Sustainability at VSG

 

One of the hardest things about trying to be more sustainable is knowing where to shop and how to start your sustainability journey. Now more than ever, as a fashion business, we are hugely aware of sustainability and how products we stock are produced. There are some incredible brands out there that are doing their bit for the environment, and they are continuously working on incorporating as many sustainable fabrics as possible into their product ranges. We are proud to stock some of these at Very Stylish Girl.

Investing in a seasonal wardrobe is key for sustainable fashion. Instead of buying a piece of clothing for a special occasion, ask yourself if this is a versatile piece that you can style all year round. Buy timeless pieces for your wardrobe that you can style in different ways.

I'm sure you have heard the reference of quality over quantity and it's something we completely agree with. Investing in higher quality pieces means you will spend less in the long-run and will have these items for longer.

Here are a few facts about the sustainable fabrics that two of our favourite brands use in their manufacturing.

 

Soya Concept

Sustainable Viscose

Sustainable viscose differs from conventional viscose by ensuring that the natural resources used are replaced. Every time a tree is cut down, a new tree is planted. Compared to conventional viscose production, the production of sustainable viscose is responsible for up to 50% fewer emissions. It uses half as much energy and water, and the pulp-bleaching process is 100% chlorine-free.

 

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a fibre that respects the environment and the people who cultivate and process it. By only cultivating and growing with natural fertilisers, we ensure soil fertility and the safety of the farmers. The production cares for the condition of the soil and ensures a better soil for our future generations. Water in organic cotton production is being used more efficiently – meaning less water is consumed or polluted and the production process enhances biodiversity.

 

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester may share the same name as conventional polyester yet these two fibres are very different. Recycled polyester production reduces the human and environmental impact immensely, as it reduces the extraction of natural resources. Recycled polyester is made from PET waste plastics and is greener, more eco-friendly alternative to virgin polyester. Recycled polyester production uses water more efficiently than conventional production - less water is used and less water is polluted. Converting PET plastic waste into new garments uses up to 50% less energy than producing conventional polyester. This fabric can be recycled numerous times – allowing us to minimise waste.

 

Woden

Carbon-neutral fish leather

The fish leather used in all WODEN sneakers is a waste product from the Icelandic fishing and food industry. An industry in which only 1% of the skin is actually used, and the rest is destroyed. The fish leather, which comes primarily from salmon skins, is both hard-wearing and sustainable. This is due to the unique cross-fibre structure of the fish leather which makes it up to 10 times stronger than calf leather. The fish leather is treated and tanned in Iceland using gentle and eco-friendly methods aided by Iceland’s natural hot springs. This tanning process produces 0% carbon emissions.

 

Recycled polyester

WODEN sneakers’ backing consists of 50% recycled polyester from PET bottles. By using everyday waste to create new textiles for our sneakers, they minimize the use of crude oil in the production of new fibres. It also means that their textile production is less energy-consuming.

 

Cork

Woden insoles are covered with the characteristic WODEN cork. The cork that they use is harvested in Argentina and Portugal. The bark of a cork tree can be harvested gently every ten years. Since the cork trees are not felled, the bark can be harvested over several hundred years. When the cork trees begin to form new bark, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This contributes to a positive reduction in the planet’s CO2 levels.

 

Algae

Pollution causes excessive growth of harmful algae in fresh water. When the algae die and sink to the bottom, the decomposition process uses the oxygen from the water. At worst, this results in oxygen depletion, causing fish, benthos and plants to die. By collecting algae and using them in their EVA soles, they reduce their need for crude oil and support UN Sustainable Development Goal number 14: Life below water.

 

Recycled Rubber

WODEN’s soles are made of 65% natural rubber, 10% recycled rubber and 25% conventionally produced rubber. The composition ensures elasticity and durability without compromising on support. They work continuously to increase the proportion of recycled rubber even more, but it must never compromise the quality of their sneakers.

 

If you have any questions about our products or would like some more information, feel free to send us an email or pop in to have a chat.