environmentally and ethically conscious stores. Why so? Because the world demands so.
Our society is an ever growing mass of disapproval pushing everyday towards items that are produced with an environmental forethought and in an ethically respectable manner. The basis of retail in our society supply and demand will prevail as it always does. Customers at present would probably not purchase based upon products environmental or ethical credentials, or if they would they are currently in the minority due to the current economic condition. However in the months and years to come, when the country is lifted from the dull affair with poverty, consumers will begin to think more deeply about their purchases, because all around the constant reminder of our environmental impact and how we can reduce it will be plastered.
I am not a scientist and nor do I claim to understand either side of the argument regarding global warming fully. I am not even sure if the scientists can stay impartial long enough to see each others’ side. Not to forget that 50 years from now scientific and popular opinion could be dramatically changed by further discoveries. However we cannot deny that if we continue to use our planets natural resources at the rate we are currently doing so, coupled with an ever growing population we will in 30 years time look upon a planet that would be distinctly unrecognisable to our grandparents. Unless we wish to live in concrete countries, having no perception of what green fields or clean air feels or looks like, we must make a change to our lifestyle and stop ignoring what is obvious around us. If we take simple steps the picture will be very different. We must reduce packaging and recycle it, we must replenish those natural resources when it is possible to do so, we must support countries that are developing, we must burn less fossil fuels, we must invest in clean energy sources, we must build more eco-homes. Taking simple steps will have a dramatic affect on the landscape that generations of our race will live within.
As with anything in society we are pushed in the direction of populist opinion, thank you for democracy. Although those in industry who currently profit, and profit hugely from non-environmentally friendly industry, will attempt to influence government and society, popular opinion shall prevail. The somewhat disturbing thought to me however is, those who openly and wilfully defy the logic, could benefit widely from adopting greener methods, practices and processes. Perhaps as with all things in our race, they don’t like change as much as the populous would not like to see our planet change for the worse.
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
7 Top tips on how to reduce your Energy bills and Carbon footprint through what you wear.
As I have said before our carbon footprint has now become a day to day priority for many of us, and more pressingly for most of us, so has our fuel bills. We hear of numerous ways by which to reduce our carbon footprint through, ‘how we travel’, ‘how we act in our homes’ and ‘how we eat’, however we don’t hear so much about how, ‘what we wear’ can help reduce our carbon footprint and our energy bills.
Much of what I am about to tell you will appear ever so familiar to advice given to us by our parents or grandparents, advice often given in jest, however it is solid advice, that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and the dreaded energy bill this winter.
1. In winter wear an extra jumper, jacket, scarf or gloves, rather than turning up the heating. This is simple advice but applying an extra jumper will mean that you don’t need to turn the heating on or up.
2. Exercise on those cold winter mornings wearing sportswear that can be worn more than once. Loose jogging bottoms and a cotton sports t-shirt would be ideal. In the cold winter mornings it is difficult to get out of bed if it is cold outside, and when you do the heating almost certainly goes straight on. Instead pull on your running gear and head for a run or walk outside. The heat generated by your body through the exercise will soon warm you up and when you return there will be no need for the heating, just a lukewarm shower to cool you down and freshen you up. Wearing loose jogging bottoms and t-shirt allows the hot air to circulate round your body to heat you up faster. Also as the clothes are loose they will not become as sweaty or let’s face it smelly, so you won’t have to wash them after one use hence reducing your electricity bill. This all has the added bonus of getting a little bit fitter, possibly loosing any excess weight and giving you a spring in your step for the day ahead.
3. Thermals and underclothing can significantly increase body temperature and body comfort in the winter months. A set of winter warmer body wear will cost you significantly less than an increased energy bill. ‘Long johns’ may not be the most attractive of underwear but it sure will keep you warm and reduce the need for heating. When all is said and done I would rather be toasty and have more money in my pocket.
4. Wear warming colours and dress children or loved ones in warm colours too. Surrounding ourselves with warm positive colours can change our mood dramatically. If we are surrounded by cold blues and greens we feel cold. However if we surround ourselves with warm red’s, orange’s and yellows we shall feel warmer. The mind is a funny thing and the inclusion of warm colours around can warm you up so that the heating doesn’t have to.
