Fashion has a huge impact on people and the planet, and fast fashion owns a large and growing share of the problem. The most successful fast fashion brands use influencers and other ploys to push trend-driven items at ridiculously low prices, all while producing new clothing collections as often as every two weeks. Sustainable? Not at all. That all comes at a huge cost to the lives of the workers who make the clothes and the environment.
Fast fashion retailers have made their name by giving us a chance to buy cheaply made and non eco-friendly pieces that look like designer clothes for next to nothing. But their sales techniques are having a drastic impact on consumer behaviour around the world. In particular, it changes our perception of the lifespan of the garments we buy and tries to convince us that outfit repeating is a faux pas when we know it’s a sustainability must-do.
On that note, here are 5 fast fashion facts that will shake you, and make you go… yikes.
1. “93% of brands aren’t paying garment workers a sustainable living wage” (Fashion Checker, 2023)
Many fast fashion production facilities are located in countries with emerging or developing markets. Fast fashion retailers employ thousands of people from Bangladesh, India, China, Indonesia, and other low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) as cheap workforce. Not only do these people have to work exhausting hours, but the payment they get is far from fair.
2. “The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of carbon emissions” (UN Environment, 2019)
Some of the main sources of carbon emissions along fashion supply chains are things like pumping water to irrigate crops (like cotton), the harvesting machinery, general transport, and those pesky oil-based pesticides—all of which are inevitably increased in the notoriously overproducing world of fast fashion. By that score, we know that purchasing fast fashion items directly contributes to the global polluting machine that is to blame for 8-10% of the world’s carbon emissions.
3. “The textile sector still represents 10-20% of non eco-friendly pesticide use.” (The State of Fashion, McKinsey, 2020)
Cotton especially poses some significant issues. It’s one of the most commonly used fabrics when it comes to the fast fashion industry. By now, it’s probably easy to guess that the conventional cotton fabric most often used in the fast fashion industry is made in the most non eco-friendly way possible. Combined with open-loop cycles, un sustainable cotton production within the fast fashion industry poses a significant threat to health and wellbeing for agricultural workers, for ecosystems, and ultimately, for all of us. Looking for lower-impact fabric options like Organic Cotton is integral for improving the impact of the fashion industry. Looking to get some? Check these out.
4.“Three out of five of 100 bn garments will end up in landfill within a year” (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2019)
Recycling is, unsurprisingly, a massive problem in the fast fashion industry. We rarely think about where our clothes go when we don’t need them anymore. Fixing your clothes instead of throwing them away can make an incredible contribution to the reduction in global pollution and is one of the most sustainable ways of owning a capsule wardrobe.
5. “16 out of 21 items from 10 fashion brands donated through their sustainable take-back schemes were either destroyed, left in warehouses or exported to Africa, where up to half of used clothing are quickly shredded for other uses or dumped.” (Changing Markets Foundation, 2023)
Between August 2022 and July 2023, Changing Markets tracked 21 items from 10 fashion brands through their take-back schemes. Garments were donated to H&M, Zara, C&A, Primark, Nike, The North Face, Uniqlo and M&S stores in Belgium, France, Germany and the UK, or posted them to a Boohoo scheme. “Despite the slogans, three quarters of items (16 out of 21 or 76%) were either destroyed, left in warehouses or exported to Africa, where up to half of used clothing are quickly shredded for other uses or dumped. A pair of trousers donated to M&S were scrapped within a week” reported Changing Markets Foundation.
What is going wrong? What needs to change? Why is fashion still one of the most polluting, non eco-friendly and un sustainable industries there is?
Leaving you with some thinking to do….
Adapted from Good On You’s original article, first published in August 2023 by Jennifer Darmo.
]]>In the ever-evolving world of sustainable fashion, building a capsule wardrobe has emerged as a key strategy for eco-conscious individuals. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of thoughtfully curated, easily interchangeable, and timelessly classy clothing pieces. By incorporating eco-friendly, organic cotton t-shirts into your wardrobe, you can take this sustainable approach to the next level. Let's explore how to create a colourful and eco-friendly capsule wardrobe that embodies conscious and ethical choices.
First step to being eco-friendly? Taking Stock of Your Current Wardrobe.
Begin your sustainable fashion journey by assessing your existing wardrobe. Keep the pieces that align with your values of sustainability and ethics while decluttering the rest. Organic cotton t-shirts, known for their durability and environmental benefits, are the perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe. Select the pieces that you can re-style and rewear on multiple occasions, ensuring they become the backbone of your eco-friendly collection.
Step 2: Drawing Inspiration from Sustainable Creators
Embrace the wealth of inspiration available on platforms like Pinterest, where sustainable creators showcase style guides and outfit ideas. Make a mood board that incorporates various colours, silhouettes, and creators. Organic cotton t-shirts, in particular, can be found in an array of vibrant hues, allowing you to express your personality and style while staying true to sustainability.
Step 3: Embracing a Color Palette with Organic Cotton Tees
Develop a clear colour palette for your capsule wardrobe that complements your favourite organic cotton t-shirts. By choosing versatile colours that can easily be mixed and matched, you create a multitude of outfit possibilities with minimal pieces. Whether it's a warm or cool colour scheme, organic cotton t-shirts remain the foundation for sustainable and trendy outfits throughout the year.
Step 4: Accessorising for a Pop of Style and Sustainability
Diversify your look by incorporating sustainable accessories. Enhance your outfits with funky sunglasses, ethical shoes, and conscious bracelets. Embrace headgear made from eco-friendly materials or upcycled handbags, ensuring your fashion choices remain environmentally conscious and stylish.
Step 5: Selecting Reliable Neutrals
Neutral pieces are the unsung heroes of a colourful capsule wardrobe. When you have a collection of organic cotton t-shirts in various colours, pairing them with reliable neutrals becomes effortless. These neutral garments, made from eco-friendly materials, serve as the perfect canvas to showcase your colourful and sustainable style.
Conclusion:
Building a sustainable and ethical capsule wardrobe is an empowering journey that allows you to express yourself through conscious fashion choices. Organic cotton t-shirts , coord sets and a comfy pair of sustainable socks that go with every mood and occasion become the cornerstone of this eco-friendly collection. They offer comfort, durability, and versatility all while reducing your environmental impact.
For more eco friendly essentials to help build a capsule wardrobe with colour, check out One Less!
You may think selling off your clothes to an instagram thrift store is the only way to go but in the long run - our trash shouldn’t become someone else’s problem. So what can you do? Here’s 5 ways to help you (and your closet) out:
]]>Now, you may think selling off your clothes to an instagram thrift store is the only way to go but in the long run - our trash shouldn’t become someone else’s problem. So what can you do? Here’s 5 ways to help you (and your closet) out:
Mend, sow, stitch and fix - this is the mantra I like to follow. There are so many items we completely forget about because they need to be mended. This is perhaps the most important step of a sustainable spring clean. Upcycling your old clothes is the best way to limit consumption, yet also find new styles for a new season.
Now for the items you can’t fix, or just aren’t your style anymore, a clothing swap is highly recommended. There are many ways to organise a sustainable fashion swap - start with your friends and family, and if you have a bunch of clothes that deserve a new home you could also advertise via social media, or host a swap dinner party!
This applies to all the items you emotionally resonate with. That jacket from high school? Your 16th birthday dress? Yes, those are definitely in this category. While it may be difficult to choose sustainability over sentimentality every time, it definitely helps to be intentional about being practical. It’s easier if your favourite clothes find a new home, versus collecting dust in a corner of your closet you will not revisit for ages.
The last and most important step of sustainable fashion, and sustainability in general is to buy less and limit consumption. Building a capsule wardrobe is a great place to start. Incorporating this step in your sustainable spring clean will not only help you de clutter in the most organised way possible, but also will leave your fashion sense feeling timeless, minimal and most importantly - sustainable!
There. You did it. But don’t stop here. A sustainable spring clean is only the first way to reduce your fashion footprint. If you plan on buying new items, buy quality items you’ll cherish for a long time. Our newest BE KIND organic cotton tees are a great place to start!
To view our entire range of sustainable fashion basics, click here.
]]>While fashion’s sustainability efforts are often focused on the industry’s impact on the planet, it’s vital that those who make our clothes are not left out of the conversation.
So this women’s history month, we picked 3 inspirational women - creating, curating, and championing the cause of mindful and meaningful consumption via their innovative sustainable initiatives.
]]>As a woman founded sustainable business, it has been a pleasure to cater, not only to women, but to all genders that have found comfort, quality and durability in a One Less product. We are grateful that you continue to choose One Less, and make sustainability a part of your everyday life.
As for climate change, it still exists! And continues to have a detrimental impact on the environment. As we move pace on a faster cycle of buying, consuming and discarding, we often forget to do right by the people, the planet and the environment.
While fashion’s sustainability efforts are often focused on the industry’s impact on the planet, it’s vital that those who make our clothes are not left out of the conversation.
So this women’s history month, we picked 3 inspirational women - creating, curating, and championing the cause of mindful and meaningful consumption via their innovative sustainable initiatives.
Take a look!
No Borders Shop (NBS) has all the hallmarks of a tide changer. Founded by Kanika Karvinko, it is a slow and sustainable marketplace for all things at the intersection of art and fashion. They aim to highlight stories from different cultures through the works of artists and designers who have a unique voice representing their histories through local and traditional craftsmanship. Their unique pieces like their sustainable coconut shell mini bags, himalayan valley superfoods, art pieces showing women hula hooping in a saree are nestled in the belief that pictures speak louder than words and make all the difference.
Like a window to the makings of a South Asian community, before NBS happened Karvinkop got her start as a styling intern at Grazia. An urge to uplift and work with designers at a higher level invited her to start NBS as a vintage shop in the heritage village of Girgaon, Mumbai. They are now killing the game and have a global presence for being a favourite within the sustainable art community.
If you were looking for a place to turn a new leaf with, Brown Living is your go to! From artisanal teas that are sustainably sourced to a full closet of sustainable styles for men and women, with home, wellness and culinary offerings added in for good measure, Brown Living offers the chance at change within reach, all while staying spoiled for choice.
Chaitsi Ahuja, the woman behind it all, quit her corporate job when she realised it was designed to promote mass consumption and environmental hazards. She started Brown Living to curate options for alternate living that is entirely plastic free, earth-friendly, upcycled, recycled or thrifted. Her ethos for sustainability and drive towards mindful consumption has earned Brown Living its reputation of being a ‘all things sustainable’ go to!
