SUSTAINABILITY

How to Create a Sustainable Beauty Routine

April 01, 2025 in HEALTHY, MINDFUL

In a world where beauty trends change rapidly, it’s easy to accumulate products that harm both the environment and our skin. But beauty doesn’t have to come at the cost of sustainability.

By making mindful choices, we can build a beauty routine that’s both eco-friendly and effective. Not sure how sustainable your beauty products are? Try our free quiz!

Here’s how to embrace a sustainable beauty routine without compromising on quality or results.

1. Choose Sustainable and Ethical Brands

The easiest way to make your beauty routine greener is by supporting brands that prioritise sustainability. Look for companies that:

• Use natural, organic, or upcycled ingredients (COSMOS*)

• Offer refillable or minimal packaging.

• Commit to cruelty-free and vegan formulas (Ve or Leaping Bunny)

• Support ethical sourcing and fair-trade practices.

• Are B Corps

*COMOS = Cosmetic Organic and Natural Standard

Look out for small local sustainable brands at Makers’ Markets and indie makers’ shops.

These well-established companies are all UK-based

• B- Corp, The Body Shop is well-known for its affordable eco-friendly beauty products. It uses 100% recycled plastic in many of its products, is committed to Fair Trade and offers a recycling program in stores.

• Lush is famous for its fresh, handmade cosmetics. Using minimal packaging, they encourage customers to return containers for recycling. Their products are often vegan and cruelty-free.

• Neal's Yard Remedies emphasizes organic and natural ingredients. They use recyclable packaging and have a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

• Rituals focuses on creating luxurious products inspired by ancient traditions. They are committed to sustainable practices and use recyclable materials in their packaging.

• Green People specialises in organic skincare and beauty products prioritising natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Certified cruelty-free, they offer many vegan products.

• Wild makes refillable deodorants that use sustainable materials. The brand emphasizes reducing plastic waste and offers a range of natural, vegan options.

• Flora & Curl specialises in natural hair care products for curly hair. They use organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing.

• Evolve Beauty offers a range of natural and organic skincare products made in small batches in the UK. They use sustainable packaging and focus on eco-friendly practices throughout their production process.

2. Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Less is more when it comes to sustainability. Instead of multiple using products, opt for multi-purpose beauty essentials like:

• A tinted moisturiser with SPF—hydrates, protects, and evens out skin tone.

• Multipurpose balms—great for lips, cheeks, and cuticles.

• Cleansing oils—remove makeup and cleanse skin in one step.

3. Switch to Plastic-Free & Refillable Packaging

The beauty industry generates 120 billion units of plastic waste annually, most of which isn’t recyclable. Opt for:

• Glass, metal, or bamboo packaging instead of plastic.

• Refillable beauty products, such as shampoos, foundations, and perfumes.

• Solid beauty bars (shampoo, conditioner, and cleanser) to cut down on single-use bottles.

Many sustainable brands including Lush, Neal’s Yard, Beauty Kitchen and Evolve Organic Beauty offer postal refill services, making it even easier to reduce packaging waste.

4. DIY Your Beauty Products

Making your own beauty products reduces waste and ensures clean, natural ingredients. Simple DIY ideas include:

• Face mask: Mix oats, honey, and yogurt for a soothing treatment.

• Body scrub: Combine coffee grounds, coconut oil, and sugar for an exfoliating scrub.

• Lip balm: Melt beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil for a nourishing balm.

5. Beauty Tools Swaps

Swap disposable beauty items for reusable alternatives, such as:

• Bamboo makeup brushes and toothbrushes instead of plastic ones.

• Reusable cotton rounds or cloths instead of single-use wipes.

• Menstrual cups or reusable pads/ pants instead of disposable tampons.

• Safety razors instead of plastic razors.

6.Recycle and Repurpose Your Products

When you finish a product, check if the packaging is recyclable. Some brands, like Lush and MAC, offer take-back programs where you can return empty containers in exchange for discounts or free products.

To make it even easier to recycle, the British Beauty Council launched The Great British Beauty Clean-up in March this year. Visit their site to locate your nearest Beauty Takeback Recycling Point

https://britishbeautycouncil.com/recycling-points/

You can also repurpose jars and bottles—use them for DIY beauty products, storage, or even as plant holders!

Go to the end to download our handy free recycling chart.

