Article Written by Helen Dorothea Jorgensen

In my previous article, I discussed the standards to which we should set for small businesses. I said that businesses should be transparent whilst also being sustainable to the best of their ability, and continuing to improve their sustainable efforts. I would like to share with everyone sustainable small brands that I follow on Instagram, some of which I have personally invested in, and their sustainable business practices.

@KohrFashion

Starting a fashion brand was not something that Amy, founder of Kohr, always wanted to do as she felt that the fashion industry was too crowded. It wasn’t until she researched on her own the damage the industry has on the environment that she felt she could make an impact by developing her own sustainable brand. In June of 2020, Kohr was founded out of a desire to create sustainable pieces that are timeless and affordable.

Kohr takes pride in using sustainable materials in all of their products, ranging from organic cotton, bio-degradable elastic, to vegan sustainable leather. What I love most about Kohr is the founder’s passion to make a positive impact on the fashion industry through not just making affordable fashion pieces but also educating consumers. On the website there is a separate blog dedicated to discussing all things related to sustainability such as fabrics, materials, and even eco-friendly gift ideas.

They also have a Capsule Collection line dedicated to creating basics for all wardrobes made sustainably. My two personal favourites for this fall and winter are The Vegan Leather Trousers and The Organic Cotton Mock Neck. You can mix these two pieces with any style to create endless looks.

@OutlandDenim

Outland Denim combines environmental and social efforts to make a positive impact. In 2008, James Bartle, founder of the brand, visited Asia with an anti-trafficking group and saw how the human trafficking prays on girls. In order for survivors of the human trafficking industry to have a successful future, it is essential to have a stable career. James founded Outland Denim to provide survivors and women at risk of being trafficked employment to aid these women.

The company makes exceptional efforts in reducing their impact in their consumption of water and energy as the fashion industry is the second largest consumer of the world’s water supply, and responsible for ten percent of the world’s carbon emissions. Their 2020 report outlines how they reduce their consumption of said resources. For example, they use Laser, Ozone, and E-Flow technology in their Wash and Finishing process. With this technology they use up to eighty-six percent less water and up to fifty-seven percent less energy, both in comparison to conventional methods.

Outland Denim has earned a number of awards and milestones, including being the first Australian denim brand to become a B Corporation and second globally and being named as one of the ten Sustainable Fashion Leaders by Common Objective in 2019.

@TheCurated

I am so excited to share with you guys The Curated as it is my favourite brand mentioned in this article. The Curated was founded by Nicola Harem with the mission to create luxury sustainable pieces at honest prices. What it means to sell a clothing piece at an honest price according to Nicola is mark their pieces at a lower markup as it is more reflective of the value of the item rather than the profit of the business. Marketing pieces at an honest price is very important to Nicola as she is passionate about making timeless pieces more accessible to women. Her business is less about making a profit and more about making women feel good about their wardrobe from how they feel whilst wearing their pieces to knowing that the materials are sourced ethically and produced responsibly.

All of their products are exclusively made out of natural materials such as wool and cashmere which are sustainable in both their production process and decomposition. Their products are produced at a family owned factory in Inner Mongolia that ensures the utilisation of sustainable production methods such as fair pay and proper treatment of employees (reword).

I recently invested in their Boyfriend Coat in Camel, something I’ve been eyeing for over a year now. Not only is it easy to care for, I love wearing a piece I know is made ethically and also looks amazing with all of my outfits.

@guaja.studio

This Portuguese-based brand takes timeless pieces and gives them a modern twist whilst ensuring sustainability in the production of the pieces and the pieces themselves. Their zero waste policy is incorporated into every aspect of their business. Before they begin the production of a new piece, they carefully plan out every step of the production process.

They carefully plan the production of each new piece they want to sell by staying true to a zero waste policy. Guaja prioritises using natural and biodegradable materials such as cotton, linen, and silk, however they also use polyesters in small quantities to make their pieces more affordable. Their packaging is also plastic free and instead uses recycled cardboard boxes!

I love researching and sharing small businesses that truly take sustainability as a core pillar in their business practices rather than greenwashing and using sustainability as an aesthetic. From learning about these small businesses and their practices, I hope you as a reader have a better idea of what to look for and the questions to ask when researching small businesses, whether it be sustainable packaging, treating garment workers properly, to sourcing of materials.

Small Sustainable Businesses On Instagram For Your Wardrobe