Determined to transform fashion consumption for good, Eshita launched By Rotation, the world’s first social fashion rental app, in October 2019.
“Rotators” can rent and lend their designer fashion directly with each other, thereby creating a community of sharers. The initiative operates as a two sided marketplace that has at its core, a sustainable business model of renting and lending. By Rotation has become a green pin on the map of consumption, guiding consumers along a path to a healthier and more sustainable relationship with what they like to do best - shopping!
Eshita dreamt up her business while on honeymoon in her home state of Rajasthan, India. Since then, the platform has grown to a popular community swapping, lending, and flaunting their high-end looks all over Instagram first, and now with a swanky new app that offers deals, discounts and a great collection of high end bags, clothes, shoes, accessories and more.
A big cheers to these amazing women that are paving the way to more mindful and sustainable ways of living with their entrepreneurial initiatives!
]]>Wearing linen shirts, or sleeping on linen bedding feels like relaxing on a tropical island. It absorbs moisture without holding bacteria and in fact, is actually stronger when wet than dry, and becomes softer and more pliable the more it is washed. It just gets better and better, making it durable, long lasting and of course very very sustainable.
Let's get into its sustainable characteristics in detail -
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics in the world and has been used for thousands of years for clothing, household textiles, and even mummification in ancient Egypt. Its beneficial and sustainable characteristics have led many European cultures to form traditions of handing down linen bed-sheets as heirlooms. Unlike cotton, linen that’s been well cared for can last for up to three decades. It’s one of the oldest fibers known, dating back to 8000 BC. The Egyptians used it as currency, and it formed an integral part of the mummifying process. At one point it was even used in a form of battle armor called Linothorax.
Linen was also popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to make clothing for the wealthy. It was prized for its lightweight, durability, and ability to keep the wearer cool in hot weather. Even today, its popularity is widespread for clothing, bedding, and household textiles. It is prized for its eco-friendliness, as linen is made from flax, a crop that requires fewer resources to grow than cotton.
Flax, the plant from which Linen is made, is extremely sustainable and versatile. Every part of the flax plant has traditionally been used to create a worthwhile product – nothing is wasted, and the whole production process is cost-effective. Flax is resilient and can grow in poor soil, using far less water in its consumption than cotton.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation states that flax uses 13 times fewer pesticides than potatoes, but is only approximately 1% of the world’s apparel fibre consumption.
Let's take a quick look at the step by step production process:
After weaving, the linen fabric is typically washed, bleached, or dyed, depending on the desired final product. The resulting fabric is known for its durability, breathability, and ability to absorb moisture, which makes it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and home decor.
Linen and hemp are both natural and have been used for thousands of years for clothing, textiles, and other applications. Both are versatile and sustainable fibres that are eco friendly, and our favourites here at One Less! Linen comes from flax, while hemp comes from cannabis. Linen is known for its smooth texture, while hemp is more durable and has a coarser texture. The choice between the two depends on the intended use and personal preference.
Linen and wool are two very different fabrics, with unique properties and characteristics that make them suitable for different uses. Linen is popular for warm weather clothing as it is highly absorbent and dries quickly, making it a popular choice for household textiles such as towels and napkins. Linen is also hypoallergenic and has natural antibacterial properties. Wool, on the other hand, is a heavier and warmer fabric that is made from the hair of sheep, goats, or other animals, and thus not vegan or entirely sustainable. It is known for its insulation properties, making it ideal for cold weather clothing such as coats, jackets, and sweaters. Both linen and wool are natural fibers that are biodegradable, however given a choice, linen is the preferred option due to its eco friendly and sustainable nature.
The main differences between linen and polyester are that linen is a natural fabric, while polyester is synthetic. Polyester is generally less expensive than linen, but it is not as sustainable, as it is made from petroleum and is not biodegradable. Even though polyester is known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles, shrinking, and fading, its non eco friendly nature takes away from its other optimal qualities.
Stay in touch on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter for some sustainable linen product updates coming very soon!
]]>Embrace your quirkiness Aquarius! We’re talking about prints that don’t match or even working out in your Pj’s, just make sure you do you. As a highly emotional and socially receptive sign, it’s alright if you want to stray away from being trendy for a bit and be in tune with your anti societal state of being. Find a shirt that fits? We’d love to see you wearing it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We have an inkling that you are feeling floral and botanical this year Pisces. Flowy summer shirts and AM to PM casuals would definitely suit your poetic soul. Your romantic personality is viewing everything from rose coloured glasses, so why don’t you add some light pastels to the mix?
You’re no stranger to feeling passionate and fiery Aries, and that’s exactly what 2023 has in store for you. May we suggest using expressive clothing that makes you stand out from the crowd? Think prints on prints, asymmetrical earrings, or even statement buckles. It’s all about feeling confident and setting yourself up for success, so make sure your fashion choices reflect the same.
Your dual personality always needs an alter ego Gemini. So we think it's always good to pack in an extra pair of shoes or earrings to transform your look whenever and wherever! Muted and subdued colours compliment your brainy character, and unleash your potential to fit into any environment without much hesitation.
Comfortable clothing is like a second skin to you, Cancer - and that’s all the more reason why you’ll be ditching your skinny jeans for sweatpants and shorts, in 2023. The good thing about athleisure is that you can wear it anywhere - to work, on vacation and even errand days. So get comfy, and draw in the good vibes!
One would say you were born for the spotlight Leo, but I would say your ‘main character energy’ is something you can’t really help about yourself! Gold accessories, metallic shoes or shiny sequins will not only make you feel good about yourself but also keep the onlookers captivated! At the end of the day, you are the fiery one right?
Loyal, logical and lovely - that’s how I would like to describe you Virgo. Even though you are very straightforward, you can turn the simplest look into a total blockbuster. You don’t really need our advice, but if we were to say one thing it would be - bring out that old pair of denims and give it a second life, because I wouldn't trust anyone but you to do it!
Patient and giving yet mysterious and deadly, you are a jack of all trades Scorpio. Always leaving people guessing about your next move, you are sure to use colours to express how you feel. Black is your colour of 2023 (like it is every year), but don’t be scared of a risqué moment. Give your looks a whimsical twist, and channel your inner goth princess.
Busy bee sagi, your social calendar looks busier than ever. 2023 is all about confidence, and making a loud entrance, whether that turning up fashionable late to a party to heading to the woods for a bonfire soiree. A head to toe fringe, or a colour coordinated set is what I am feeling for you this year. Let your fashion choices do the talking and get ready to feel that gravitational pull from others around you.
Things are looking steady and safe for you capricorn. Being an earth sign, you’ve always found solace in self care and being around nature so keep doing you. But while you’re at it, throw on a monochromatic fit to keep yourself cosy so you not only feel chic and comfortable, but also look it.
Whatever your plans might be this year - whether it's a dreamy vacation, an important job interview or spending time all by yourself; dressing the part always helps (white heart emoji)
Just in case you’d like to indulge in some mindful retail therapy, don't forget to shop for organic cotton t-shirts, bamboo socks and many more sustainable and eco-friendly clothing items here!
Sustainable, Eco friendly and durable - we love Organic Cotton! It is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, which makes it our most widely used fabric at One Less.
In the entirety of the fashion industry too, it is considered a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cotton and thus is the most popular kid on the block. As a sustainable fashion brand, we take pride in making sure all our organic cotton is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) that ensures the cotton is natural and of organic quality.
Organic Cotton is very versatile, which also makes it our favourite textile to work with (Sorry bamboo!) Here are some of its key uses in the fashion industry:
Organic cotton is widely used in the production of t-shirts, pants, dresses, and other types of clothing (Find our OG organic cotton tshirts here).
Organic cotton is also used in the production of bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding products since it is one of the softest textiles available.
It is used in the production of accessories such as bags, hats, and scarves, and shoes due to its durability and strength.
Organic cotton can also be used in the production of towels, bathrobes, and other home textiles since it is sustainable and low maintenance.
Despite these versatile uses, the long standing debate about regular cotton vs organic cotton usually boils down to one thing. How much it costs.
Organic, recycled material, and especially organic cotton, often comes from farther away, is more rare, and costs more to produce. However, by supporting these products, we are encouraging the development of eco-responsible solutions that will hopefully, drive down the price. And can you really put a price on fair working conditions, a reduced carbon footprint, and the protection of our planet? We don't think so. In the end, if we choose to consume less, but better, these costs balance out and the demand for responsible fashion products will rise.
That gets us to our next question. How is organic cotton really made? Organic cotton is made through a production process that avoids the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals. This process involves the following steps:
Organic cotton and linen are both natural fibres that are used in the fashion and textile industries, but there are some key differences between the two. The starkest difference is the production process. Organic cotton is grown and processed using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, while linen production involves soaking, retting, and drying the flax fibres which are labour intensive and involve wastage. In terms of cost too, linen tends to be more expensive due to its rarity and quality standards.
Organic cotton and Regular cotton are both fibres used in the fashion and textile industries, but they are manufactured using different methods. The production of organic cotton has a lower environmental impact, as it avoids the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. The production of regular cotton, on the other hand, can contribute to soil degradation and water pollution due to the use of chemicals. In terms of quality, Organic cotton is often considered to be of a higher quality due to the care and attention given to the production process. Sometimes, regular cotton can pose health risks due to exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
Organic cotton is a natural fibre made from the fibres of the cotton plant, while synthetic fibres are man-made and produced from petrochemicals. Both organic cotton and synthetics are used in the production of clothing, bedding, and home textiles. However, synthetic fibres are often used in products that require specific properties, such as stretch or water resistance. Synthetics and Nylons are often less expensive than organic cotton, due to the lower cost of production and the greater availability of chemicals and toxins.
]]>For those of you who don’t know, Forces of Fashion is a global IP for the VOGUE brand and this year, on Vogue India’s 15th anniversary, the team brought the coveted jamboree to the shores of Mumbai in association with the Natural Diamond Council.
Sustainability, slow luxury and mindful consumption were the themes of the evening! Let’s take a peek into what exactly went down.
Set in the scenic setting of the Royal Opera House in South Mumbai, the event saw the fashion industry’s biggest names in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the presence of Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Conde Nast and Global Editorial Director at Vogue, who hosted a panel with ace couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Megha Kapoor, Head of Editorial content at Vogue India.