7. Add a recycling bin to your Bathroom

Research shows that bathroom and beauty products often get left out of recycling routines and end up in landfill. Putting a small recycling bin makes it easier to send paper and plastic products to the right place.

Look out for small “double” bins with two compartments if you are short of space.

8. Support Sustainable Beauty Trends

The beauty industry is evolving, and sustainability is at the forefront. Some exciting trends include:

• Waterless beauty—concentrated formulas with little to no water usage.

• Upcycled ingredients—brands using byproducts from food industries (like coffee or fruit peels) in skincare.

• Slow beauty—prioritising quality, multi-use products over excessive consumption.

By supporting these innovations, you help push the beauty industry toward a greener future.

9.One Swap at a Time

Sustainable beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By making small, conscious changes, you can reduce waste, support ethical brands, and create a routine that’s kinder to both your skin and the planet.

Start where you can and remember: every sustainable swap makes a difference!

#SustainableBeauty #EcoFriendlySkincare #GreenBeauty #ZeroWasteBeauty #MindfulLiving

Sustainable Beauty Quiz

Free Beauty Product Recycling Chart

How to Host a Clothes Swap

March 01, 2025 in FASHION, SUSTAINABLE

A clothes swap is a great way to promote sustainability, have fun and refresh your wardrobe on a budget. Whether you're looking to raise money for charity, shake up your style or just declutter, it’s an event that is easy to organise and fun to do.

Here’s how to host a successful clothes swap:

Step 1: Plan Your Event

1. Choose the Date and Location:

◦ Pick a day and time that works for most people. Weekend afternoons are usually good for a relaxed vibe.

◦ Consider a public space like a community hall or a friend's home. Ensure there’s enough room for people to sort through the clothes comfortably.

◦ Set a maximum number of attendees. Think about the space you have available and how many people you can comfortably accommodate.

3. Set the Guidelines:

◦ Decide on the swap format: will it be one-to-one, where you exchange one item for one item (you can use tickets to help with this), or will you create a “free-for-all” system?

◦ Create a list of acceptable items and set a maximum number of items to avoid overwhelming the swap with too many clothes

◦ It's really important to let people know that only clean, gently used items are welcome, to keep the event enjoyable for all.

4. Unless your event is very small, rope in a few volunteers to help you set up and organise clothing/ give out tickets.

Step 2: Promote Your Swap

1. Reach out to friends, family, co-workers, or neighbours via social media or group chats. Include all the important event details and info about the types of items that are suitable.

2. If your space limits you to a small number, try to ensure that there are at least a couple of people around the same size so that everyone has swapping options

Step 3: Set Up the Event

1. Create a sorting station where you can sort things into categories like dresses, tops, shoes, and then put them in designated areas, arranged by size if possible. Size labels can make it a lot easier for people to find what they’re looking for.

2. Prepare display areas where you can lay out the clothes neatly on tables, drying racks, step ladders or even blankets on the floor.

3. Organise the clothing by item category and size for ease of browsing.

4. If space allows, set up a changing room or private corner for people to try things on. This helps people decide if an item is a good fit before they take it home.

5. Ensure you have a couple of mirrors available including at least one full-length.

6. Set up a box for charity donations. if you're raising money through your Swap, make sure people know where to donate. If you don't know all the attendees, allocate a volunteer to look after the box.

Step 4: Let the Swapping Begin!

1. Start with a casual introduction. Once everyone has arrived, briefly explain how the swap works and any rules you’ve set. For example, everyone should only take as many items as they’ve brought.

2. Once the swap officially begins, everyone can start looking through the items, try them on, and take what they like.

3. After the swap, you can donate leftover clothes to local charities or thrift stores to ensure the items go to a good home.

Step 5: Wrap It Up

1. Make sure to thank everyone for participating. If people had fun and enjoyed the experience, they’re more likely to come back for future swaps.

2. If the event goes well, you could make it a regular thing! Consider hosting seasonal swaps, themed events, or even virtual swaps.

Extra Tips for Success

• Providing snacks and drinks can make the event feel more like a social gathering and add to the enjoyment

• Create a fun playlist to keep the energy up during the swap. You can even add activities like a “fashion show” where everyone showcases their finds.

• Set a time limit. People tend to stay longer than expected, so setting an end time ensures the event doesn’t drag on too long.