5. Wear a fashionable cap, beanie, hat or ear muffs. Up to 55% of human body heat is lost through our heads. Without doubt the easiest way to keep ourselves warm over winter without turning on the heating is by wearing some type of headwear. This is not only practical; it is a sensible and stylish choice. There are so many wonderful hats of all types available that we can stay warm and make a great winter fashion statement.
6. Wear your hair down or simply grow it if you have short hair. Hair is our body’s natural insulator so it is sensible to keep this natural insulator as long as possible. Without our natural insulator, our body has less ability to keep warm. For those of you thinking we don’t wear our hair, think again! Our hair can be the foundation for the fashion statement of the winter.
7. If you have washed your hair, use a towel to towel dry your hair. Also wait for your hair to completely dry naturally before going outside into the cold winter weather. Many of us I am sure have experienced the effect on our bodies when we have wet hair in cold temperatures, our bodies become cold. If we wait until our hair is dry and we are wearing a hat to go outside, then less heat is going to be lost through our heads. ‘Don’t let your hair wear you, wear your hair to keep you warm and funky this winter.’
Stay warm this winter without breaking the bank.
Much of what I am about to tell you will appear ever so familiar to advice given to us by our parents or grandparents, advice often given in jest, however it is solid advice, that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and the dreaded energy bill this winter.
1. In winter wear an extra jumper, jacket, scarf or gloves, rather than turning up the heating. This is simple advice but applying an extra jumper will mean that you don’t need to turn the heating on or up.
2. Exercise on those cold winter mornings wearing sportswear that can be worn more than once. Loose jogging bottoms and a cotton sports t-shirt would be ideal. In the cold winter mornings it is difficult to get out of bed if it is cold outside, and when you do the heating almost certainly goes straight on. Instead pull on your running gear and head for a run or walk outside. The heat generated by your body through the exercise will soon warm you up and when you return there will be no need for the heating, just a lukewarm shower to cool you down and freshen you up. Wearing loose jogging bottoms and t-shirt allows the hot air to circulate round your body to heat you up faster. Also as the clothes are loose they will not become as sweaty or let’s face it smelly, so you won’t have to wash them after one use hence reducing your electricity bill. This all has the added bonus of getting a little bit fitter, possibly loosing any excess weight and giving you a spring in your step for the day ahead.
3. Thermals and underclothing can significantly increase body temperature and body comfort in the winter months. A set of winter warmer body wear will cost you significantly less than an increased energy bill. ‘Long johns’ may not be the most attractive of underwear but it sure will keep you warm and reduce the need for heating. When all is said and done I would rather be toasty and have more money in my pocket.
4. Wear warming colours and dress children or loved ones in warm colours too. Surrounding ourselves with warm positive colours can change our mood dramatically. If we are surrounded by cold blues and greens we feel cold. However if we surround ourselves with warm red’s, orange’s and yellows we shall feel warmer. The mind is a funny thing and the inclusion of warm colours around can warm you up so that the heating doesn’t have to.
5. Wear a fashionable cap, beanie, hat or ear muffs. Up to 55% of human body heat is lost through our heads. Without doubt the easiest way to keep ourselves warm over winter without turning on the heating is by wearing some type of headwear. This is not only practical; it is a sensible and stylish choice. There are so many wonderful hats of all types available that we can stay warm and make a great winter fashion statement.
6. Wear your hair down or simply grow it if you have short hair. Hair is our body’s natural insulator so it is sensible to keep this natural insulator as long as possible. Without our natural insulator, our body has less ability to keep warm. For those of you thinking we don’t wear our hair, think again! Our hair can be the foundation for the fashion statement of the winter.
7. If you have washed your hair, use a towel to towel dry your hair. Also wait for your hair to completely dry naturally before going outside into the cold winter weather. Many of us I am sure have experienced the effect on our bodies when we have wet hair in cold temperatures, our bodies become cold. If we wait until our hair is dry and we are wearing a hat to go outside, then less heat is going to be lost through our heads. ‘Don’t let your hair wear you, wear your hair to keep you warm and funky this winter.’
Stay warm this winter without breaking the bank.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What price must we pay for originality in fashion?