The discussion kicked off with Anna Wintour talking about the importance of diversity and inclusion and the role of young voices shopping the global fashion movement.
She said “The youth is all about quality borderless content, having integrity, heart and strong values. It is good to have people who question you and have a different point of view; who will speak their mind and disagree. They are progressive, stand up for the choices they make and their beliefs. Diversity, sustainability, inclusivity are important values for us at the group as well and we have the opportunity to become the torch bearers for the future.”
The conversation then moved to what slow luxury really means and how it starts with a sustainable mindset. Sabyasachi pointed out that slow luxury speaks to connoisseurs of all things exquisitely crafted & long-lasting, and local Indian fashion has been extremely sustainable from the time of our ancestors.
He added” As a culture, economy and a society we have always been sustainable. One of my favourite words in Hindi is the word - jugaad. It means quick fix means using common sense, and that applies heavily in all aspects of how Indians use things. We’ve never really thrown away anything. At a time when our shoes gave away, we took them to a local cobbler. If our sarees gave away, we re-purposed them as a bedspread or we used it as a washcloth. If our milk came in plastic cartons, our mothers cleaned it up and used it as pouches to give us tiffins in”
He further emphasised that “the real ownership of word sustainability, begins with the consumer.
Of course sustainability means producing better, but it also means consuming less. If consumers can train themselves to consume less and consume better, the world can really be a much safer place”.
Indian origin brands, rooted in sustainable practices, were the highlight of this panel discussion. A crowd favourite was Raw Mango, founded by Sanjay Garg. A brand that prides itself in rewriting the idea of culture and minimalism through the fabric of organic Indian handlooms. Another notable mention was the Dhruv Kapoor label, which since its inception in 2013 has been breaking the archaic rules of gender and has been thriving on innovation, freedom and empowerment.
The visual highlight of the evening was the diamond exhibit brought together by the Natural Diamond Council, beautifully set up for the guests to witness. Heritage creations by classic Indian brands like Amrapali, Raniwala 1881 and VAK’s were on display and offered insight into the country’s rich history of fine craftsmanship and opulence.
The evening concluded with a fun after party that allowed increased collaboration and sharing of ideas on the themes of the evening such as sustainability, mindful practices and ethical consumption.
Watch the full panel discussion here.
As an eco friendly company ourselves, we recognise that brands under the sustainable clothing umbrella can come off as slightly pricey. But that’s because a lot more goes into our clothes than just fabrics! We pay fair wages, guarantee using sustainable fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, jute & also make high quality clothing that is long lasting and durable. So while we encourage you to indulge in our best selling OL Organic Cotton T-shirt, we understand that sustainability can look different for everybody. For some it can mean restyling what you already own and for some it can mean investing in pre owned classics.
If you fit into the latter category, I’ve made things a whole lot simpler for you.
Below is a list of 5 e-commerce stores that stock everything from pre owned clothes and shoes to accessories and even handbags. What could be more sustainable than that! Take a look -
Run & founded by an all women team, BCC has quickly gained a sweet spot in the hearts of Indian youth as the go to place to find durable, yet fashionable items including iconic brands like Ritu Kumar, Balmain & Burberry.
Check out their Instagram here.
A business founded as a result of the pandemic, the online thrift and consignment store is famous for his consciously picked handmade items. The business prides themselves on selling ‘sustainable’ and ‘rare’ items that focus on the quality of the fabric and textiles used.
Shop their collection here
VL is one of the only thrift stores in the country that identify themselves as gender fluid, and not only sell clothes but also Gua Shas! What’s more, they even send out tarot readings with every order… fun right?
Browse through their assortment here
What started out as a goal to make ‘thrifting a regular phenomena’, Amalfi is now one of the country’s largest sustainable e-commerce websites. Stocking everything from high street brands to luxury, they dedicate a majority of their earnings to a social cause every year. Way to go!
Click here to check out their stuff!
Lulu thrift is a boutique Instagram shop that still runs as a home based business. With orders getting shipped out once a week (every Monday), they sell everything from clothes, bags, shoes to even handmade resin products!
Check out some of their items here
Thrifting pre-owned has many benefits, but it's also one of the easiest ways to do your bit for the environment, so next time, you’re feeling like some retail therapy, you know where to look!
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But before we take a deep dive into our hemp fact sheet, it’s probably a good idea to disclaim that hemp is not marijuana, and growing it is definitely not illegal. Although they belong to the same family tree, the two have very different THC levels, and so, hemp seeds do not have the ability to intoxicate you.
The process of cultivating hemp for seeds is different from cultivating it for fibre. For fibres, farmers harvest the plant during the early to the mid-flowering stage. They use a special machine to harvest most plants because the seeds have to be sown very deep into the soil for optimal growth.
After the crop is harvested, it is cut and then placed on the ground for weeks so that it decomposes and the fibres can bind themselves together. This is a decay method known as retting. The decayed stems are then dried and treated so that they can be processed into yarn. To make the fibres softer and boost elasticity, some producers even spin the fibre before processing. After the spinning stage, it is woven into fabric and textile garments are made either using hands or machines.
Hemp is not only a biodegradable crop, but also yields almost 200% more fibre than regular cotton. With low carbon emissions and comparatively lesser water usage, it's one of the most sustainable fibres that could exist. Moreover, one of the biggest wins for hemp is that it doesn’t require pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides to grow. These chemicals are toxic to the environment, including the people and animals around the farmland. Furthermore, hemp has a deep root system, which allows for constant soil improvement. It is one of the only plants, where the entirety of the crop is useful. While the stalk is used for fibre, the hurds and leaves can be ploughed into the soil to serve as fertiliser. This replenishes soil fertility and aids the growth of upcoming hemp fabric crops. Additionally, during the production stage, we can also see more of the crop’s eco-friendly nature. Since the whole plant is useful, it produces no industrial waste by-products. Manufacturers convert the stalks to textile fibres and woody parts to produce an array of different products like animal bedding and cattle warmers.
Hemp vs. Cotton: When comparing the sustainability of the fabrics, hemp is significantly more sustainable. The method of growing hemp requires less water, and no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Cotton, on the other hand, requires more of these ingredients for both growth and production. Cotton is definitely the more softer fabric, but in terms of durability, hemp is more long lasting and robust.
Hemp vs. Bamboo: While Bamboo is also a widely celebrated fibre for its sustainability, when compared to hemp it stands second with regards to durability. Hemp is a far more reliable fabric with a higher endurance rate. However, bamboo is silkier and contains certain hypo allergenic components that hemp does not.
Hemp vs. Linen: While both fabrics fare equally in terms of breathability and weight, hemp’s longer fibres make it stronger and more sustainable. It also requires much less land compared to linen and yields a much higher amount of woven cloth from its flowers.
In conclusion, hemp fibres are capable of creating durable, long lasting and most importantly sustainable garments that get softer with each wash. A farmer’s favourite, but also slowly becoming the consumer’s go to choice, hemp is on its way to revolutionise the garment industry and we’re here for it!
Author: Saloni Dahanukar
The FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) kicked off its 2022 edition at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai last week, marking the start of a long awaited festive season. From a wide range of designers that focused on traditional Indian themes, to immaculate presentations from the country’s top fashion maisons, it’s safe to say that these 4 days were an extravagant and glamorous affair.
However, the real spotlight was laid on environmentally conscious and sustainably driven initiatives that championed inclusivity, diversity and cutting edge innovation. Organic cotton made a robust comeback, and empowering graphics highlighted the need to make serious environmentalist changes. LFW’s focus on sustainability and advocating for the importance of curricular fashion was received with applause from top media houses and environmentalists alike.
Let's take a look at the three sustainability driven activities that stood out for us at the country’s most fashionable week of the year:
The RISE Worldwide IMPACT HUB was a special arena dedicated to showcase the various ways in which Indian enterprises have made a difference through their sustainability focused activities. The immersive presentation was brought together by a new age display by businesses advocating for circularity, transparency, and authenticity. Craste, Human Centred Design, Revolve, 200 Million Artisans and Fleather, were the 5 enterprises chosen for their innovative solutions to tackle real world challenges of the fashion industry.
The IMPACT HUB’s vision to revolutionise the fashion industry and all its stakeholders like textile mills, packaging companies, those involved in fashion’s extensive supply chain as well as consumers is truly impressive.
As a part of LFW’s ‘Sustainability Day’, the British Council and RISE held a panel discussion to put a spotlight on ‘Fashion, Climate and the Role of Women’. The panellists included pioneers in sustainable fashion like Priya Krishnamoorthy - founder and CEO, 200 million Artisans, Anita Dongre - chief creative officer, House of Anita Dongre and Aditi Mayer - sustainability activist and photojournalist. While the panel met to speak about the vital role women play as catalysts of change, the conversation’s key takeaway was the return to frugal, minimalist and basic lifestyles in line with our ancestors. Additionally, tips and tricks on how to include sustainability in our daily lives were also furthered.
LFW’s winter edition dedicated a full day to celebrate themes across sustainability, gender fluidity and celebrating local textile crafts. The show’s green initiatives like refillable water bottles and recyclable invite cards showed us that the event was designed keeping in mind the right principles. Fashion houses like Studio Medium, Diksha Khanna, Swatti Kapoor and Elka made a bang by showcasing innovative garments that paid homage to the country’s rich history of local artisans and handmade fabrics such as silk and khadi. R|Elan won the United Nation’s Circular Design Challenge award for its use of sustainable materials like Cartex and Greengold, in an eccentric presentation on the runway. Moreover, Anju Modi’s mindfully designed collection made from Tencel and Modal fibres was also a crowd favourite.
While all these incredible sustainability-led showcases were super important to highlight the future of fashion, a very important part of the fashion economy - circularity was also a key theme that shined through during the event.
The event surely redefined the way people perceive fashion and challenged the traditional notions of what is considered fashionable or trendy. Here’s hoping for many more such thought provoking events, where sustainability takes over - one initiative at a time.
]]>With so many of us eagerly anticipating the wonders of fall and the many festivities that come with the last 4 months of the year, our minds naturally turn to all the exciting things we will be doing out of office. But did you know that the amount of pollution, degradation and wastage of resources during the festive season rises an extra 30% compared to the rest of the year.
Given these figures, it is imperative for us to resort to eco-friendly ways and find more sustainable alternatives to celebrate with our loved ones. From energy saving practices to building a more organic wardrobe, here are 5 tips to help you have a more eco friendly festive season!
