Be a part of the team.
This is a difficult one and something we’re working hard to improve. Providing branded apparel for a coaching entity is generally an expectation but we’re already taking steps to reduce the environmental impact.
The textile industry in general is responsible for 10% of global CO² emissions, 2nd to the oil industry. There are other environmental costs such as:
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around 20% of wastewater worldwide comes from fabric dyeing and treatment
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of the total fibre input used for clothing, 87% is incinerated or disposed of in landfill
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every year half a million tons of plastic microfibres make their way into the ocean, impacting the ecosystem, and even entering the food chain for those consuming seafood.
Switching to recycled polyester fabric can help to reduce carbon emissions – recycled polyester releases half to a quarter of the emissions of virgin polyester. But it isn’t a long-term solution, as polyester takes hundreds of years to decompose and can lead to microfibres escaping into the environment.
Our current policy is that:
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we no longer redesign our apparel range yearly, thus not encouraging our athletes to purchase more gear unnecessarily
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we ensure the quality of apparel is to a standard that will endure the rigours of training and competing, therefore not requiring seasonal replacement
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apparel that is no longer worn be donated to the Sports Gear Revived campaign
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when possible, garments are made of recycled fabric
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Our current running range is manufactured from recycled ghost nets - fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned in our oceans
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We are stoked to be partnering with Joyride Custom Apparel in researching, experimenting and working toward leading the sports industry to make more ethical decisions when it comes to custom sporting apparel. Our run apparel is now manufactured from recycled ghost nets.
Bulk orders are placed periodically throughout the year so we'll let you know when we're taking requests. These can take 4 to 6 weeks to turn around.
For casual wear, we utilise AS Colour and our preference is to order from the organic cotton range. All headwear utilises recycled fabric.
Orders are placed on request and can be with you within 10 days.
By purchasing from the 'Athletes for Nature' apparel range, you not only become a part of the movement but you also help us create more resources and deliver our outreach programmes, which gets more people out in nature. The amount you pay is split between the apparel cost and a donation to The Lentil Intervention (tax-deductible in NZ only).
References:
https://www.ijrte.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v8i3/A1432058119.pdf
https://unece.org/forestry/press/un-alliance-aims-put-fashion-path-sustainability
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978008102043200006X#s0215
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/fashion-on-climate
