Ethical fashion

Eating organic is considered good for your health, but of course you can go organic in many other ways including in what you wear and while it may not improve your physical health, it will certainly make you feel good as you are doing your bit for the ‘health’ of the planet.

Scottish company Terramar Organics offers just this choice. An online and mail order company specialising in the sale of Organic and Fair Trade clothing and accessories, Terramar offers stylish everyday clothing that everyone has and needs starting with the basics: shirts and t-shirts.

Partners Peter and Tom Marx founded the business on the basis of organic and fair trade principles. “We endeavour, wherever practicable, to run our business in such a way so that it has the least possible detrimental impact on the environment, people and animals,” says Peter.

Terramar Organics’ principal aim is to promote a more sustainable way of living in all areas of life using the tools and principles of fair trade, environmental sustainability, social corporate responsibility and fair access to intellectual property rights and open source software.

They are one of only a few companies in the UK to offer 100 per cent organic clothing, which means the whole process from farming to the dyeing of the fabric and manufacture is certified organic.

The company was established to design and sell quality clothing that doesn’t cost the earth; to be part of the local economy by using, where possible, local resources and talent and to promote sustainable living through lifestyle choice - without compromising on style.

“We founded Terramar because we believe that things should be made to last a little bit longer, should be well designed, stylish and, above all, sustainable,” say Peter and Tom Marx.

The exploitation of labour in the clothing industry is a significant factor in conventional production. Terramar does not source any clothing from factories that use sweatshop practices or exploit their labour.

Trading since 2004, Terramar has recently been awarded the Ethical Company Organisation Award for the way in which it conducts its business respecting people, the environment and animals.

As for the cotton itself, organic cotton is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, insecticides or fertilisers and in this case is processed using biodegradable aids, AZO and heavy metal free dyes making the garments ideal for those with sensitive skin.

By being grown organically the plants are healthier and organic cotton is therefore of a higher quality. It is noticeably softer than conventional cotton and is also very durable, wearing well over a long period of time.

And it is not just the clothes that are ‘green’. All packaging used in the business operations is either made from recycled materials or handed down to the company by local business and re-used after passing rigorous checks. The Reduce > Reuse > Recycle ethos is used in all business operations.

Buying your trendy tee from Terramar ensures you are adhering to sound ethical principles when it comes to fashion.
www.terramar.co.uk

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