The triple R formula doesn't just hold true for clothes, but also for decorations, cutlery, crockery and all the other tangible pieces that are put to use this time of the year. One could say “there’s no need to switch up the aesthetic every year” but I would rather say - choose decorations that are timeless and add a signature look to your home. The ones that you’re excited to unbox every year because you missed having them around. Rent your Christmas trees, furniture and barbecue grills so it saves you the pocket damage and the storage space.
It’s true that gifting is an integral part of festivities (especially in South Asian cultures), but is the extra pretty plastic packaging really worth the planet’s sacrifice? Breaking the traditional gift giving mould and turning to more sustainable options like sustainable clothing made out of long lasting fabrics like organic cotton clothes or bamboo socks , digital subscriptions, charitable donations, gift vouchers or travel coupons can reduce waste and in turn promote experiences that add to the quality of life. If you really want to go the extra mile, you could also adopt an endangered animal and gift it to your loved ones as a token of love for them and the planet.
Wearing what you already have is of course the most sustainable option there is but instead of shopping for a fully new fit, understand the gaps you have in your wardrobe and try to fill them. That lehenga from last year? Mix it up with a new blouse that you can re-wear with multiple outfits! For pieces that you know you’ll end up wearing only once or twice, renting is the way to go. Opt for eco friendly/local artisans that use low impact materials. Invest in a capsule wardrobe that is suitable for most occasions so that the pieces complete each other (Check out a few wardrobe essentials here). There are a million choices, really.
Festive season means long weekends, and long weekends mean holidays. Don’t forget to turn off all your appliances when you leave the house. A little can go a long way with this. Additionally, while choosing lighting decor for your home, opt for LED lights instead of traditional light bulbs. LED lights not only save energy but also emit much less heat and carbon emissions, making them an excellent option for the festive season. Travel responsibly. Try to carpool to events and make sure to keep your carbon footprint in check.
Pick up the litter. Don’t buy that plastic bottle. Not just for the pat on the back, but for good karma. Saving the planet and helping mother nature is one of the best feelings ever. So if you’re doing your bit to help, know that you’re already one step closer to a more sustainable life!
Keeping a track on what you consume, and how meaningfully you consume it will not only help keep the sustainable fashion torch burning, but also nudge brands to consciously make changes to their production practices, supply chains and advertising techniques.
So, are you finally feeling ready to cut back on your carbon footprint and make better fashion choices? Well, you’re in luck because this list of 5 easy steps help you to switch to sustainable fashion without getting out of your comfort zone.
Let’s dive inAround 2 years ago when I first started making sustainable choices, I made it a habit to always check the label on every piece of clothing I bought. If it was a synthetic fabric, the piece didn't belong in my wardrobe (unless it was long wear and reusable for years). Fabrics such as nylon, rayon, or acrylics have a huge carbon footprint that take years to offset. Instead, you can swap these for more biodegradable options like organic cotton t-shirt, hemp, bamboo, jute, wool or silk. These fabrics have a more natural composition and are kinder to the planet.
The best way to practise sustainability is to be mindful. Next time you feel like hitting the shops, dive deeper into why exactly your want of retail therapy arises. Buy something only if you can commit to it for the long term, something that has a higher utility than a one time purchase - because hey, we all own washing machines!
Detox your feed, follow thought leaders that champion sustainability, sign online petitions, learn the lingo. It’s important to get acquainted with the latest trends so you can get inspired to do the same. Just recently, the official definition for “greenwashing” was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary and that asserts the huge momentum carried by the sustainability industry globally. Educating yourself inspires conversations, and that creates awareness!
Probably one of the most important swaps you can make is investing in the local economy. It’s completely valid to get tempted by clothes that get shipped from across continents, but buying local fashion is the easiest way you can ensure a lower carbon footprint, and also contribute towards fair wages and ethical working conditions. Additionally, homegrown brands (like One Less) are usually super transparent about their production practices, so you can trace exactly where your clothes came from.
So now that you are one step closer to cultivating a sustainable mindset, let us guide you to a more sustainable wardrobe.
At One Less, sustainable development is at the core of what we do. Our fabrics are locally sourced, and we use chemical free dyes to ensure longevity and sustainability. Granting fair wages, safe working conditions and promoting social dialogue for our workers, we make sure that our clothes don't cost the planet or the people who make them. Committed to minimising our carbon footprint as much as possible, we only work with fabrics that are kind to the planet. Using a variety of natural eco-friendly fabrics such as GOTS certified organic cotton clothes and bamboo, our materials are sustainably produced and sourced within India.
With that said, one of the best places to shop is always your closet.
So if you’ve made it to the end of this blog, congratulations! You’re ready to rethink sustainable fashion and we are proud of you.
See you next time 🤍
To understand the motivations of choosing to be associated in the green job market, I spoke to Dewika, a graduate student at New York’s Columbia university, currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Sustainability Management.
Dewika started her career in the service consulting industry. In the course of her work, she came across the immense wastage of resources prevalent in most industries.
She emphasised, “having grown up in a very environmentally conscious household, I couldn't fathom it, so I started giving my clients tips and tricks to make their business inherently sustainable” After spending some time consulting, she eventually realised that she wanted to amalgamate her two passions, business development and sustainability.
Dewika adds that choosing a career in sustainability was fascinating, as “people have no idea what it exactly means, but that is natural. The industry itself is figuring out the KPIs for sustainability jobs. On the contrary, people are intrigued and want to know more. I am hopeful that one day 'sustainability careers' will cease to exist, as all businesses will inherently built on principles of sustainable growth”
With the boom in climate awareness in the last few years, a lot of focus is given to ESG - environmental, social and corporate governance. The fashion industry in particular is leading this movement and continues to look for passionate individuals, willing to make a conscious change. More and more consumers are educating themselves about the sustainable swaps that could potentially be a game changer in how fashion is perceived. Making the switch from normal cotton, to organic cotton, or consciously choosing to shop for products like bamboo socks are consumer trends that are gaining exponential popularity. With a shift in preferences, it is obvious that employers are creating a purpose driven nature to attract individuals by opening up vacancies in this field.
That said, there are many ways to start a career in sustainability. Here are some resources you may find helpful.
A marketplace for networking, where you can find anything and everything related to the sustainability ecosystem. From connecting with sustainable entrepreneurs to matching with employers looking for talent, CO has it all.
You could call this the Linkedin for sustainability careers. It is a fashion specific job board that advertises positions from internships to senior level executives.
If you are a sustainability maniac like I am, you probably already follow them on Instagram. However, they have a dedicated feature on the website that allows you to browse across numerous fashion sustainability jobs with just a single click.
Apart from this, a few skills that you could find helpful while trying to land a role in sustainability could include:
Though it may not seem like a straightforward career path now, research proves that sustainability careers are set to be the next big phenomenon and a surge in green talent is the only way forward.
So if you are Fashion’s class of 2022, it’s only uphill from here!
]]>One of the by-products of this business (& probably the biggest piece of the puzzle) is sustainable packaging. It is eco-friendly, biodegradable and in most cases - organic, meaning it has the ability to decompose (in contrast to plastic or other synthetic fibres that have high impact). Research proves that sustainable packaging has a long list of benefits and that is why everyone from huge e-commerce websites to small homegrown brands have slowly jumped on the bandwagon.
Let’s dive further into what sustainable packaging really is why more brands need to offer sustainable packaging solutions.
picture credits: ecobahn.com
With the exponential rise in D2C websites offering everything from 20 minute deliveries to avocados shipped from halfway across the world, packaging is a ubiquitous facet of our lives. Traditional packaging is found to be made primarily out of plastic (think bubble wrap, films, laminates and pouches). However, with the growing awareness that plastic harms air, oceans, land, and generally puts our environment in a state of crisis, the packaging industry has taken significant steps to undo this problem. With constant advocacy from activists and consumers alike, this landscape has slowly started to change.
Say hi to sustainable packaging. A new age alternative to single use plastic, sustainable packaging refers to the sourcing, development and usage of eco-friendly packaging solutions that have minimal impact on the environment.
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) offers 8 criteria for packaging to be considered sustainable. They are:
When applied to the fashion industry, sustainable packaging offers a realm of solutions that can make the overall consumption process more eco friendly, organic and ethical. It’s not only better for the environment but a great investment for brands trying to champion sustainability and lessen their impact. Here’s a little lowdown on why sustainable packaging is worth the price.
As of 2022, there are many innovative start-ups and companies that provide highly functional and logical sustainable packaging solutions. Some options available in India are Ecovia & EnvoPap (our wonderful packaging partners), Bambrew, and Texool.
Not buying or shopping less is the ultimate way to go, but if you’re in need of a stellar fit to accompany your Sunday plans, then I recommend looking for something that comes wrapped in sustainable packaging - like this One Less sweats/ shorts set (if I may say so myself 😉).
We are very proud of our sustainable packaging efforts and make sure that every organic cotton t-shirt you buy or every pair of bamboo socks you gift, comes sustainably packed!
Happy shopping 🤍
]]>Since we’re just 4 months away from 2023, I thought it would be a good idea to round up the 5 biggest sustainability moments from the year that completely rocked the fashion world’s boat. Let’s take a look.
The cult streetwear brand’s AW22 runway show was nothing less than a whole event in itself. Designed to look like a real life blizzard with artificial snow covering the runaway, the models unveiled an audacious new line inspired by the current climate emergencies faced by the world. With a special tribute to Ukraine, it was the sustainability world’s boldest show of symbolism and creativity. The brand moved away from its usual stance as an atelier to bolder themes like repurposing old towels to jeans, and a mycelium based leather coat made out of mushroom roots!
Just like Balenciaga, Coach too went down an unconventional (and sustainable) path for this year’s autumn winter collection. Amongst the many flirty dresses and oversized T-shirts was a leather trench coat made with upcycled vintage pieces that was creative director Stuart Vevers masterpiece. Sustainability was the overall theme of the show and Coach managed to pull it off with ease!
The Met Gala - ‘fashion’s biggest night out’ as many call it, is usually an event that isn’t sustainable fashion’s biggest promoter. In 2022 however, things looked different. More than just a few celebrities gave the biggest designers a run for their money by choosing vintage numbers or rewearing some of their own pieces!
From Camilla Cabello’s upcycled Prabal Gurung number to Kim K’s vintage dress from the 60’s - and Emma Stone’s designer mini from her own closet, sustainable choices were in and one time fashion was out! Way to go!!
