Picture-BBC News
Not sure your aware but the commute into London at the moment is a real pain in the backside in many different way, but primarily, as I’m sure you’ve seen on the news, there has been a big old protest regarding Climate change. Now, as I said earlier, this has proved to be a nightmare for workers travelling in and out of Central London, however folks, let’s see the bigger picture here guys, Global climate change, isn’t something like the boogeyman or the Earth being flat. Unfortunately this is a fact and a reality of living in contemporary society.
Part of this reality is the fact that the Fashion industry is the second biggest global polluter, only after the petrochemical industry!
Now one brand that is actually trying to do something to combat this nightmare is M&S, yes that’s right, trusty Marks & Spencer. Firstly, Plan A is M&S’ way to help build a sustainable future by enabling customers to have a positive impact on well-being, communities and the planet through all they do. Plan A has been at the heart of their business for over 10 years and has helped redefine the role of business in society today. It has delivered 296 eco and ethical commitments and saved over £750 million through efficiencies such as using less energy, fewer transport miles and reducing packaging.
Also, Cotton production can use a lot of water and many chemicals, making costs of production high for farmers. *The Better Cotton Initiative exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in, and better for the sector’s future, by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. M&S continues to work in collaboration across the industry to improve cotton practices worldwide, sharing advice and support on sustainable sourcing. This season, 100% of the cotton for their clothing fabrics is more sustainably sourced, this means thousands of farmers are supported and benefit from more sustainable practises including efficient water, pesticide and fertilizer use.
Not only this but, for Summer 2019, M&S Menswear introduces swim shorts made using recycled plastic bottles. The plastic bottles are transformed into a polyester fibre that is durable and strong, ideal for all summer activities. 20 styles are available including, fun flamingos, tropical palm prints and classic colour blocks and have been validated by the British Skin Foundation with UPF 50+ sun protection.
The recycled swimwear has been designed a part of their Plan A 2025 sustainability plan, in which we are committed to at least 25% of our clothing and home products being made with reused or recycled materials by 2025.