The power of originality in fashion could be described as an intrinsic and necessary requirement. However to what extent does what we find on the high street or on e-retail websites fulfil your desire for originality?
With the buzz of London fashion week still in the air, and having watched the best of UK and world fashion talent displayed, I should be excited by the prospect of what will be found on the high street, or in my local high end fashion label store?! London fashion week was a shining success, the artistry meshing colour, fine lines with exquisite detail and high quality, but will any of this really translate to what we can buy on the high street?
The simple answer is partially yes. The more complex, far foggier answer is no. London fashion week showcased the talent of individuals and fashion houses of the future. Where as top end labels that we have become synonymous with our retail lives, through high street outlets, department stores or online retail, have lost their drive for originality and regularly churn out expensive garments that have as little originality as a jam sandwich, while marking the price for a fillet mignon, due to the label that is contained inside.
This is not to say that there isn’t originality, style and high quality products to be found, they just take a different guise. Brands such as Topman/Topshop, Zara, River island and Republic offer far more in terms of originality and innovation, than many high end brands and they do it at affordable prices. ‘Is this the start of a revolution, affordable style, style that is unique and full of charisma in high street own branded products?’ ‘Has the affordable high street learnt more about the needs of the population?’ ‘Are our high street brands just better in touch with what is required?’ Our high street brands are primarily what keep the population from petering out into a mass of dullness. It could be accurate to say that there is far more originality to be found in more affordable high street names than there is from their cousin the expensive exclusive high street fashion label.
The problem is related directly to the labels that once were desired for their uniqueness. They haven fallen into half hearted attempts to draw originality by plastering their brand name in different directions, fonts and sizes across their garments. ‘Does the purchaser really desire to be a walking advert for a label?’ In some cases yes they do, as this is a means to express to the wider public their wealth, or good fortune to have the ability to purchase that label, it becomes a statement of the wearers prosperity. However ‘have the labels miss placed the essence of fashion?’ Fashion was, and I hope still is about producing garments that are original, funky and fresh. Fashion is not about unimaginative brand advertising at ludicrous prices. Fashion labels owe it to the public, who supported them for so long in their rise to the pinnacle of their trade, to stop wallowing in their success, to stop producing mediocrity in their new designs and to stop using the public; who once believed in these brands because the garments they did produce made people stop and look; to reproduce this magic in their current work. Or if they choose not to produce garments that are original and unique, to reduce their prices to a level that is coherent with the level of innovation.
There is no danger in recapturing the innovation and imagination that brought such brands to the forefront of their industry, as by doing this they shall see sales and public opinion soar. The reason for the procrastination is unclear, however it must lie in the fact that there are enough people in the market who wish to make a public statement about their prosperity by wearing clothing massacred by the labels name or logo so that the brand need not seek originality in it’s work, or it could simply be fear of not living up to the previous levels of brilliance.
It is a simple fact that human kind actively seeks ways to express their uniqueness through, clothing, hair, body art, accessories and any number of different median. It appears imperative to me that this be met by those who we seek our inspiration from, with an equal amount of effort and desire to fulfil the publics yearning for originality and vibrancy. Our population can only hope that the fashion labels upon whom we place our trust move forward to the uniqueness and vibrancy of their past.
By James McAloon
Excentree Fashion Collections
With the buzz of London fashion week still in the air, and having watched the best of UK and world fashion talent displayed, I should be excited by the prospect of what will be found on the high street, or in my local high end fashion label store?! London fashion week was a shining success, the artistry meshing colour, fine lines with exquisite detail and high quality, but will any of this really translate to what we can buy on the high street?
The simple answer is partially yes. The more complex, far foggier answer is no. London fashion week showcased the talent of individuals and fashion houses of the future. Where as top end labels that we have become synonymous with our retail lives, through high street outlets, department stores or online retail, have lost their drive for originality and regularly churn out expensive garments that have as little originality as a jam sandwich, while marking the price for a fillet mignon, due to the label that is contained inside.
