In recent months, due to COVID19, the travel industry has ground to a halt. Carbon emissions have never been so low but with the lifting of lockdown around the world, tourism and travel is on the rise again.
Every time you fly on a plane, stay in a hotel, ride in a taxi, or create waste, you inadvertently create carbon emissions. Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. While there are many ways that you can and should minimise your carbon footprint while traveling – from turning off the air conditioner to renting electric vehicles – you can make even smaller changes, whether you’re traveling at home or abroad, you can start your getaway off right by packing your suitcase full of ethical and eco-friendly brands, here are a few we love!
Swimwear
Mitra The Label
At Mitra The Label they are conscious that up to 12 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year, and are not just helping fight this problem, but contributing to the solution too. They repurpose waste like fishing nets into fabric, known as Econyl, and are committed to sustainable, ethical and planet-friendly practices. Each swimsuit is handmade to order in Bristol, UK.
Holiday Romance
Proudly made in the UK, Holiday Romance is an environmentally conscious label committed to ensuring that the environmental impact of their products and production is, at the very least, carried out from a neutral-impact intention. For them, recycled fibres represent the best way to reduce the impact of textile production. However, they know there is always more to do, their aim is to become 100% sustainable and help steer, and provide for, those looking to make more natural and sustainable choices at a time when they're in holiday-mode!
Deakin & Blue
Sustainability is in the DNA of Deakin & Blue and they are proud to be a business which makes a positive environmental, social and ethical impact. They believe in honesty, quality and in knowing who made your clothes, they produce swimwear in a small London factory which prides itself on premium craftsmanship in a safe working environment. All swimwear is made from Econyl - a 100% regenerated nylon fibre made from Ocean waste such as old fishing nets and industrial plastic. The fabrics are twice as resistant to chlorine, sun cream and oil as standard Lycra in order to ensure their swimsuits are high quality pieces made to last.
MAARÏ
Created by two friends as the perfect fusion of luxury and sustainability, MAARÏ specialises in eco-chic Summer style. Natural resources are precious and the brand dedicates themselves to preserving and improving the health of our oceans by using 100% eco-sustainable Italian fabrics. Their garments are designed and manufactured with care carrying the distinctive characteristics of the ‘made in Italy’ heritage.
Stidston Studio
Grounded in ethical manufacturing and using sustainable materials, Stidston Studio was created for the English summer - from the beaches and countryside of Devon, to the swimming ponds and lidos of London. All Stidston Studio Lycra swimwear is made, designed, cut and sewn in the UK. Handmade with Econyl, regenerated nylon made from recycled fishing nets and other Ocean waste, produced in small batches to ensure product waste is kept to a minimum.
Stay Wild
The founders of Stay Wild know the Ocean provides life not only to the marine world but to us too, through Stay Wild they channel their energy into building a brand which reflects style as well as strong values. They are proud to use Econyl and to design and produce their pieces in London using a small local factory who aligns with their ethos.
Natasha Tonic
Natasha Tonic creates swimwear from Hemp, designed for the traveller in all of us who like to pack light. Their revolutionary hemp fiber allows their swimsuits to be whatever you need them to be - lingerie, bodysuits or activewear. Their mission is to give people a healthier choice for their skin and for the planet. Their fabric is sustainable, fair trade and their factory is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation.
Shoes
Original Cork
The Original Cork is all about keeping things local, Fair Trade, and cruelty free. Everything is 100% sourced and made in Portugal, their flipflops are made from cork, an environmentally sustainable material which is 100% natural, recyclable and reusable. While these are water and beach-friendly, cork can degrade with prolonged exposure to salt.
Sole Rebels
Sole Rebels sandals are made with sustainable materials and capped off with recycled tire soles. They are produced using Ethiopian community’s creative artisans and the traditional ‘barabasso’ (Ethiopian recycled tire) shoe technique. The result is uniquely original footwear, driven by the ethos of ethical production, sustainable materials, and maximum comfort.
ECOALF
ECOALF wants to represent the fabrics for future generations. Each flipflop is handmade in Spain, they use tyres, which are usually very difficult to recycle as it contains metals, antioxidants and fabric pieces but through tireless research they have found a way!
Sunglasses
Vow
Vow London believe it is their responsibility to help conserve the environment in every way possible. The brands vision is to create vintage inspired, beautifully handmade frames from the highest quality sustainable materials. Working alongside socially responsible factories to ensure that their styles are manufactured as ethically as possible, and use recycled or eco-friendly materials.
Pala
The founder of Pala built the brand on keeping their impact on the planet low, and impact on people high. They have both recycled acetate and bio-based designs, in eco-friendly recyclable packaging and with carbon offset shipping. For every pair of sunglasses sold, they give back to eye-care programmes in Africa by providing grants to vision centres, dispensaries and screening programmes. You can look good and do good!
Suncream
Ethical responsibility is at the heart of what Green People does. They are proud to present this reef-safe sun cream in fully recyclable, renewable sugar cane packaging. Farmed on sustainable land, this plant-based packaging is completely carbon-neutral. Green People supports the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity protecting our seas, shores & wildlife. 20p will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society from each sale of this product.
Made in London, Pai is a British brand through and through - but they borrowed the Maori word "pai", meaning "goodness", as it sums up their ethos. They maintain the highest ethical standards across every aspect of their business, the highest quality organic ingredients create the best performing products.
Yoah is based in Bristol, one of the UK’s original hemp companies with a huge range of hemp body care and food products which are 100% vagan and free of animal cruety. They have a range of natural and hemp based sun creams.
‘Clean’ is at the heart of everything Ren does but what does it mean? Visible results from skincare that isn’t full of shady ingredients. Ingredients that work with your skin, without causing irritation. Ingredients your skin would choose, from sustainable sources and sustainably packaged It’s all part of their pledge to become Zero Waste by 2021!
Carbon offsetting
What is Carbon Offsetting you ask? Carbon offsetting allows you to compensate for the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions you produce by reducing emissions somewhere else - you can calculate your travel footprint here. There is much debate about the validity of Carbon Offsetting but we believe any opportunity to enjoy yourself and make positive change too must be good!
Ultimately, most international travel generates carbon emissions but making small changes to your destinations can help, like staying in your home country. Staycations are growing in popularity and with weather like this (it was 33 degrees when we were inspired to write this two weeks ago!) we can understand why!
We hope you found this list helpful, if you know of any eco-friendly brands or holiday options you think we should know about please let us know below!