Global citizen, climate activist and sustainability advocate Billie Eillish championed eco conscious fashion on the red carpet and how. Stitched especially for her grand entrance, Alessandro Michele designed an upcycled silk corset dress all thanks to Gucci! In recent times, the luxury brand has been extremely mindful about their impact on the fashion industry, and rocking a runway number like this for one of the biggest pop stars is a big step in the right direction!
The luxury fashion world’s sustainable journey continued to play out on the AW22 runaway as Tommy Hilfiger jumped on the dead stock bandwagon. Dead stock in simpler terms is the surplus of fabric produced by clothing mills that doesn’t make it to the final cut of a piece. In an effort to lessen their environmental footprint, the brand has been championing efforts to be more sustainable by utilising this deadstock fabric in their new collections. A recent dead stock look that received applause by many was Shawn Mendes’ three piece set at the Met Gala.
As activists campaign for a more sustainable fashion industry, there are signs that those at the top are listening. 2022 saw traditional fashion being reformed and designers being praised for their innovative outlook on making clothes more organic, sustainable and eco friendly.
As a brand that is striving to make sustainable fashion more accessible, we at One Less hope that this momentum leads to more such much needed incremental changes in the fashion industry.
Author: Saloni Dahanukar
While we all want to do our bit to fight climate change, all this sustainable fashion mumbo jumbo can sometimes get overwhelming. While all of us are trying to be more “eco friendly”, “organic” and “vegan”, fashion brands keep throwing more and more such buzzwords into the mix every season. One must think, are “eco friendly” and “fair trade” the same thing? What exactly is vegan leather? And how exactly can “bamboo socks” be biodegradable??
Fret not, it’s not as bad as you think.
To make things easier, here’s a list of 10 key sustainable fashion terms that will help you cut through the complications and give your dictionary a break.
It’s common practice to see these two terms used interchangeably or even together in most sustainable fashion adverts. While that is absolutely appropriate, they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. When a brand certifies their product as “organic”, it usually means that the raw materials used to make the product are natural and not genetically modified. Meaning, they are grown without any chemicals or pesticides. On the other hand, “vegan” products refer to items that are cruelty free and have been made without the presence of animal products. In most countries, you can look for PETA certified clothes to make sure there are no hidden animal ingredients in your fashion items.
These terms refer to the practice of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all those involved in the entire supply chain, from cotton pickers, to garment workers to drivers who transport the finished product to the point of sale. Ethical trade conditions include fair pay, hygienic and safe working conditions, protecting workers rights and helping workers to achieve equitable trade partnerships. These conditions are a collective responsibility of business owners, retailers, wholesalers and brands alike.
Simply put, the circular fashion economy refers to extending a product’s life cycle by reusing, recycling, upcycling, sharing, leasing and repairing existing materials for as long as one can. It is literally the opposite of the linear fashion economy we live in today, where a piece of clothing ends up in a landfill after a few years of use. This term is also referred to as the closed loop system, which works to keep clothes in circulation for as long as possible. The closed loop system is heavily gaining momentum in the fashion industry as new age designers are rethinking and redesigning the way clothes are perceived by consumers.
The Cradle to Cradle approach in sustainable fashion builds on the idea of a circular economy, where clothes are designed in closed loop systems, in a way that the end stage of a particular item becomes the starting stage of another. It was coined as a counter to the “Cradle to Grave” philosophy where clothing items would typically end up in a landfill after their few years of usage. The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) approach imitates nature’s cycle, where items are allowed to naturally decompose, or be upcycled to minimise wastage and lessen impact. C2C is quickly gaining momentum as one of the more promising ways to tackle the ever growing impact of the fashion and textile industry.
Many times we see brands proudly talking about their carbon negativity and carbon neutrality in the same catchphrase. However, in actuality these two terms are not similar at all. Being carbon neutral would mean that while a product releases x amount of CO2 during its production process, that carbon is offset in other areas to make the net carbon emission of that product zero. Contrastingly, entering a state of carbon negativity would mean the production process would lock up more CO2 than it would produce, thus countering the effect of emissions on the planet. One must keep in mind that carbon neutrality is not the only solution and all fashion houses must aim to enter a carbon negative state as a way to tackle global warming.
Slow fashion is a relatively new term, coined to counter the practices of fast fashion brands that produce inventory without focusing on sustainability. It means prioritising quality over quantity, and purchasing items that are in every way ethical and sustainable. It also refers to spending more time on the design process to rethink the way clothes can be repurposed for a longer duration, with respect to people, animals, and the environment in general.
The Rana Plaza catastrophe is a singular event that took place almost a decade ago, and yet is a reminder of the grave dangers that the world of fast fashion holds. In 2013, the Rana Plaza manufacturing complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed killing almost a 1000 workers and injuring more than 2500. Since then, this tragedy has been a reality check of the fashion industry’s impact and need for sustainable reform. Since this incident, the subject of fair trade and ethical fashion has been thrust into the spotlight and activists have been campaigning for policy changes in the garment industry, especially in developing countries.
Biodegradable clothing refers to clothing made out of natural fibres such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and so on. Such clothes can be turned into non toxic waste after their life cycle, and are easily degenerated compared to regular clothing or synthetic items. Such clothing is manufactured with the aim of decomposition, using natural agents such as air, water and sun that break down the compound of the fibres and degrade easily. Some examples of such items are bamboo socks, organic cotton t-shirts, jute bags and hemp caps!
You may have come across these terms quite frequently in the sustainable fashion ecosystem. Gender neutral fashion merely refers to clothing designed keeping in mind universal accessibility and without the limits of masculine or feminine body types. Such fashion items are popularly called “fashion fluid” and build on the opinion that gender is solely a social construct. By taking the gender fluid route, brands not only widen their consumer base, but also cut down on costs and make their clothes accessible to everyone!
A conscious consumer is one who consumes keeping in mind the holistic and positive impact of their purchases on the environment and the planet at large. They can be defined as someone who is mindful about their choices, and reflects on a product's end to end lifespan before purchasing it. Conscious consumerism is opposed to mindless consumerism. Conscious consumers are often also referred to as green consumers or ethical consumers.
]]>But what if I said that this revolution had something to do with our zodiac signs?
From dictating our buying habits, to predicting impulse purchases and hoarding old clothes; our star signs can be super significant in determining our consumption habits. So if you’re looking for a little bit of fashion inspiration or a spring clean to get into hustle mode, here’s a little sustainability manual pre determined by the stars.
Ofcourse, this is all for a little bit of fun, so don’t forget to keep that in mind before you empty your wallet (or your closet!)
Hi aries, we all know you’re a bit of an early adopter. Always setting the trend instead of jumping on one, we believe it's time for you to make sustainable choices and advocate for them to be mainstream. The fire in you might nudge you to be more active in the second half of 2022, so don’t forget to repurpose that old cotton tee as your timeless workout fit, and we promise it will make quite the OOTD on your instagram feed!
You do you, Taurus! It has not been the easiest year for you so far, so I’d say you deserve a (sustainable) treat. Do yourself a favour and gift yourself some much needed rest, alongside an eco-friendly set of luxurious pyjamas that will last you for years to come. Always remember, quality over quantity!
Dear Gemini, it's no secret that each of your alter ego’s have a different fashion sense so make sure you are true to yourself and spend money on something that is unapologetically you. That may mean, an over the top self care kit or a swanky new pair of upcycled denim - the choice is yours. At the end of the day, fashion is just one of the ways you communicate with the world, so buy what you believe in.
Highly skilled at not drawing attention to themselves, you Cancereans are big on keeping it low-key and comfortable. However, your flair for footwear and accessories is what makes you, you. So head over to your favourite sustainable fashion store and treat yourself to a pair of vegan sneakers or biodegradable jewellery and let your uniqueness take over.
Loud and proud is how I’d like to describe you Leo. The ethical fashion startup that launched 3 seconds ago? Chances are, you already know about it. You like to be the first to know (and wear) everything, and the rest of us are not mad about it. Your chase for new and upcoming sustainable brands is strong and I have a hunch that you’re looking to make a bold purchase this season - something bright, sparkly and sequined!
So what if you haven’t ventured out of your usual style, Virgo? Don’t be afraid of peer pressure, because that is exactly why everyone loves you. With extreme attention to detail and practicality trumping aesthetics, your straightforward personality is most likely to repurpose and upcycle a 2017 look into a 2022 blockbuster.
Inspired by everything and everyone around you, you Librans have the ability to turn shopping into an athletic activity. Obsessed with symmetry, and making everything match, you could probably venture into the world of colour coordinated sets (check these out!) and matching accessories for the next few weeks. After all, you are a pro at keeping the balance maintained between on point aesthetics and the need to be eco conscious.
Mysterious, sexy and powerful - that is what you emanate Scorpio. Since you use fashion to express how you are currently feeling at any given point in time, you love it when you walk into a room and the gaze falls right on you. You’re not fussy and like to keep it effortless, which is why I’d recommend sticking to what you know works and investing in long lasting basics like monochrome organic cotton tees or a comfortable organic cotton sweatpant. After all, you look good in anything!
Hey Sagi, your social calendar looks busy this season, and so you may be tempted to make impulsive fashion buys; but remember to be mindful and not let the constant hunger for adventure get the better of you. Your endless pursuit of knowledge, travel and spontaneity taps into your risk taking side, so you may feel attracted towards all things spiritual. Consider splurging on a necklace made by local artisans or perhaps a handmade quilt to cosy up alongside your day dreaming woes.
Snack on the outside, soft on the inside is the tagline for all you Capris this year. Obsessed with functionality and giving everything an artsy edge, you may consider a capsule wardrobe so that you’re never stressed about what to wear each morning. Your responsible, high quality purchase decisions mean you don’t really need any guidance at all!
An emotional perfectionist - that would sum you up Aquarius. Secretly caring for those around you, deeply thinking about everything yet never liked being told what to do; your predictable personality needs to be pushed outside your comfort zone. To that I would say, have you ever worn anything made out of bamboo? Or hemp?
I’d think not. Take this as your cue to stock up on some antibacterial bamboo socks, or a hemp cap and break the chain of sticking to comfort.
Hey pisces, like your sign denotes - you are always pulled in opposite directions when it comes to your consumption habits. Your dreamy outlook to life is why you always carry your heart on your sleeve and so, supporting those who make a difference comes naturally to you. In this case, I’d recommend a stroll in an organic flea market or a pre-loved antique shop so you can pick up pieces that are sustainable yet tell a historical story.