A clothes swap is a simple yet impactful way to be more sustainable, save money, and have a good time while refreshing your wardrobe. By hosting one, you’ll not only reduce the environmental footprint of your fashion choices, but you'll also foster a sense of community and creativity. Plus, it's a wonderful way to breathe new life into items that no longer fit your style or needs!

Happy swapping!

Photo by Artificial Photography on Unsplash

How to dress Sustainably – for Men

February 03, 2025 in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION

While women’s fashion often dominates discussions around sustainability in the industry, men’s fashion can also have a huge environmental footprint.

Fortunately, there are simple ways men can dress more sustainably—without sacrificing style. Here’s your guide to building an eco-friendly wardrobe.

Shop Slow

Take a mindful approach to shopping:

• Quality over quantity: Instead of buying many cheaper items, invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that are built to last.

• Consider the garment’s lifespan: Do you truly need the item? Will fit into your wardrobe for years to come? How easy it will be to care for it?

• Repurpose and repair: Think about how you can repair old clothes rather than throwing them away, extending their life and reducing waste.

Choose Long-Lasting and Timeless Styles

Opting for well-made classic pieces that will last several seasons and can be worn in multiple ways, reduces the need for constant replacement – and keeps life simpler.

Photo by Tobias van Schneider on Unsplash

Shop Sustainable Brands

Choosing truly sustainable brands is a sure way to be green. ZARAMIA AVA has a range of timelessly stylish menswear. From tailored jackets and statement trousers to t-shirts, we only use the most eco-friendly materials and methods.

Here are a few other sustainable menswear brands that are available in the UK:

1. Patagonia

• Patagonia uses sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool. They also offer repair services to extend the life of garments.

• https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/home/

2. Nudie Jeans

• Nudie Jeans focuses on using organic cotton for their denim. They offer free repairs on all jeans and offer a trade-in service.

• www.nudiejeans.com

3. Thought Clothing

• Thought make socks that “look after your feet and the planet”. Their range includes plain offerings as well as nature, hobbies and animal-themed designs.

• https://thoughtsocks.com/collections/sustainable-socks-mens

4. Allbirds

• Allbirds offers trainers and casual shoes made using natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre, and sugarcane.

• https://www.allbirds.co.uk/collections/mens

5. Rapanui

• UK-based Rapanui uses organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and renewable energy in its production of stylish and eco-conscious casual menswear.

• https://rapanuiclothing.com/pages/mens-organic-clothing-1

6. Finisterre

• Finisterre offers high-performance outdoor clothing made with recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and merino wool. They offer a recycling service.

• https://finisterre.com/collections/mens

7. Community Clothing

• British company Community Clothing makes a wide range of clothing and accessories to high standards in the UK, using high quality sustainable fabrics.

• www.communityclothing.co.uk

◦ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – certifies organic textiles and ensures they are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Opt for Second-Hand and Vintage Clothing

High street charity shops and vintage stores are a great source of green options. Buying second-hand reduces waste, lowers the demand for new manufacturing, and often results in a unique and more affordable wardrobe. Depop, eBay and Vinted are excellent online options.

Visit Eco-Conscious Pop-Up Shops or Markets

Some high street areas in larger cities host eco-conscious pop-up shops or sustainable fashion markets, where local designers and brands showcase ethical clothing. These temporary events provide a great opportunity to shop for greener clothing while supporting independent brands.

Photo by Clark Street Mercantile on Unsplash

Shop for greener clothing in high street shops

Many high street shops now stock more sustainable collections or individual items. If you choose to shop with high street stores, you can use these tips to help you select sustainable options:

1. Look for Sustainability Labels and Certifications

• Fair Trade – indicates that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – ensures the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.

• B Corp – indicates the company meets high social and environmental performance standards.

• Recycled or Upcycled Materials – some brands label their products with information about the percentage of recycled materials used.

2. Check for Eco-Friendly Fabrics

• When shopping, check labels or product descriptions for materials such as:

• Organic cotton – grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

• Hemp – requires little water and no pesticides.

• Bamboo – a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be used for fabrics, though ensure it’s processed sustainably.

• Recycled fabrics – polyester or nylon made from recycled bottles or other waste materials (e.g., Repreve).

• Tencel/Lyocell – a fibre made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, processed in a closed-loop system with minimal waste.

