The last few social occasions I’ve been at, I’ve found myself being questioned at length about sustainability and why I write n4mummy. Strangers seem hell-bent on challenging the idea of shopping sustainably and have asked some pertinent questions.
The latest brand I’d like to introduce you to, are a perfect example of why shopping sustainably makes so much sense. Pigeon Organics is a small Oxford based company that produces beautiful organic cotton clothing for children aged 0-6 yrs. I love the soft pastel/neutral colours and easy everyday prints, which are a welcome change to bold, loud clothing that slightly gives me a headache. They’ve just launched a range of Country Garden Prints, featuring dragonflies, bee hives, beetles and the moth print that Laurie is wearing.
So why buy organic?
It was founded by Jane Shepherd after she discovered the huge environmental, health and social impact of farming non-organic cotton. Sadly, up to 77 million cotton workers suffer poisoning and skin reactions to pesticides every single year*. If the harmful chemicals are removed from the process, it makes the working environment safer for all involved.
This reality made her determined to work exclusively with organic textiles.
Why does it matter where we buy from?
Because as consumers we vote with our wallets. By buying from companies who know & care about how the product is made, we’re ensuring that people are being treated well and paid a fair wage.
Aren’t all factories checked regularly?
Yes most companies audit their factories, but this is largely a box ticking exercise and often bears no relationship with to what actually goes on day-to-day. Pigeon Organics know exactly where their clothes have been produced, and for Jane good relationships with her factories and customers is essential. Until 2013 all their clothes were produced here in the UK, but sadly the factory they were working with closed. However in October 2015, Pigeon Organics helped the son of the original factory owner set up his own unit in Nottinghamshire. Now 50% of their range is made in this factory. They are able to guarantee business for the factory, and in return they get a commitment to quality, which is clear in the garments.
There are a few questions I haven’t addressed, like but what if you can’t afford organic clothing? And, don’t we mess with the local economy if we pay someone higher wages? But I’ll save those for another day. For now just look at these little feet!
* Fact from Gather&See, click here to read the article.
Shop The Edit
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Country Garden Leggings | Pigeon Organics
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Oh such gorgeous photos!!
This year I’ve started a huge decluttering process and am beginning to consume a lot more consciously. I’ll enjoy learning more about sustainable clothing from you and hope to make similar choices as my own things need replacing.
Author
Ah brilliant! We should chat about it sometime. It’s harder than I thought it would be! x
What a beautiful brand…and obviously baby:) I’m becoming more and more aware of what our actions, as consumers, are having on the environment, other people and ourselves. This is a great post Karen and the more we are able to put this sort of information out there I think the more sustainable fashion will become the norm xx
Author
Thanks Abbie, I think sustainability can seem such a dull subject, but it is so so important xx