Whatever your plans might be this year - whether it's a dreamy vacation, an important job interview or spending time all by yourself; dressing the part always helps (white heart emoji)
Just in case you’d like to indulge in some mindful retail therapy, don't forget to shop for organic cotton t-shirts, bamboo socks and many more sustainable and eco-friendly clothing items here!
]]>From bamboo socks, to shoes made out of mushrooms, it doesn’t come as a surprise that organic fashion is on the rise. From ethically sourced organic cotton, through to the discontinuation of microplastics in buttons, zips and chains, fashion and beauty brands are becoming more and more eco conscious everyday - And mind you, PETA is taking notes.
The organisation just came out with a list of sustainable fashion brands that are championing clean fashion and we couldn't be more excited.
The organic and vegan fashion revolution continues to inspire more and more people everyday and PETA’s most recent fashion awards celebrate this, by recognising those who help you shop with a conscience.
Allkind Vegan launched in 2020 with a clear ethos to offer beautiful and desirable, non-animal origin vegan footwear.
They use an array of sustainable alternatives to traditional leather options such as Microfibers, PU, PL, Cotton, Natural or Recycled Rubber and upcycled materials. More so, their shoeboxes and even their business cards are made from recycled t-shirts. With a goal of producing everyday classics with any compromise, the brand has gained a strong credibility as one of the finest luxury vegan offerings in the industry. They have partnered with Ecologi on rainforest protection, renewable energy and major tree planting programmes and also donate 5% of their profits to causes they believe in.
Cult sustainable brand Ganni, based in Copenhagen has been making headlines for quite some time. Gaining applause for their latest capsule collection, the brand is making big moves in pioneering the usage of wine grapes to produce vegan leather. To help them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability, they have appointed an external responsibility board to support them in becoming the most responsible version of themselves. The brand is also an advocate of social matters like The Black Lives Matter movement and champion gender diversity in every way they can.
Sneaker powerhouse Nike gained a major momentum in PETA’s list for their sustainability efforts as a result of their collaboration with Ananas Anam on a vegan trainer collection. Nike’s ‘Happy Pineapple Sneaker Collection’ includes some of the brand's most iconic pieces like the Air Force ones. Animal free pineapple based fabric has been used on this collection, along with some elements of the shoes made with materials such as wasted cork. Piñatex ‘leather’ is made using pineapple leaves and promises to have 95% renewable resources and enhanced material performance. The brand claims to be the most sustainable plant-based leather alternative on the market today.
PETA’s fashion awards are slowly becoming a benchmark that most big fashion houses are aspiring to reach. Slowly but steadily, luxury fashion is also taking the organic route, and converting its mass set of followers into sustainable and eco conscious shoppers who believe that clothes could look equally beautiful made from bamboo or hemp.
It's no secret that our fashion choices are damaging the planet. The fashion industry is one of the greatest global polluters and we are happy to see structural changes like these, becoming mainstream.
Here’s to more bamboo socks, plastic free toothbrushes and sustainable clothing choices becoming our best friends.
]]>Eco Anxiety or the ‘Environmental burden of Generation Z’ as Washington Post calls it, is defined as the “extreme fear and worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change”.
While sustainable fashion brands like One Less are using sustainable fabrics to lessen climate impact for making long lasting essentials like Bamboo socks (you can buy our bamboo socks online), there also still exist cult fashion brands like Shein who are producing single use and cheap fast fashion where someone, somewhere is paying the real price. Realities like these trigger feelings of worry, nervousness and even depression in some, vastly referred to as the phenomenon of Eco Anxiety.
To assess the public opinion on Eco Anxiety, I asked my instagram followers their take on the term and how the world of fashion could contribute to addressing this widespread concern.
Tanishka, a twenty something year old from Pune, boldly said “Most eco anxiety I have stems from the fact that you still have to convince people climate change is happening. We need to take action now and people won’t even do the basics like not buying plastic bottles or straws”
She further adds that “As advanced as we have become with technology, sustainability practices are mostly about going back to old ways of consuming less, saying no to fast fashion, carrying your own tiffin, ditching plastic and shopping locally”
Tanishka speaks on behalf of those who are riddled by the lack of efforts to save the planet. In fact, a 2017 report titled “Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Implications, and Guidance,” highlights the severe mental health impact stemming from Eco Anxiety and the burden this state of mind can carry on a normal lifestyle.
“My anxiety is heavily triggered at music festivals or concerts, and I see drinks served in single use plastic cups, it takes away the fun of the show”
and
“When influencers normalise buying a new outfit every time they have to go on holiday, it stresses me out”.
Emphasising on the world of fashion in particular - buying clothes is still sold as a way to increase happiness. Perhaps a new swanky jacket can instantly turn a gloomy version of self into a happier one. However, the instant dopamine rush from ‘retail therapy' is just that - it's instant.
We are living in a world where we are almost compelled to consume more and more ( in short intervals) because somehow it relates directly to unequivocal happiness and self worth. However, with feelings such as eco anxiety, fear and worry about the future of our planet looming on our heads, where does one go to escape this dilemma? What can we do?
Now I know this may sound like a bunch of heavy words put together, but trust me it’s easy once you start being mindful of yourself. Appreciate the clothes you already own, unleash your creativity and style them in different ways. When the online world questions your willpower to buy that new pair of jeans, think about how the fashion marketing ninjas are trying to get into your head.
Count on me when I tell you this helps. Whether it's going to the gym, finishing a home decor project, or limiting your spend to one (or two) t-shirts a month. Celebrate your achievements at the end of the month, be it a coffee or going out for dessert together and discover the many benefits of not falling prey to trends.
Remember that every single step counts. Every organic cotton t-shirt reused, every pair of bamboo socks bought and every upcycled mask gifted is one step of doing right for the planet. Buy what you believe in and use your advocacy to educate others.
Lastly, remember to take care of yourself and your wellbeing. Remember that the movement of climate activism is alot stronger and impactful with the UN, scientists, and many governments involved.
And remember that while you can’t change the world, you can take one step in the right direction, however small it may be.
In case you're looking for a sustainable clothing brand that does right by the environment, you can check out One Less’ collection of organic cotton t-shirts, sweatpants and many more wardrobe essentials One Less!
“I feel like we understand what plastic does to the Earth, but I had no idea what cotton was capable of” – Stacey Dooley
This is what most sustainable fashion connoisseurs will also say when you question their passion for saving the planet.
Most of our modern day activities like flying overseas, eating exotic fruits, shopping for cheap clothes are taking an obvious toll on the environment. To put it in perspective, luxury brand - Burberry admitted to burning clothes worth £90m in 2021, and high street favourite Zara, which comes up with as many as 24 collections in one year ends up with almost 85% of its textiles in landfills.
In fact, by 2050 the fashion industry is anticipated to use 25% of the world’s carbon budget, putting it on par with oil and airlines. One of the main reasons why the fashion industry is slowly losing its credibility is because of its reliance on high impact fabrics like cotton, that require copious amounts of water and contribute majorly to carbon emissions. However, thanks to budding entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the sustainable fashion scene, there may be a way around this.
Enter Organic Cotton - a sustainable, chemical free and low impact alternative. With a reputation for being the farmer’s favourite since it uses 70% less water than regular cotton, this crop is slowly changing things around.
Given the versatility and durability of this fabric, most sustainable fashion brands have birthed one of the most timeless fashion buys in the fashion world; the Organic T shirt.
Upon asking One Less founder Hansika Chhabria about her inspiration to make comfortable everyday clothing, she explained the philosophy that went behind designing the line.
“While creating the initial idea of OL collections, there was a checklist - can all genders wear this? Can any age group wear this? Will this ever go out of style?” the answers to which lie in the versatility of the fabric, and that’s exactly why OL’s first ever line focused on clothes made of GOTS certified organic cotton. The organic cotton t-shirt which is now available in 6 colours is an OL classic and our most loved piece.
Apart from OL, other sustainable fashion brands in this space have also resonated with the same perspective. Apurva and Diti who started No Nasties, a Mumbai based label, source their organic cotton from organic fair trade farms by small scale farmers all over India with no GMO seeds, no toxins, and ofcourse - no nasties.
Infact, kids' fashion is also jumping on the organic cotton bandwagon. Edamama - “a conscious clothing brand that cares about children and the earth” as mentioned in their instagram bio, sells a sustainable range of organic cotton t-shirts that meet the Global Organic Textile Standard and are super fun too!
Organic cotton has become a centrepiece of sustainable fashion, but its usage in mainstream fast fashion or high street brands remains minimal. Using this fabric can lessen not only environmental consequences but also drive the fashion industry to a value based approach rather than a price based one.
The path to organic cotton is not easy. It starts with lowering demand for regular cotton and bringing awareness about the many benefits organic cotton has. From catwalks to storefronts, organic cotton has the capability to transform the industry and at large, our planet.
Check out our organic cotton t-shirt collection here:https://oneless.co.in/collections/t-shirts
Author: Saloni Dahanukar
Growing up as an only child with working parents (who often travelled), I spent the majority of time with my paternal grandmother - Ajju. She is one of the most important people in my life and has shaped my individuality in many ways.
Since I can remember she has been a lover of nature, flowers and all things botanical. Long before up-cycling, recycling or reusing became ‘cool’, Ajju had based her entire life around these values - not on purpose, but because that’s how she was brought up. Ajju was raised in a huge and well off family - her parents, along with 6 brothers and 5 sisters making 13 immediate family members, and around 20 uncles, aunts and cousins. They all lived under the same roof and involuntarily incorporated the biggest lesson of sustainable living; sharing, in their daily tasks. Her family owned a big farm, mainly growing seasonal produce - because that’s what was natural during her times, unlike avocados or mangoes that are farmed all year round today and thus, require 3x more harmful energy than if they are grown in the right season. So naturally, she inculcated in me similar sustainable eating habits, like eating grapes in February, lychees in may and guavas in fall.
As I continue living my proud independent life in the city of dreams, I often find myself turning to these habits unintentionally and thus, reaping the many benefits of sustainable living. It’s common for me to come across a plethora of information about sustainability on my social media. Nothing I see is really new, because Ajju has taught me these values all along.
A true force to be reckoned with, I’m definitely possessive about ajju but if it’s going to make our world a better place, I don’t mind passing some of her wisdom along.