• Vegan leather like Piñatex, cork and apple leather (Appleskin) and mushroom leather (Muskin)

• Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as they are petroleum-based and do not biodegrade.

3. Check for Ethical Labor Practices

Some high street brands now include information about the conditions in which their clothes are produced. Look for stores that are transparent about their supply chains and the ethical treatment of workers. Brands with certifications like Fair Trade or Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) often go the extra mile to ensure workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

There are more options than ever for sustainable menswear shopping. Whether you choose to support independent sustainable labels, buy locally-produced clothing, shop secondhand or choose carefully from high street collections, it is easy to find green garments when you know what to look for.

How to Eat Sustainably and Locally

January 03, 2025 in HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE

January is a great time to reflect on our choices and consider how to bring our lifestyles more in line with our values. Our food choices have a profound impact not only on our health but also on the planet. Eating sustainably and locally can help reduce your carbon footprint, support local farmers, and promote biodiversity.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to making informed and mindful food decisions.

Why Eat Sustainably and Locally?

Environmental Impact: The global food system accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing local and seasonal foods, you reduce the energy needed for transportation, storage, and processing.

Supporting Local Economies: Buying directly from British farmers boosts regional economies and helps preserve farmland. Supporting UK agriculture also reduces reliance on imports.

Fresher, Healthier Food: Locally grown produce is often fresher and more nutrient-rich since it doesn’t spend weeks in transit.

Preserving Biodiversity: Small-scale British farms are more likely to grow diverse crops, which helps maintain soil health and ecosystem balance.

Practical Tips for Eating Sustainably and Locally

1. Reduce meat and dairy. January is a great time to cut down on the animal products in your diet. Look out for Veganuary offers on plant-based foods and take the opportunity to try something new.

2. Shop at Farmers' Markets and Farm Shops Farmers' markets and shops across the UK offer fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. Check local online message boards for information about Farmer’s Markets. Search Farminguk.com for a list of nearby farm shops.

3. Join a Veg Box Scheme Subscribing to a local veg box scheme, such as Oddbox, Riverford or Abel & Cole, connects you directly with British farms. You’ll receive regular boxes of fresh, seasonal produce delivered to your doorstep.

4. Eat Seasonally Seasonal eating in the UK means enjoying strawberries in the summer, root vegetables in the winter, and apples in the autumn. It’s fresher, tastier, and reduces the environmental impact of importing out-of-season items.

5. Grow Your Own Food Even a small garden or allotment can provide fresh herbs, vegetables, or fruits. Local councils often have allotment schemes for those without gardens.

6. Prioritise Plant-Based Meals Shifting towards a plant-based diet reduces the environmental toll of animal agriculture. Incorporate more legumes, grains, and vegetables into your meals to lower your carbon footprint. Look for British-grown pulses like fava beans and lentils.

7. Choose Sustainable Proteins Reduce meat in take swap to sustainable plant based proteins. If you eat meat, opt for locally raised, pasture-fed options from UK farms. For seafood, consult the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide to ensure sustainable choices.

8. Reduce Food Waste Plan meals carefully and use leftovers creatively to minimise waste. Composting food scraps is another great way to give back to the soil, and many councils offer compost bin schemes.

9. Avoid Over-Packaged Foods Shop at zero-waste stores or bring your own containers to supermarkets. Reduce reliance on single-use plastics and heavily packaged goods by choosing loose produce.

10. Learn About Food Labels Look for certifications such as Red Tractor, Soil Association Organic, and Fairtrade to guide you toward more sustainable choices.

11. Support Local Food Initiatives Participate in local food drives, community gardens, or food co-ops. Schemes like Incredible Edible or Transition Towns encourage sustainable food practices within communities.

Overcoming Challenges

Cost: While local and organic foods can sometimes be more expensive, buying in season and in bulk often offsets the cost. Consider meal prepping to make the most of what you buy.

Availability: Not every region has year-round access to diverse local foods. Preserve seasonal produce through freezing, jamming and pickling for later use.

Convenience: Shift habits gradually. Start with one or two sustainable changes, like shopping at a farmers' market once a month. Buddy up with a friend and take turns to shop at locations that are further afield.

The Bigger Picture

Eating sustainably and locally isn’t just about individual choices; it’s part of a larger movement toward a healthier planet. By aligning your eating habits with environmental values, you contribute to a system that respects the Earth and its resources.

