Sustainability Pledge
Hooked on yarn and stitching up a slow fashion revolution.
Problem
To combat the growing issue of the fast fashion industry that has devastating working conditions and environmental impacts.
Solution
I am on a mission to make Slow Fashion fashionable and affordable by using sustainable materials and natural fibres, for a long-term approach to reducing waste with thoughtful purchases and eco-conscious gift giving.
At Sarah Lou Crafts I am able to offer competitive prices by buying bulk yarns and material wholesale and by having low overheads with no production factory, workers or retail outlets.
Opportunity
The majority of my customers are women who are eco-conscious and looking for quality handmade garments and timeless capsule wardrobe attire. However all of my items are gender neutral and fit a range of sizes from children to adults.
Model
I sell online at SarahLouCrafts.co.uk and am looking for wholesale opportunities as stockists in bricks & mortar gift shops plus networking for increased exposure online.
Additional Facts.
According to Earth.og an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced every year. The textile industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions. Working conditions are dangerous and inhumane as sales and profits supersede human welfare.
The slow fashion movement is working to change buyer mindsets and educate on the impacts of the fashion industry. We advocate for manufacturing that respects people, wildlife and the environment.
My garments are made to last and are timeless designs that compliment capsule wardrobes so you buy and waste less. I encourage items to be passed on if no longer wanted either sold second-hand or donated to charity retail shops to be repurchased and reused.
I use sustainable materials such as British wool, recycled polyester, eco cotton and cork fabrics plus FSC approved paper.
All my packing is re-used & recycled cardboard, unbleached recyclable tissue paper and paper tape. Although I reuse packaging, this in no way reflects the quality of your lovingly handmade purchase that I carefully wrap in biodegradable tissue paper. I hope that you don't mind but if you do, please put a note with your order and I will use new boxes when requested.
I am also going to start buying thrifted jumpers, blankets & other garments from charity shops to unravel and rewind into new skeins of yarn to reuse the yarn for making new slow fashion items.
I am also researching how I can offer a buy-back scheme to be able to repurpose yarns for other projects.
Green Skills for Small Business
In November 2023 I completed a 6 week training programme run by Small Business Britain and Oxford Brookes Business School learning how to develop and implement sustainability into my business.
The six modules covered the following areas.
Week 1 – Sustainability Basics and aligning business with the Sustainable Development Goals
Week 2 - Sustainable Marketing and Sharing your Story
Week 3 – Measurement
Week 4 - Green communities and the Power of Working Together
Week 5 – Financing your sustainability Journey
Week 6 – Accreditations and Certifications
Sustainability Action Plan Training
Tuesday 26 March 2024 - by Small Business Britain and Sustainable-pathways.com
Working to achieve a net positive business. To improve the well-being for everyone that I interact with and at all scales. To solve problems, not create them. To operate for the long-term benefit of people and planet.
I completed an Impact Assessment and here are my results for making my business more sustainable.
Are you sourcing renewable energy for your business operations?
No, I don't use 100% renewable energy sources yet.
I have a large solar panel that I use to charge my laptop and mobile phone when the weather in Wales allows me to.
Are you working to lower your carbon footprint?
I'm actively working to reduce my personal and small business carbon footprint.
You can read more about my sustainable efforts on the blog post.
https://buyindie.co.uk/what-is-slow-fashion-and-why-it-matters-to-your-wardrobe/
Do you keep track of and control the amount of water you use?
I actively measure and I'm taking actions to use less.
I am mindful of the water we use and use energy efficient machines, only run the dishwasher when full and save the washing up water for the garden.
When running the tap to get hot water I collect the cold water into a large water carrier that I then use to fill our dogs water bowls.
Are you doing things to help nature, like bringing back natural areas or making homes for wildlife?
Yes, I'm actively working on projects to support and regenerate nature.
I support nature by having a bee & butterfly friendly garden. I love to feed and care for the wild bird at my feeders, & have participated in local clean-up efforts and volunteering.
Are you taking steps to use less, waste less, and reuse more in your operations?
Kind of, I've begun to make changes but still have a way to go.
I use refurbished tech and office equipment except for my printer but use that sparingly.
I prioritise digital documents over printing.
How do you support your mental well-being and prevent burnout?
I've begun adopting practices for mental health, acknowledging the need for further improvement.
Mental Health is important and there is always room for improvement but I make use of the network of communities around me before professionally for my business and the social aspect of playing Clarinet with Band Tref Llandeilo Town Band.
How do you support your own career growth and learning in your business?
I occasionally explore new skills and knowledge relevant to my field.
I actively engage in the training and development offered by Small Business Britain, Sustainable Pathways and SBS - Small Business Sunday network.
How does your business help the local community and support impactful causes?
I occasionally support the community and environmental causes.
I support your local community as part of the town band performing at local events.
Participating in other community events and giving items for raffle prizes or as freebies.
Choosing to buy supplies from local small businesses. It’s a way to give back and strengthen the community that supports your business.
How do you make sure your marketing is honest and not misleading?
I'm trying to be clearer and more specific in my communications but still have room for improvement. I ensure all my claims are backed by facts and certification.
Maintaining honesty in my marketing by being true to what you offer and who I am.
Being clear about the benefits of my services or products, and engaging with my customers in a straightforward and authentic manner. This transparency is key to building strong, trust-based relationships with my audience.
Do you make it a priority to buy from companies that are good for society and the environment?
Yes, I specifically choose to buy from businesses that benefit society and the environment.
Croft Mill for my cork fabric.
Athenbys & Woolyknit for yarn.
I will be changing my supplier for cotton threads to Anchor for their commitment to sustainability.
Do you check if your bank invests in green initiatives and avoids funding fossil fuels?
I haven't investigated whether our bank invests in green initiatives or fossil fuels and will do some further research.
Carbon Cutting 101
Following on from the Impact Assessment training, I took part in a Carbon Cutting 101 webinar on Thursday 25 April 2024 and I have been working on researching my carbon impact.
I work from my home studio aka conservatory so have a dedicated space for my crafts and small business. Here is how I run Sarah Lou Crafts. The highlighted words in GOLD below are links to the company’s sustainability pages and reports.
Website hosted on Google Sites and domain purchased from Google Domains (will be transferring to Squarespace soon). I also use Google Workspace to run my small business. Google’s Sustainability Reports
Our home internet is provided by BT.
My studio is lit with LED lights and heated using electricity supplied by British Gas. BG is owned by Centrica
My banking is with Lloyds.
The shop feature on my website is hosted with Buyinde on WordPress managed by Dorset Tech.
I use my local Post Office to dispatch orders that are then delivered using Royal Mail.
My laptop and mobile phone are both hand-me-down devices from family members and I use a large solar panel to charge them both when the British weather allows me to.
I use UK suppliers for the materials used in my handmade sustainable eco-conscious gifts. I make it a priority to buy from companies that are good for society and the environment. I specifically choose to buy from businesses that benefit society and the environment.
Croft Mill for my cork fabric.
Athenbys & Woolyknit for yarn.
I will be changing my supplier for cotton threads to Anchor for their commitment to sustainability.
I am still working on reading through all of these reports and researching if there are better options for me to use instead. Sustainability is an ongoing process that needs constant attention and updates.
Imperfect action beats perfect inaction everytime. Done is better than perfect and a year from now you will be glad that you started.