As a proud boomer, she is an expert at the 3R’s - Reduce, recycle and reuse. Soaking up spilt milk with leftover bread so she can feed our pets, optimally utilising a single sheet of tissue paper so we don’t waste trees and saving every piece of plastic packaging ever, so she can make a cover for her hundred novels - she sets a high benchmark in our household regarding wastage of resources.
Ajju’s morning routine includes a 45 min session of power yoga, followed by breakfast, mainly consisting of coffee and fresh fruits. Many times, I catch her rubbing papaya skins on her skin due to the rich anti-aging properties they contain. (and trust me, it shows!! She looks 25). After her breakfast, she likes to settle down in our garden with a bunch of newspapers or a good book. On good days, our garden is beautifully lit by the morning sun, which is perfect for her daily dose of Vitamin D, she says. (All this while I was wondering why my expensive skincare wasn’t doing the trick)
Ajju also swears by being frugal about overconsumption. She believes that one should only buy how much they need. However, no-one is perfect and ajju isn’t either - so she makes an exception to this rule with regards to books.
Her thrifty behavior comes not from wanting to save money, but because she is a lover of nature and does not believe in burdening it. Finishing all the food on her plate, always finishing her glass of water or not ordering her favorite dish in a restaurant because she is unsure if she can finish the whole thing are some tenets she has passed down to me. These have not only helped me live sustainably, but also lessened the strain on my pocket.
Along with being pragmatic with her daily habits, she is also the biggest supporter of eating and buying local. If my form of retail therapy is window shopping in a big mall, hers is visiting clothing or food exhibitions. She is a regular visitor to almost every exhibition or trade fair in the vicinity. My childhood memories include her buying the yummiest food items made by small businesses like garden cress ladoos (also known as aliv), which are a great source of protein and help to keep satiated or Green pea pastries (also known as matar karanji), made from fresh seasonal produce. Her collection of handloom sarees, and hand painted dupattas are some of her famous purchases that I absolutely adore (and steal every chance I get!).
Ajju is simplicity personified. Less is more and beauty is natural are her golden rules of life. An epitome of organic living - we can all learn a bit of sustainability from ajju <3 (which reminds me, I should probably call her!)
Hemp; a sustainable substitute for polluting fabrics, is the newest kid on the block.
With its extensive variety of uses and hassle free technique of growing, it is much more environmentally friendly and durable. It is fast becoming the fashion world’s favourite choice because anything you can stitch with cotton, you can basically make from hemp too! (And no, it will not get you high because its THC properties are less than 0.3%)
Many farmers, key opinionists and thought leaders from the fashion industry have spoken widely about the benefits of using hemp more regularly in fashion lines, and everyday clothing.
Let’s go over why this sober family member of the cannabis family has become the industry’s new favourite thing.
Hemp requires around 70% less water than its conventional counterparts and takes less than just 90 days to cultivate. While fibres such as cotton are very water intensive and need up to 1000 litres of water per kg, Hemp on the other hand requires roughly 300-400 litres.
Compared to less sustainable fabrics like polymers and cotton, it offers long lasting wear and is very durable. Its hypoallergenic property makes it softer the more you wash it (just like linen), so it’s scientifically designed to last you longer. Additionally, it cultivates much more fibre in each yield than most crops, and thus offers a bigger surface area to work with.
Hemp fibres are tightly stitched and opaque, which make the fabric sturdy and non irritating. Hence, it also does a great job in protecting the skin barrier from harmful UV rays that could cause complications such as skin cancer. This is one of the vital reasons why many brands have started incorporating hemp in their resort clothing ranges - it is UV free and highly suitable for outdoor activities.
Hemp is often referred to as the miracle plant that restores soil health and revives depleted soils of their nutrients. It has the powerful ability to absorb nitrogen and carbon from the air and put it back into the soil, thus making it a favourite amongst farmers. Additionally, it is a natural pest resistant and does not require any additional fertilisers to grow.
Hemp makes for healthier clothing and is great for sensitive skin as it has the properties to resist dangerous and potent bacteria like MRSA and E.coli. Hemp clothing is the number 1 option for skin allergies or irritations as these properties work with the temperature of the body and not against it.
Hemp is a fully natural weed, which has organic roots and is very easy to degenerate. It is also a highly renewable crop which can be harvested up to 3 times a year. Its growing time is negligible compared to other fabrics and it decomposes in around 2-6 weeks. Its low-maintenance qualities make it extremely suitable to use not only in clothing but other arenas such as bioplastics and furniture too.
Hemp is for the people, and the planet. And we, at One Less are very excited to welcome this revolutionary fabric into our sustainable clothing collection made entirely in India.
Here’s to the miracle plant reshaping the fashion industry!
Last week, we celebrated World Earth Day. A lot of brands came forward on social media and expressed the need to take immediate action to safeguard the planet.
However, in a world where the fashion industry’s carbon footprint is almost 10% of total human activity, is one day of advocacy really enough?
Of course not.
The constant calls to action from fashion experts and climate activists serve as a sturdy reminder that brands need to come together and treat everyday as Earth day.
While this still seems like a utopian reality, there are few names to bookmark when it comes to instilling sustainability in the brand’s DNA.
Let’s start with popular shoe wear brand TOMS.
With the idea that sustainability is not optional, but a collective responsibility, TOMS focuses on a holistic approach to ethical and eco conscious practices to meet its business objectives. The company operates on a one for one model; where it donates one pair of shoes for every pair bought. The company’s pioneering designs include durable and sustainable fabrics such as canvas and heavily relies on recycled materials. The brand has not missed a single chance to consciously advocate for sustainability and this has resulted in a very loyal fan base that is proud of every purchase. Despite their popularity, they have not faltered in their commitment towards taking care of the planet. Their packaging is 100% sourced from sustainably recycled forests and they are a certified B corporation, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
Another brand championing sustainable and eco-friendly practices is The Pangaia; a material science company that produces fashion garments. Topping the innovation charts, the brand is revolutionizing ‘sustainable clothing’ with its talented team of technicians, scientists and technologists. Amongst the many expert practices that the brand executes throughout its supply chain, one of its most famous is the FLWRDWN™ technology which produces cruelty free puffer jackets using recycled wildflower down. The brand is famously known for using fruits and vegetables to produce clothing dyes too. Focusing on developing cleaner fashion ecosystems, their most recent endeavor includes eco-friendly jeans. “Denim is one of those garments that naturally lends itself to sustainability” says Amanda Parkes, their Chief Innovation Officer who has invested years of research and development into the label’s successful fashion lines. The denim collection led by head designer Jonathan Cheung uses giant Himalayan stinging nettles, foraged in Nepal by a female-run collective of subsistence farmers. Not only does this initiative reduce carbon footprint but also creates sources of livelihood in the Himalayan community.
Talking about cleaning out the fashion stratosphere, California based apparel label - Patagonia’s environmental rallying is difficult to surpass. Many experts have named it “the world’s most reliable fashion company”. The label proudly boasts a number of patented technologies. Ecologically safer materials like rubber wetsuits made from desert shrubs and textiles made from protein-based silk are some of their proud innovations. Additionally, the brand sources all its energy from renewable sources. All of its US based stores run on 100% clean energy proving time and again that true sustainability is so much more than just greener clothes. Their animal welfare initiatives and conservation efforts of the environment in a notoriously cruel industry also deserve applause. Stressing on the consumer’s biggest problem; overconsumption, Patagonia also pioneered the “Don’t buy this jacket campaign” to reduce the toxic culture of excess and encourage people to only buy what they need.
These are just some of the amazing efforts that these revolutionary brands are taking.
The courage to face the complexities of tricky policies and navigating in the world of fast fashion is truly something that sets these labels apart. We at One Less are proud to be making strides towards our goal of a sustainable future. Being able to achieve this mission alone is difficult, so we hope you will join us in taking one small imperfect step at a time!
We’re almost halfway into 2022, and it’s time to officially cut all ties with our toxic ex - Fast Fashion.
Despite monumental advocacy in favour of eco-friendly fashion from all over the globe, the high street has made little to no changes to clothing lines, and the supply chains that support their clothes. The only immediate action that can be taken is when us customers stop indulging. Lowering demand, and thus reducing production is the only way forward in this uphill battle to save our planet.
Many clothing brands have now shifted emphasis solely on one thing. Lowering impact. Both environment and social.
Here is list of 5 clothing companies, making badass moves towards better practices and eco-friendly production.
A true leader in the green fashion revolution movement, Stella McCartney doesn’t just incorporate sustainability in her clothing, but also her offices - that run on renewable energy. From eco-friendly mannequins to investing in cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies, the brand has championed sustainable practices every step of the way. Her moves are not recent. Since 2012, the brand has been studying the impact it makes on the environment by using the Kering group’s environment profit and loss tool. Sustainability is embedded in almost every aspect of what the brand makes or associates itself with. A true force to be reckoned with!
Taking inspiration from American casual wear, Rag & Bone was founded by Marcus Wainwright and Nathan Bogle in the early 2000’s keeping sustainability at the centre of it all.
Amongst other eco-friendly efforts, they partnered with Cotton Inc’s Blue Jeans Go Green initiative to start a denim recycling program. It focuses on incentivising patrons to donate their jeans that are then repurposed into making insulation for homes. Along with this, they emphasise on local production in some of America’s oldest factories to reduce the footprint of their logistics, and support the local community. Way to go!
After being called out numerous times by environmental activists and patrons of the sustainable community, Gucci has redesigned its business model by promising to trace back 95% of where their raw material is sourced from. Often referred to as the most transparent one amongst its luxury counterparts, the brand promises to promote Italian craftsmanship, reduce its carbon footprint and use upcycled fabrics to stay in line with parent company; Kering’s sustainability guidelines. Their recent genderless collections include items made from recycled steel and regenerated polyamide which received great applaud from the global fashion police. It’s not big, but it's definitely something. Proud of you Gucci!
Patagonia’s efforts in the eco-friendly club are hard to go unnoticed. They started promoting the planet much before it was considered cool. The brand was named a UN Champion in 2019 for their sustainable practices and advocacy work. One of their key efforts is WornWear - an ecommerce marketplace that uses fabric scraps to produce ready to wear renders of classic styles. Patagonia’s founder Chouinard has promised to donate 1% of total annual revenue to planet-saving causes and even started an NGO for the same. Additionally, focusing on internal company-wide activism, the brand makes sure that everyone is on the same page with regards to the vision and mission of the company. *Happy tears*
Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2. - this is what the Ref brand tagline reads. Need we say more?
