At Tales of Threads, sustainability is at the forefront of every item, fabric, and sewing accessory we offer, ensuring they are crafted from materials recognized for their environmental friendliness. Our dedicated makers embody the core of our sustainability efforts, adhering to the guiding principles below.
However, achieving complete sustainability can be challenging, especially for independent makers due to occasional limitations in material availability. Despite these challenges, our makers are committed to evaluating the environmental impact of their products and openly share these findings in their product descriptions. This transparency enables you, our valued customer, to make well-informed purchasing decisions.
Moreover, our community of makers collaborates by sharing resources about sustainable suppliers and organizing joint purchases. This collective effort not only enhances our sustainability practices but also supports the entire network in maintaining high environmental standards.
Should you wish to delve deeper into the environmental attributes of any product, we encourage you to connect directly with the maker for a detailed insight. We are continually refining our sustainability criteria and highly value your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to share your suggestions or concerns by emailing us at info@talesofthreads.eu.
Guiding principles
Eco-friendly sourcing: Seek materials from environmentally responsible origins, such as:
- Organic cotton (e.g., certified by GOTS): Cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, fostering soil health and biodiversity.
- Cotton from BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) members: Farmers growing Better Cotton learn to farm in ways that are kinder to the planet, people, and the economy. However, not all cotton sold by BCI members is from these farmers. They need to buy a minimum of 10% of their cotton as Better Cotton. It’s a smart idea to check how much Better Cotton a BCI member buys. The higher the percentage, the better it is!
- Linen: Derived from flax, requiring fewer pesticides and less water than conventional cotton.
- Hemp: A versatile plant grown quickly without pesticides, yielding robust fibers suitable for various textile applications.
- Upcycled and deadstock fabrics: Utilizing materials repurposed from post-consumer or pre-consumer sources, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint.
Reduced resource consumption: Assess if production processes minimize water, energy, and land usage compared to conventional methods, exemplified by:
- Tencel™ Lyocell: Crafted from sustainably sourced wood pulp with a closed-loop production process, conserving water and minimizing chemical emissions.
- Bamboo: A fast-growing plant requiring minimal water and pesticides, offering a renewable and eco-friendly textile option.
- Ecovero: Produced using environmentally friendly processes that reduce water consumption and emissions, providing a sustainable alternative to viscose.
Minimal chemical usage: Try to avoid harmful chemicals during production, dyeing, and finishing, including:
- Natural plant-based dyes: Extracted from plants like indigo and turmeric, providing vibrant hues without harmful substances.
- Eco-friendly synthetic dyes: Engineered to reduce environmental impact, consuming less water and energy than traditional synthetic dyes.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Ensures materials are free from harmful substances, promoting human-ecological safety and verifying the absence of hazardous chemicals in the textile production process.
Biodegradability: Assess whether the fabric can naturally decompose at the end of its lifecycle, reducing environmental impact. Look for materials like:
- Wool: A biodegradable fabric derived from natural fibers, wool can decompose into organic matter, minimizing waste and environmental pollution. Enhance sustainability by ensuring wool is mulesing-free and/or adheres to responsible farming practices, as certified by standards like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Recyclability: Evaluate if the fabric can be easily recycled into new products. Consider materials like:
- Pure cotton: While pure cotton fabrics can biodegrade, they can also be recycled into new textiles through mechanical or chemical processes, offering a sustainable solution to textile waste.
Recycled materials: Consider fabrics that have already undergone recycling processes and are made from previously used or discarded materials. Examples include:
- Recycled polyester: Fabrics crafted from recycled polyester fibers, sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles or other plastic waste, contribute to waste reduction and resource conservation.
- Upcycled denim: Textiles created from repurposed or discarded denim garments, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional denim production while preserving valuable resources.
Avoid creating waste as much as you can and be mindful about disposing of it.
- When cutting patterns, use the fabric efficiently to reduce leftovers.
- Turn scraps into new projects or give them to other creators who can use them.
- If you have extra materials, take them to a textile recycling bin.