Sustainability is one of our biggest concerns here at Charity Farm. We are always looking for ways we can be better. That’s why we were ecstatic when White Stuff announced their ‘Sustainably Sourced Cotton Commitment’.

“At White Stuff, we are committed to sourcing cotton ethically and sustainably. Our commitment is to only use sustainably sourced cotton by 2024. By working closely with our suppliers, we are delighted to offer organic cotton and Fairtrade Sourced Cotton products.”

What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified seeds and without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. By avoiding synthetic inputs, it means that farmers and the environment are being exposed to fewer harmful chemicals.

Organic production systems also replenish and maintain soil fertility, enabling the farmers to grow complementary crops and rotate crops to keep the soil healthy. Third-party certification organisations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. This ensures that the cotton sourced meets strict environmental standards.

White Stuff’s Commitment to Fairtrade Cotton
White Stuff have signed a three year agreement with Fairtrade. In the first year, we are committed to buying 100 metric tonnes of Fairtrade cotton. The agreement is to increase the amount of Fairtrade cotton they source year on year.

White Stuff are the only UK retailer to commit to the mass balance cotton programme.

What is Fairtrade cotton?
Fairtrade cotton supports the people at the beginning of the supply chain – the farmers who sow, grow and harvest the raw cotton.
Fairtrade ensures that they earn a fair price for their cotton. The cost of Fairtrade is split into two parts: the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium. The Minimum Price is set to ensure that farmers are being paid enough for their crop. It protects farmers against changes in the market and price fluctuations.
Farmers are organised into certified cooperatives and the Fairtrade Premium is an additional amount of money on top of the price that these cooperatives can choose how to spend. Examples include schools for their children, better irrigation systems, better access to doctors and better quality seeds. Through Fairtrade, thousands of cotton farmers have already improved their lives.

Cotton cooperatives have become better organised, farms are more productive and women are receiving the same rights as men. Cotton production uses a lot of water and farmers are affected by climate change. Fairtrade supports farmers in managing the environmental and health risks from cotton production. By meeting Fairtrade Standards, farmers can also improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and use water more sustainably. Farmers are also able to continually invest in their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

White Stuff have joined and committed to the Fairtrade Sourced Cotton model. This means that the quantity of cotton required for clothes carrying this Mark is sourced, traded and audited on Fairtrade terms. The cotton may be mixed with non-certified cotton, on a mass balance basis and Fairtrade producers receive the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the additional Premium. Visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/farmers-and-workers/cotton for more information.

We are dedicated to expanding our range of organic, fair trade and sustainable fabrics in our clothing department.

Seasalt have a Sustainability Team who we are working with to increase our organic Seasalt selection. They are focusing their efforts on every part of their business. Most of their inspiration comes from nature, the sea and seaside towns, so it makes a lot of sense for Seasalt to be environmentally conscious.

More and more of Seasalt’s cotton garments are becoming organic cotton. They have also created more environmentally friendly packaging.

They pride themselves on creating excellent quality pieces. Some of their winter coats even come with a life time guarantee!

Thought is the main sustainable brand that we carry. You may find that this means a slightly higher price tag compared to other brands, however, I find that their commitment to lasting pieces made from sustainable materials sourced responsibly is worth a little extra, as long as you take care of it, after all their motto is “wear me, love me, mend me, pass me on”.

While not fair trade they do follow a strict code of conduct ensuring fair working conditions for everyone they employ and are supplied by which is checked on regularly.

You will find that 100% of their cotton is organic, they also use bamboo, hemp, wool, tencel (once wood, now silky and wrinkle resistant), recycled polyester and rayon (recycled tree pulp).

Thought’s slow pace doesn’t end here, many of the prints you see are hand painted by their small knit team.

“Creating Thoughtful Clothing alone isn’t enough. We value doing the right thing and want to feel good about everything we touch. That means we work ethically. From the fabrics we use, to how we design and make and deliver our garments. We think about every impact our business has. And it’s with the greater aim of minimising our environmental footprint.”

If you would like to know more about the sustainable fibres we carry, as well as our other environmental efforts, stay tuned for more posts like this.