A no nonsense approach to promoting the planet, Reformation has been completely carbon neutral since 2015 with a mission to be fully climate positive by 2025. Reducing their greenhouse emissions so that the company has a net positive impact on the planet is a key tenet they stand by. The brand’s almost cult-like following and loyal customer base has referred to them as being one of the most accessible brands globally. Along with releasing a revenue report, it is one of the few brands that release a sustainability report in an effort towards transparency. Using natural fabrics, a zero waste policy and above all - saving the planet is what Ref lives by! And we’re here totally for this energy.
Other brands with eco-conscious values include Eileen Fisher, Veja, Mara Hoffman and many more. One Less is proud to be a part of this growing sustainable fashion community. Next time you’re looking to do some pocket damage, you’ll know where to look!
With every passing second, the planet is impacted more and more with our daily choices.
No matter how small or big, every individual choice has a cost. However, how does one ensure that their impact on the environment is minimised? Well, the answer lies in making smarter choices.
Little changes go a long way, so here’s a little list that can help give your life an eco-friendly makeover. Not limited to the world of fashion, but from eating habits to eco-conscious travelling, we present 5 sustainable swaps you may not have thought of!
We love our hair ties, but why do we end up buying new packs every 3 months?
Indian brands such as Brown Living and Kooshoo and international brands such as Terra Ties are pushing the way forward in a very niche yet extremely important market - plastic free hair accessories. These hair ties and hair clips are manufactured using long lasting natural fibres such as organic cotton and bamboo. So, in the not so slight chance they get lost… they are built to break down in the environment over time. Considering hair accessories are one of the most widely used commodities, making this swap definitely has the potential to lessen the impact on the planet by a huge amount.
Waking up to cold hard facts about my favourite breakfast food is not easy. But the extreme and harmful effects of avocado production cannot be ignored. From using copious amounts of water, to deforestation, to extensive soil degradation, the avocado supply chain has been causing serious havoc. On a similar note, meat from animals produces methane - which once released into the atmosphere can have serious altercations like the recent episodes of forest fires throughout the globe.
But fret not, the wonders of the culinary world offer a great selection of alternatives that provide the same nourishment and even better texture! Mushy peas fused with a bit of chilli, lime and coriander make a great alternative to traditional guacamole and work even better with a bag of corn crackers. Moreover, blanched leeks or edamame bean hummus can be a great swap for your morning avo toasties. As for plant based alternatives for meat, jackfruits or carrots serve as excellent swaps for bacon, and soy chunks are great alternatives to chicken.
Unfortunately, in order to lessen the impact of these fruits, lessening production is extremely important. However, with the popularity contests going on with regards to avocados in todays’ age, making these sustainable swaps is a critical need of the hour.
We all know that the aircraft industry contributes majorly to global carbon emissions.
However, for short haul travel - where more optimal alternatives like trains, taxis or ferries exist, choose to ditch the airport and make these sustainable swaps instead. Infact, train-travel accounts for almost 66% less CO2 as compared to air travel and is relatively cheaper too. Additionally, while visiting a new land, opt to make the local community your biggest stakeholder. You could eat at local cafes and pump money into small businesses or choose to shop from local vendors and buy something that is personal to the locality. Plus, you’d be making friends and getting great insider knowledge!
There are so many things wrong with traditional sanitary products. They are single use, contain plastic and require excessive amounts of energy and water to be produced. Even though they are meant to be disposable, these products end up in landfills and take years to degenerate, harming not only life on land but also oceans. Alternatively, new age products such as the menstrual cups, reusable underwear and organic pads are stars of the zero waste revolution. With comfortable designs and increased emphasis on promoting human as well as the planet’s wellbeing, these products promise durability and sustainability. A win-win!
One of the worst offenders on this list is a place we all spend a lot of time in. The bathroom. Whether you already live in your sustainable fantasy, or are just getting started, your bathroom presents a treasure chest of opportunities to make sustainable swaps. From choosing reusable makeup wipes, to bamboo toothbrushes - there’s room for improvement in every corner. That’s not all, organic Q tips, sustainable loofah’s, organic bath towels and soy based candles are some more options to choose from. Additionally, you could place a small recycling bin inside your bathroom and go the extra step to make sure your empties don’t end up directly in your trashcan.
So, flex those muscles of influence, and nudge yourself, including those around you to choose better <3
Author: Saloni Dahanukar
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So, Lakme fashion week just happened! It was a 5 day live event that physically took place in the capital, hinting at the demise of the pandemic and a refreshing journey towards pre-covid-19 routines.
The showcase worked its magic by hosting prominent names in the Indian fashion scene like Rahul Mishra and Varun Bahl, but also dedicated a whole day for showcasing sustainable labels who are taking the green fashion revolution by storm.
Let’s dive into who they are and what they stand for.
Right from her university days at London College of Fashion, designer and creative Karishma Shahani-Khan has believed in the values of up-cycling, repurposing and reusing. She started Ka-Shaa, a Pune-based label as a medium to celebrate artisanal hand-crafting techniques of traditional Indian fashion. Each of her pieces are hand-dyed, and are made with 100% natural fabrics since the inception of her brand in 2012. Ka-Shaa’s sister initiative; Heart to Haat which is quite literally, the heart of her design process promises sustainability in all touchpoints of their supply chain. From offering up-cycled products & textile waste management solutions to tackling unwanted textile scraps and repurposing them into usable products, Ka-Shaa’s philosophy is pretty simple - Zero Waste and Minimum impact.
Well Ka-shaa definitely won our hearts, what about yours?
Pratima Pandey, a product of NIFT and winner of the Grazia Young Fashion Awards in the category of eco-friendly fashion started Prama in 2004. Her beautiful designs that are handwoven and celebrate Varanasi’s beautiful artisans, cater to the mindful customers who understand the beauty of purposeful and slow design. Stressing on the benefits of durable clothing, she believes that in this sustainable age of fashion, stylists must work on repurposing the same thing in 10 different ways.
Prama’s collections are timeless, yet inviting and transfer you to a fairytale of sorts (with a very, very romantic ending) and safe to say, we’ve fallen for them.
Zuzana, a Slovakian native, graduated from the iconic Central Saint Martins college in London and curiosity led her to Mumbai where she met Susmith. Malai, is a product of their genius’ combined. It is a revolutionary initiative based in Kerala, that uses coconut waste to produce Vegan alternatives to leather. Countering the tremendous harm that the leather industry dishes out on a daily, Malai is a refreshing change to the current norms in the fashion industry. Zuzana and Susmith are on an upward journey to find and develop more sustainable uses of coconut waste, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They emerged as the winners of the Circular Design Challenge - a sustainable fashion award, a collaboration between R | Elan’s ‘Fashion for Earth’ initiative and the UN Environment Programme in India.
They have a variety of shoes, handbags, accessories for sale to celebrate the slow way of living and we’re here for it!
Divyam Mehta - the store, is located in one of India’s most sought and mainstream neighbourhoods - Chattarpur in New Delhi. However, the label’s recent practices have been quite contradictory to what one may call mainstream. The designer recently collaborated with Alt Mat, an alternative materials company based in the textile capital of the country; Gujarat. Using sustainable proprietary technologies, the company transforms waste of plants like Hemp Seed Oil, Pineapple, Kenaf, Nettle, Banana, Industrial Hemp etc. into natural bast fibres and yarns. Divyam’s collaboration called ‘Clothing from agricultural waste’ earned multiple accolades in the luxury fashion community as a daring and unique endeavour.
However, Divyam’s sustainable collection is not a result of isolated efforts. The label prides itself on ‘reinstating the commitment to slow fashion and ethical business practices’.
Conscious production and long lasting, high quality clothing are some tenets that have laid the foundation of the brand. Celebrating indegenious artisans and crafting stories with clothes, the brand is truly paving its own way in the luxury sustainable fashion sector.
Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC), Pieux Organic, Diksha Khanna, Payal Pratap and Vaishali S Couture were some other designers that championed sustainability at the fashion week in March.
An increased focus on sustainable and eco-conscious fashion at major international events like the Lakme Fashion week and more so, dedicating an entire day to just increase awareness about the same is definitely a dream come true for us. Here’s to many more events where sustainability is the show-stopper!
Author: Saloni Dahanukar
]]>After an exciting and unending journey of curating capsule collections, organizing collaborations, hosting popups and getting featured in magazines, we just turned one.
Catch a glimpse of our achievements over the year and take a trip down memory lane with us!
25th February 2021
Launch day - when the website finally went live with our first capsule collection!
March 2021
First pop up with Green In You on the 20th and 21st of March in Pune – we showcased our small collection of OG cotton tees and face masks at Elephant & Co.
First magazine feature and we made it to Vogue? One word – crazy. The last thing we expected was to stand alongside some of the best labels for our gender-neutral designs
June 2021
When we brought bamboo fabric into the market with our innovative, soft, cosy and durable bamboo socks to change the sustainable fashion game
July 2021
Experimenting, switching things up and stepping outside fashion, we launched our limited edition, ethically made, soy candles in collaboration with Naso
July 2021
Up close and personal with our founder Hansika Chhabria on the feature with Face Magazine for their July edition, where she talked about sustainable fashion and shared her inspiration for the brand
September 2021
Introduced the first set of graphic t-shirts, spreading green and kind messages through our clothing one tee at a time!
December 2021
When we brought to you our consciously curated, second capsule collection; this time with more colourways and cosy loungewear for effortless sustainable looks.
Interacting with consumers is our favourite thing to do, so we ended the year right with our second pop up on 3rd December at JW Marriott, Pune
Guess December was our lucky month last year, because we made an appearance on Homegrown for our timeless, gender-neutral and eco-friendly collection. Our New Year’s gift came early when we got featured in Elle Magazine on 27th December!
January 2022
Stepped into 2022 with better eco-friendly goals, with our improved sustainable and biodegradable packaging in collaboration with EnvoPap & Ecovia
We are beyond grateful for the love and support we have received from friends, family, dear ones and of course our little community of sustainable consumers who have come to care about the people and planet just as much as we do. Safe to say, this is just the beginning and One Less still has a lot to accomplish to spread the message of sustainability in the arena of fashion, and we're more motivated than ever!
To all our dear customers and supporters, thank you for taking small kind steps for the betterment of our planet with us. Here's to many more! Till then, Be Kind :)