Every bite matters. Start small, stay curious, and savour the journey toward a sustainable lifestyle.

How to Dress for Spring

March 01, 2023 in SUSTAINABLE

We have put together some simple quick ideas on how to dress for spring.

With the ever changing unpredictable weather, it’s good to have some style tips to get you through March, April and May.

Layers
Layers are basically your best friend for spring and transitioning through the seasons.

Try choosing lighter layers in different fabric textures to give depth to the outfit.
You can layer chunkier knits over lightweight dresses and skirts. Wear jumpers on top of shirts and dresses. Layer up cardigans under a lightweight coat, jacket, or raincoat and style with the belt tied around the front, style slightly open so you can see the underneath layers of clothing.

Think about your base clothing, chose light thermal layers like a thermal long sleeved top. A strappy top is a good option for when the days get warmer.

For that extra bit of warmth, you can wear a pair of tights under jeans or trousers and don’t forget thermal socks for under boots as well.

Dresses
Dresses that are easy to wear and versatile are a great choice. Paired with knitwear, jumpers or cardigans worn on top of the dress and a lightweight coat on top. Why not team these with tights and either knee high boots or ankle boots, or when it gets warmer trainers flat shoes then sandals coming up to summer.

You can get all sorts of different dresses to style.
Maxi or mid length dresses with long sleeve are great for the colder days. Strappy dresses are perfect for for those slightly warmer days. You can wear them with long sleeved tops or T-shirts underneath.

Opt for dresses that can be worn open like a wrap dress or a dress with volume that looks great on its own and that can be styled with a belt to totally change the look of the outfit.

Colour pallets
As the days are getting a bit longer and brighter, choose clothing colour pallets that are lighter. Paler colours like warm pastels or neutrals work well. You can add pops of colour with bright handbags, belts and scarfs. Go for boots and shoes with darker deeper colours like greys, browns and mahoganies for the seasonal transition.

Fun floral prints are great for getting you into that spring mindset.
Try mixing these with less bulky textiles, knitwear, soft light layers.

Bold prints look good layered with some neutral items. As an example: if you choose a bold dress with a bright print, pick out a couple of more basic colours from the print for the other garments in your outfit. Try a natural colour jacket, neutral or black tights and boots paired with a coloured scarf and bag.

Accessories
Hats are a brilliant accessory for this time of year. Try swapping beanie hats for fedoras or wide brim hats. These are great if there’s some light rain and they elevate your outfit.

Swap out gloves for arm warmers or thin gloves instead of knitted ones.

Scarves are another great accessory for this time of year. Try to pick large light weight ones as these are great for wrapping around your neck whilst it’s chilly but you can also wear it open and long on top of jackets and coats.

Big oversized bags or tote bags are best to carry layers you take off; sunglasses, hat and umbrellas for the unpredictable weather.

Knee high boots and tights are perfect for day and night looks. Ankle and mid high boots with skin colour tights and dresses work well together for the warmer days.

Keep jewellery light and pick items that you can carry through to the summer. Layer up light weight minimal necklaces and bracelets.

Pairing oversized sunglasses with hats is a good plan for those tricky bright days that might turn into drizzle later on.

Hopefully these styling tips will help you dress for the season and get through for the next couple of months. Have fun with it and experiment with things you haven’t tried before.

ZARAMIA AVA VIDEO | SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR FASHION BUSINESS

March 18, 2022 in EDUCATIONAL

At ZARAMIA AVA, we are extremely proud of the sustainability of our business. You can now learn more about how we ensure that our business doesn’t damage the environment by watching our video.

In the first section, our Founder and Creative Director Zara-Mia provides an introduction to the business and the story behind, it revealing that ZARAMIA AVA had sustainability at its roots right from the beginning.

Watch on to discover:

• ZARAMIA AVA’s core value and why it is so important that all businesses connect with the rise of ethical consumerism.

• ZARAMIA AVA’s operationalisation of sustainability, how we put these into practice and the initiatives we are part of that help refine our targets.

• ZARAMIA AVA’s sustainability journey including our sustainable business model

• ZARAMIAAVA’s challenges in sourcing and where our business would like to be in the future.