This is not to say that there isn’t originality, style and high quality products to be found, they just take a different guise. Brands such as Topman/Topshop, Zara, River island and Republic offer far more in terms of originality and innovation, than many high end brands and they do it at affordable prices. ‘Is this the start of a revolution, affordable style, style that is unique and full of charisma in high street own branded products?’ ‘Has the affordable high street learnt more about the needs of the population?’ ‘Are our high street brands just better in touch with what is required?’ Our high street brands are primarily what keep the population from petering out into a mass of dullness. It could be accurate to say that there is far more originality to be found in more affordable high street names than there is from their cousin the expensive exclusive high street fashion label.
The problem is related directly to the labels that once were desired for their uniqueness. They haven fallen into half hearted attempts to draw originality by plastering their brand name in different directions, fonts and sizes across their garments. ‘Does the purchaser really desire to be a walking advert for a label?’ In some cases yes they do, as this is a means to express to the wider public their wealth, or good fortune to have the ability to purchase that label, it becomes a statement of the wearers prosperity. However ‘have the labels miss placed the essence of fashion?’ Fashion was, and I hope still is about producing garments that are original, funky and fresh. Fashion is not about unimaginative brand advertising at ludicrous prices. Fashion labels owe it to the public, who supported them for so long in their rise to the pinnacle of their trade, to stop wallowing in their success, to stop producing mediocrity in their new designs and to stop using the public; who once believed in these brands because the garments they did produce made people stop and look; to reproduce this magic in their current work. Or if they choose not to produce garments that are original and unique, to reduce their prices to a level that is coherent with the level of innovation.
There is no danger in recapturing the innovation and imagination that brought such brands to the forefront of their industry, as by doing this they shall see sales and public opinion soar. The reason for the procrastination is unclear, however it must lie in the fact that there are enough people in the market who wish to make a public statement about their prosperity by wearing clothing massacred by the labels name or logo so that the brand need not seek originality in it’s work, or it could simply be fear of not living up to the previous levels of brilliance.
It is a simple fact that human kind actively seeks ways to express their uniqueness through, clothing, hair, body art, accessories and any number of different median. It appears imperative to me that this be met by those who we seek our inspiration from, with an equal amount of effort and desire to fulfil the publics yearning for originality and vibrancy. Our population can only hope that the fashion labels upon whom we place our trust move forward to the uniqueness and vibrancy of their past.
By James McAloon
Excentree Fashion Collections
Friday, September 26, 2008
Clothing and Apparel the Environmental Question.
In today’s current society there is growing emphasis stressed upon making the correct environmental and ethical decisions in all aspects of our life. The environmental question, unlike its cousin the ethical question is a new topic of conversation in relation to what we wear. However as it becomes increasingly more apparent that a link exists between our environmental short comings and the affect that global warming is having on our planet; will what we wear change so as to support progressive environmental practices in all aspects of the clothing and apparel industry?
The first question that you may ask yourself is, ‘can what I wear affect the environment?’ Now there is no right or wrong answer to this question because it all depends at how you perceive the statement, ‘what you wear.’ The issue of wearing different types of clothing on any given day is unlikely to have grave affects on the level of C02 emissions, unless we got into a long and arduous debate about the heavier clothing you wear the more energy it takes to go about your day, or if you wear too many garments in summer the more air conditioning you use, or if you don’t wear enough layers in winter the greater amount of fuel that is burnt to power heating. However if the question read, ‘can who and where we buy our clothes from affect the environment and emission levels?’ Then the debate is far more worth while.
Clothing brands across the UK and the world have begun to develop policies and practices that encourage responsibility in what people wear in relation to the environment. The indirect affects of what we wear, has in the past had a negative affect upon the environment. The negative affects can be traced through the whole production process from design to sale. How you might ask? This is how;
Does the designer use recycled paper for drawings?
Does the designer recycle the waste paper created in the design process?
Does the brand ship samples and drawings to their manufacturer or factory in recyclable packaging, and does the factory recycle the packaging upon arrival?
Does the manufacturer minimise material waste in production, so not to create waste for landfill?
Does the manufacturer ship the completed goods in recyclable packaging, and when received at the company warehouse, is it recycled?
Do the brand and manufacturer ship by air or sea?
Does the brand or manufacturer use fuel efficient vehicles for overland transit?
Does the brand limit its production run so as to reduce wastage and close out products?
