ETHICAL UNDIES FROM ORGANIC BASICS

Despite the diabolical shambles that is BREXIT, this week was a good news week. The U.K announced a ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds HOORAH! Although Britain isn’t the first country to ban these single-use plastic items, this action carries a lot of weight coming from a superpower. Watch the ripple effect across the developed world as other nations join the cause. I couldn’t be happier, Ol’ Blighty did me proud. My hope is this first big step will be followed by a global ban on plastic bags and water bottles.

In any case, there’s still a lot we can all do at home and certainly no need to wait for government policy changes. Every day I try to reduce my family’s carbon footprint a little bit more. And every day I learn some new small way to do it. I’m a great believer in the small changes adding up to make a big difference.

Since plastic and its by-products, like polyester, are so insidious in our lives, we have quite a way to go before it’s completely gone. Perhaps it never will be but if there is a sustainable alternative I’m now making it my mission to at least try.  Actually, I noticed something new recently. This probably sounds obvious to you but for some reason, it hadn’t occurred to me that most of my bras and knickers are made of 80% polyester.

Blimey that’s mental! It’s definitely time I switched to ethical undies…

A BRAND THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Switching to ethical undies was pretty easy with sustainable brand Organic Basics. I really like the minimal design of this collection and the brand makes stocking up affordable by offering Starter Packs.

My daughter Kiara, and I replenished our knickers, tanks and bras which we actually needed. She fits the size small undies and I’m a medium. We’re both sized small in the triangle bra which is incredibly comfortable and supportive even without underwires. The tank I’m wearing in today’s post is also a size small. It’s perfect for wearing underneath clothes as it fits close to the body and is longline. I also got the tank in a medium which is slightly looser to wear as a top during Summer. The sizes are not what I’d call typical so do take a look at the size chart on the website. I used a tape measure to match my correct sizes. The chart is completely accurate, you can absolutely trust it.

I’ll buy the shorts and tees for Mark when he’s due for a refresh and I suspect even my twelve-year-old Son Jasper will fit into the size small men’s boxers before long.

I also love that Organic Basics uses minimal paper packaging, apart from the postbag it comes in. This company is deeply committed to sustainability in every way. From reducing water consumption in manufacturing to using LED lighting in the warehouses. You can really see how the small things add up to make a huge difference here.

TRANSPARENCY IS THE SEXY WAY FORWARD

Organic Basics is one of the new breeds of transparent brands. Transparency in manufacturing is a growing fashion trend I can get on board with. A transparent brand like Organic Basics has its sustainable and ethical policy in the main menu of its website. Easy for the consumer to find and simple to understand, no greenwashing necessary. Just like Eileen Fisher and Everlane, Organic Basics list the factories it uses and the environmental impact of its manufacturing. As more companies make transparency part of their policy there’s a growing voice among consumers to expect the same from fast fashion brands.

By choosing to spend our money with sustainable, ethical and transparent brands consumers are sending a message to the likes of Zara and Primark that their practices must change. Likewise, it simply isn’t enough for sustainable brands to exist, we must show them our support (i.e money) for the impact to be effective and lasting.

MAKING UNDERWEAR THAT LASTS

Organic Basics uses materials with the lowest environmental impact such as recycled nylon and wool, Tencel and organic cotton. It also places great emphasis on producing quality garments that last a lifetime. As Organic Basics point out, the number one rule of sustainable fashion is longevity. Shockingly, Humans send approximately 92 billion tonnes of textile waste to landfill every year. That’s fucking outrageous and completely unacceptable! Yet sadly, it is a fact.

I simply cannot be part of that nonsense in any way shape or form. What’s more, by spending a little more money on ethical undies, I’m actually saving money in the long run because they don’t fall apart.

If you’d like to try Organic Basics for yourself, today is the day to do it. Organic Basics knows shipping costs can be a turn off so for one day only it’s offering FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!

Simply use the code FREEWORLD at the checkout. Offer ends Friday 31st May 11.59pm (CET)

Thanks for reading about my knickers darlings, Mx

*DISCLOSURE – Organic Basics gifted me the items I’m wearing in this post