Christmas & Sustainability

We’ve previously covered the contradictory concept of sale and sustainability - read our full view on the matter here - and as the holidays approach, we feel that a similar explanation is called for. Here are our thoughts on Christmas and sustainability: 

As with sustainability and sale, fashion companies (or any company for that matter) are dependent on a certain level of income to maintain business. That includes us. We need to sell clothes to make clothes. However, we made the early choice to use materials with a lower environmental impact than the industry norm, resulting in clothes only made with organic, natural, or recycled fibers. In that sense, choosing to buy Christmas gifts from Dedicated is a better choice, since our products have a lower impact on nature in terms of climate footprint and resource use. 

Another aspect is the inevitability of the upcoming season. Because, whether you’re a fan of it or not, Christmas is coming, and it will affect the retail business which we are a part of. However, we can choose the way we participate and be transparent about our approach. 

From a standpoint of trying to make more sustainable choices during the holiday season, we’d like to share some tips on how to purchase Christmas gifts with the environment in mind: 

1. Set the rules of gift giving: All families have different rules regarding Christmas presents - do you buy one for each family member? And how about extended family? Do you only focus on the kids? Or do you include the neighbors too? This is to avoid buying things “just in case they got something for you” or last-minute shopping because you forgot to get something for a distant relative visiting for the holidays.

2. Take some time to think about what the person you're buying a gift for might want or need. Instead of buying something for the sake of it, try getting them something they’ll value and use. 

3. Gifts don't have to be brand new to qualify as gifts - browse your local second-hand store for the chance to find something truly unique to put under the tree. Also, many established brands now offer a ‘Second hand’-section inside their stores. 

4. Choose better options. Choose to support certified, slow fashion brands with a (more) sustainable production, i.e. buy gifts made of lower-impact fabrics instead of conventional fibers. 

Here, you’ll find our entire collection of:
- Organic and Fairtrade-certified T-shirts for men and women.
- Knitted sweaters for men and women made of organic or recycled fibers.
- Eco-friendly sweatshirts for men and women.
- Swimwear made of polyester from 100% recycled PET-bottles for men and women.