How does the brand advertise, is there unnecessary paper usage?
How does the brand deliver its products to customers, how are the invoices produced, are the packaging and invoices recyclable?
How does the brand source its materials, do they use organic cotton,
Does the brand use polyester?
How are other materials like polyester produced? (Polyester is usually produced through the burning of fossil fuels like oil)
Does the brand employ energy saving measures in their offices?
Does the brand attempt to use renewable energy sources?
Does the brand offset its carbon footprint?
It is ultimately unavoidable in the design, production and sale of clothing garments that some element of a carbon footprint will exist. However brands can and should be reducing their carbon footprint through responsible policies and practices.
The well known high street brand Marks and Spencer in January 2007 made the honourable commitment to becoming carbon neutral. Marks and Spencer implemented a 100 point 5 year plan. The environmental aspect of the plan will if successful, make Marks and Spencer carbon neutral, contributing zero waste to landfill.
The very fact that Marks and Spencer claimed in 2006 that 97% of customers had asked them to be more responsible in relation to green issues is evidence alone that the environmental question is more than just a myth.
The second important question is, are consumers willing to pay more for environmentally friendly clothing and should they have to pay more? Firstly consumers are inherently non-emotional when it does not have benefit for them. If consumers don’t see that there is a benefit to purchasing environmentally friendly clothing at a higher price than the non-environmentally cheaper garment then they won’t. However it is strikingly apparent across the population, in schools, newspaper, television and internet that any and all efforts to reduce the affect of green house gases on our environment should be embraced. The reward for doing so is a sustainable planet for our generation and future generations. We as a population can make small differences across all aspects of our lives. These changes can in cumulative form have massive positive affects on the future.
The question remains however should people have to pay more for environmentally friendly garments? In answering this question two distinct categories must be discussed, value labels and fashion labels. Firstly value labels are without question already working on very small margins and their ethical and environmental credentials should be scrutinised carefully. If value labels were to introduce carbon reducing policies, it would be necessary for the consumer to pay more for an environmentally friendly value label. However fashion brands that already have huge margins on their products could with ease introduce environmentally friendly practices and absorb the cost. It must be said that some already have and this is to be commended. So, ‘what should the price be for an environmentally friendly garment?’ This is the unanswerable question, so many aspects play apart in the pricing of clothing garments; my advice would be to ask yourself, ‘for the quality, content and originality of the piece what is a fair and reasonable price?’
When we access the environmental credentials of all brands we must also look at their attempts to reduce the carbon footprint through offset schemes. Although the carbon footprint of all garments can be limited through careful and intelligent processes. All clothing brands can further reduce or become carbon neutral through offset schemes. There are numerous carbon offset schemes that brands could and should apply to be part of. This small investment by a brand to reduce the affects of the carbon produced by them on our planet, sends a positive message to the industry and consumers. A positive message such as this, will encourage everyone in our society to move forward and stand strong in the fight to reduce carbon emissions and preserve our beautiful planet for future generations.
As time progresses the environment and global issues become more pressing, so does our thirst and desire for uniqueness and originality. We are on the cusp of a changing society, in which we are expected to fit into a particular mould, while also being expected to accept a changing world ideology and all the time striving to stand out in an ever deepening population of regularity. We are surrounded by irregularity and beauty, if we would like to preserve this natural beauty, we must shop responsibly and we must be given the opportunity to shop responsibly by those who produce the goods we purchase.
James McAloon
The first question that you may ask yourself is, ‘can what I wear affect the environment?’ Now there is no right or wrong answer to this question because it all depends at how you perceive the statement, ‘what you wear.’ The issue of wearing different types of clothing on any given day is unlikely to have grave affects on the level of C02 emissions, unless we got into a long and arduous debate about the heavier clothing you wear the more energy it takes to go about your day, or if you wear too many garments in summer the more air conditioning you use, or if you don’t wear enough layers in winter the greater amount of fuel that is burnt to power heating. However if the question read, ‘can who and where we buy our clothes from affect the environment and emission levels?’ Then the debate is far more worth while.
