With it being Plastic Free July, Meet Absolutely Bear – a sustainable British clothing line with an eco-conscious and sustainable mindset at the forefront of every new clothing creation, that has been using sustainable materials since the very beginning.

Founder of Absolutely Bear, Nick Fletcher, has provided his tips on how to make more sustainable packaging choices for your business.

1. Substitute plastic for string
This change is effortless and affordable. String is significantly more environmentally friendly than little plastic clips and tags and many would agree it looks better too. Nick explains, “We have been using plain old string for a while now to attach our swing tags to our clothing and have got rid of the little plastic clips that are the industry norm. Who needs them? And let’s face it, string looks much better anyway.”

2. Make the switch to organic cotton
Organic cotton is not only more sustainable than regular cotton but it also comes with many hidden benefits. Nick explains that: “Conventional cotton is one of the most widely grown crops in the world and one of the most chemical-­intensive. These highly toxic chemicals have a tremendous impact on the Earth’s air, water, soil, and the health of people in cotton-growing areas. In contrast, organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides or defoliants, using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. It also uses a staggering 91% less water than conventional cotton, which usually comes from rainwater rather than irrigation. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility and build biologically diverse agriculture. Organic cotton is of a higher quality than standard cotton, so not only is it more durable and will last longer, but it is also softer and kinder to the skin. It is also kinder on the people who produce it.”

3. Join the Fair Wear Foundation
The Fair Wear Foundation supports workers in the garment industry, ensuring they know their rights and are working in safe conditions as well as receiving a legal working wage. Nick explains, “We think the fashion industry has for too long acted without proper care and consideration for the awesome people who go to work every day to make our clothes and so an organisation that works to protect and promote the rights of garment workers around the world takes on legendary status for us. The basis of the collaboration between Fair Wear and its members is the Code of Labour Practices. The core of this code is made up of eight labour standards derived from the UN’s Declaration on Human Rights. They include no discrimination in employment, no exploitation of child labour, payment of a living wage and safe and healthy working conditions.”