• ZARAMIA AVA’s final reflections on the extent to which we see our sustainable business model going mainstream.

www.ZaraMiaAva.com

Info@ZaraMiaAva.com

@ZARAMIAAVA

Transcript

0.10 - VIDEO CONTENT

0.21 - A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF ZARAMIA AVA’S BUSINESS & WHAT INSPIRED US

Hi, I’m Zara-Mia. I am the founder and Creative Director of ZARAMIA AVA. I am really pleased to be talking to you about sustainability in my business.

ZARAMIA AVA is an exclusive independent fashion label based in Leeds we create contemporary fashion by contrasting structured shapes together with draping to construct a unique style.

Sustainability is one of our core values and has been for about 7 years. There are a number of different things we do to ensure that our business is sustainable. I’ll talk more about some of these later. But first, I’ll tell you a bit about how I got started in business.

I set up the business in 2013 after I graduated from Leeds Arts University. From a young age I always loved Art and anything creative. As part of the course, we studied fashion and I knew from there that this is what I wanted to do. I went onto do a National Diploma in Fashion then a BA in Fashion design. Whilst I was at University, I was making a lot of my own clothes and altering clothes that I bought from shops.

I often wore my designs to events and found that people liked my clothes. They frequently enquired about buying them. This was something else that encouraged me to keep designing. I learned a lot about the fashion industry at University. My time there also helped me to decide, that I wanted to run my own business and do things differently.

I started ZARAMIA AVA and began to develop our distinctive style, which features structure and draping. Even back then, my roots were in sustainability. I was using dead stock fabrics and hand-making all the garments in my home studio.

Then after watching a fashion documentary called The True Cost, I became more aware of the damage that the fashion industry causes and decided that I didn’t want to contribute to it. I do believe that as designers we can make a difference.

I questioned everything from fabrics to printing and all the branding. I research everything in the sourcing process. I didn’t want to produce clothing that would harm animals, as I am vegan and cruelty free.

From 2015, we introduced sustainable fabrics that are ethically made. Using fabrics that are fairly traded and grown free from chemicals and pesticides, they benefit the farmers, workers, consumers and eco systems.

Around the same time, we also began using organic cotton and high performance bamboo fabrics, which have great properties such as being antibacterial, providing thermal control and UV protection.

The bamboo is a viscose, which is made in a closed loop system, and the yarn is Oeko-tex certified as being free from harmful substances.

SHOWING BAMBOO GARMENTS These garments from our collection are made out of bamboo fabric.

3.06 - ZARAMIA AVA’S core value and why it is so important that all

Our Core Value is producing sustainable luxury with zero waste, made for the fashion conscious with a conscience. We aspire to be a well-known pioneering brand in sustainable fashion, to motivate other brands to replicate our business model.

The rise of Ethical Consumerism is very encouraging and a definite step forward. Consumers have a huge amount of power to drive change. For it to be effective though, it is essential that brands make sure that accurate information about materials and production methods is easily accessible to customers.

It also relies on companies showing transparency in their supply chains. Green washing is not ok and unfortunately, that is something we know happens.

There are organisations that encourage companies to work towards greater sustainability by running opportunities such as the Common Objective Leadership Awards.

Common Objective is a platform for people to network with sustainable suppliers. ZARAMIA AVA has a profile on the Common Objective website which provides detailed information on our sustainability. We recently won a leadership award for our work on communicating sustainability through reports and policies.

This year, we are planning to increase the visibility of our sustainability credentials on Social Media. One of our goals for the year is to ensure that 80% of our social media posts have sustainability content. This ticks our boxes for promoting sustainable shopping as well as attracting more customers who are wanting to shop ethically.

4.51 - ZARAMIA AVA’s operationalisation of sustainability, how we put these into practice and the initiatives we are part of that help refine our targets

Now, I’ll talk some more about how we have embedded our values into the way we work. First, we developed a manifesto and ethos that is published on our website. Everything we do has to align with these, so we are true to our values. Our manifesto and ethos incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More on them later.

We signed the 2020 Circular fashion pledge to help us stick to our circularity goals. We’ve responded to the aims of the Circularity Fashion Pledge in several ways. We use a manufacturer that runs a scheme to encourage people to recycle their products at the end of its life.

For instance, if you have bought one of our circular fashion t-shirts, and have worn it out or finished with it, you can scan the QR code on the label and access information about how to send it back to the manufacturer for free, for them to remake it into new fabric.