Clothing brands across the UK and the world have begun to develop policies and practices that encourage responsibility in what people wear in relation to the environment. The indirect affects of what we wear, has in the past had a negative affect upon the environment. The negative affects can be traced through the whole production process from design to sale. How you might ask? This is how;
Does the designer use recycled paper for drawings?
Does the designer recycle the waste paper created in the design process?
Does the brand ship samples and drawings to their manufacturer or factory in recyclable packaging, and does the factory recycle the packaging upon arrival?
Does the manufacturer minimise material waste in production, so not to create waste for landfill?
Does the manufacturer ship the completed goods in recyclable packaging, and when received at the company warehouse, is it recycled?
Do the brand and manufacturer ship by air or sea?
Does the brand or manufacturer use fuel efficient vehicles for overland transit?
Does the brand limit its production run so as to reduce wastage and close out products?
How does the brand advertise, is there unnecessary paper usage?
How does the brand deliver its products to customers, how are the invoices produced, are the packaging and invoices recyclable?
How does the brand source its materials, do they use organic cotton,
Does the brand use polyester?
How are other materials like polyester produced? (Polyester is usually produced through the burning of fossil fuels like oil)
Does the brand employ energy saving measures in their offices?
Does the brand attempt to use renewable energy sources?
Does the brand offset its carbon footprint?
It is ultimately unavoidable in the design, production and sale of clothing garments that some element of a carbon footprint will exist. However brands can and should be reducing their carbon footprint through responsible policies and practices.
The well known high street brand Marks and Spencer in January 2007 made the honourable commitment to becoming carbon neutral. Marks and Spencer implemented a 100 point 5 year plan. The environmental aspect of the plan will if successful, make Marks and Spencer carbon neutral, contributing zero waste to landfill.
The very fact that Marks and Spencer claimed in 2006 that 97% of customers had asked them to be more responsible in relation to green issues is evidence alone that the environmental question is more than just a myth.
The second important question is, are consumers willing to pay more for environmentally friendly clothing and should they have to pay more? Firstly consumers are inherently non-emotional when it does not have benefit for them. If consumers don’t see that there is a benefit to purchasing environmentally friendly clothing at a higher price than the non-environmentally cheaper garment then they won’t. However it is strikingly apparent across the population, in schools, newspaper, television and internet that any and all efforts to reduce the affect of green house gases on our environment should be embraced. The reward for doing so is a sustainable planet for our generation and future generations. We as a population can make small differences across all aspects of our lives. These changes can in cumulative form have massive positive affects on the future.
The question remains however should people have to pay more for environmentally friendly garments? In answering this question two distinct categories must be discussed, value labels and fashion labels. Firstly value labels are without question already working on very small margins and their ethical and environmental credentials should be scrutinised carefully. If value labels were to introduce carbon reducing policies, it would be necessary for the consumer to pay more for an environmentally friendly value label. However fashion brands that already have huge margins on their products could with ease introduce environmentally friendly practices and absorb the cost. It must be said that some already have and this is to be commended. So, ‘what should the price be for an environmentally friendly garment?’ This is the unanswerable question, so many aspects play apart in the pricing of clothing garments; my advice would be to ask yourself, ‘for the quality, content and originality of the piece what is a fair and reasonable price?’
When we access the environmental credentials of all brands we must also look at their attempts to reduce the carbon footprint through offset schemes. Although the carbon footprint of all garments can be limited through careful and intelligent processes. All clothing brands can further reduce or become carbon neutral through offset schemes. There are numerous carbon offset schemes that brands could and should apply to be part of. This small investment by a brand to reduce the affects of the carbon produced by them on our planet, sends a positive message to the industry and consumers. A positive message such as this, will encourage everyone in our society to move forward and stand strong in the fight to reduce carbon emissions and preserve our beautiful planet for future generations.
As time progresses the environment and global issues become more pressing, so does our thirst and desire for uniqueness and originality. We are on the cusp of a changing society, in which we are expected to fit into a particular mould, while also being expected to accept a changing world ideology and all the time striving to stand out in an ever deepening population of regularity. We are surrounded by irregularity and beauty, if we would like to preserve this natural beauty, we must shop responsibly and we must be given the opportunity to shop responsibly by those who produce the goods we purchase.
James McAloon
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