We use recycled fabrics, for instance this lace. SHOWING LACE FABRIC. And end of roll fabric to save them from landfill. We also upcycle off-cuts to make accessories.

All of our garments are designed for durability to encourage people to wear and keep them for longer. The majority of our garments are lined to provide extra strength and we use high quality materials.

- 6.24 - ZARAMIA AVA’s sustainability journey including our sustainable business model

Every year, we report against the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our environmental policy. Our Sustainability report sets out what we have currently achieved, what we are working on our main sustainability goals and targets.

Targets are really important as they help us to keep on track and measure what we have achieved. We make sure our objectives are SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timed.

Reviewing the report gives us a chance to reflect update or modify any goals that are no longer relevant. We’ve been working on the report recently. SHOWING SUSTAINABILITY REPORT This is part of our sustainability report

There are a large number of UN goals that we have incorporated, so I’ll just talk about a couple of them in more detail. Sustainable Development Goal 12 is about having responsible business goals and production. The actions we’re committed to come under the categories of Design, Sourcing and Marketing.

So, for instance, one of our Design goals was to be zero waste by 2021. To achieve this, we committed to do three things:

We said we would design with zero waste pattern cutting, using the whole piece of fabric, minimising seams and waste

- We committed to upcycle our samples and remake them into new pieces.

- We planned to reuse and recycle all stationery, pattern paper and supplies

- We committed to compost all our natural, organic material remnants.

When we reviewed progress on these objectives this year, we were able to say that we achieved them. We are transparent on our supply chain and list where our fabrics and come from and where they are made.

When we source sustainable fabrics, we only work with companies and products that have certifications like GOTS standard. OEKO-TEX certified, organic cotton and fair trade.

We try to work with local freelancers and collaborate with the local community, so we can have a close working relationship with our partners and minimise our carbon footprint. We recently collaborated with a Leeds-based jeweller to produce a new range for us.

We plant a tree for every item sold through our partners at One Tree Planted to offset our carbon footprint.

Recently we have won awards for most Ethical Fashion a designer in the Global green Business awards, Best Vegan fashion brand in the global vegan awards for Lux Life magazine & the Leadership award for Common Objective

SHOWING GARMET These are garments form my Limited edition range.

9.07 - ZARAMIAAVA’s challenges in sourcing and where our business would like to be in the future

It hasn’t always been easy to make progress with sustainability. At the beginning the challenges were that ethical fabrics and trimmings were more costly.

We researched every single supply we purchased to make sure it was all suitable and carried the appropriate certifications. We found that all sorts of supplies used animal bi-products or were bad for the environment.

It is still difficult to find fabrics that work from a design point of view as well as being sustainable. We still do all this now but we know where to look and what to look out for. There are more sustainable suppliers now and it’s easier to get hold of ethical fabrics as the demand for them has increased.

In terms of where I’d like the business to be in the future, we would like to be known as an sustainable vegan brand leading the way in fashion, raising awareness about sustainability and helping others to do the same.

From a business point of view, we have feedback and understanding that our customers want a wide range of sustainable options such: as natural fabrics, zero waste, circular fashion, vegan or cruelty free. We have identified from market research that people are keen on at least one of these sustainable options. Rather then having just one it is best to have a variety to cater for more people.

We stay up to date with developments in fashion technology and sustainable manufacturing by connecting with the sustainable networks via expos, webinars, sustainability platforms, groups and newsletters.

- 10.49 - ZARAMIA AVA’s final reflections on the extent to which we see our sustainable business model going mainstream

To sum up, I definitely think the sustainability business model will become more mainstream. We are seeing it now with companies adding organic ranges. I hope it will become a law for all companies to have transparency in their supply chain, so everyone knows where the garments have come from, how and where the fabrics where made and whether the workers were paid a fair wage.

Big businesses will always be looking to increase or protect their profit margins and compete in the marketplace on price, but, hopefully as more consumers choose to shop ethically and sustainably, they will respond to the pressure and up their sustainability game.

We do this to make a difference. I hope this has given you an insight in to how I have developed a sustainable fashion label and why it is so important to me.

You can keep up with our latest news and developments by visiting our website: www.ZaraMiaAva.com and by following us on Social Media @ZARAMIAAVA