Creating mindfully
RESPONSIBILITY
We feel it is very important that we make decisions that are kinder to the planet. We feel responsible to do our bit to minimise the negative effect we have on the planet by making conscious choices about all aspects of our supply chain.
We are always seeking ways to do things better, from creating products that are totally handmade, to only sourcing wool from RWS certified farms, to our valued knitters and seamstresses who are based locally in Northern Ireland, to our made to order model, to using shipping methods which support the aim of being carbon neutral, to supporting local environmental charities.
Meet the Knitters
Our team of 15 knitters and seamstresses are based in Northern Ireland, therefore contributing towards the wider economy, supporting local women in our community and reducing transportation effects on the climate where we can. We also create our knitwear just by using our hands, so no electricity resources are used in this process.
Delivery
We are now part of DHL’s Mission 2050, which aims to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net-zero.
Meaning our international shipping now aims to be carbon neutral.
DHL Go Green
How it works
1. The amount of Greenhouse Gas emissions produced during shipping is calculated.
2. To offset this, we pay extra for your parcel to be sent. This extra amount is in the form of carbon credits.
3. These carbon credits are then invested into projects which benefit the environment and communities such as Wind Farm Projects in Chile, Hydroelectric Projects in Honduras and Biogas Projects in Nepal.
To find out more about these impactful projects, click below:
MATERIALS
Merino Wool
Our merino wool is a natural, renewable, biodegradable fibre which has a super buttery soft feel. Merino wool biodegrades in less than a year when disposed of in landfills, which majorly reduces the environmental impact and the amount of waste left to future generations. Our merino wool is responsibly sourced and RWS certified. This means that it comes from farms which are thoroughly inspected and meet not only the 5 freedoms criteria, but also further welfare standards for their animals, such as no mulesing.
The farms also are inspected with regards to their working environment, as well as their land management and environmental impact to ensure they are operating within the RWS requirements.
The RWS is a voluntary standard, so farms apply to be part of it and are only accepted if they reach the correct standards.
Biodegradable Nylon
Our biodegradable nylon pieces are designed to be vegan friendly.
They are also kinder to the planet as they use innovative technology in order to biodegrade in around 5 years when disposed of in landfills, compared to more than 50 years for other synthetics. Our nylon collection is produced using enhanced polyamide, which – under landfill conditions – facilitates access and digestion of waste material by bacteria, thus accelerating the biodegradation process. The biodegradation properties only become apparent under landfill conditions, where there is no oxygen and bacteria specifically in charge of anaerobic decomposition are found. Therefore it does not decompose after standard use and this product’s lifecycle is the same as that of traditional polyamide yarns.
The yarn has also been manufactured by recycled processed water.
About 90% of your merino wool or biodegradable nylon Hope Macaulay piece will biodegrade after landfilling.
They are turned into organic matter (biomass) and biogas which can become new resources for the environment,
as well as being used for combined heat and power production.
WASTE
Our made to order model minimises waste, meaning we are not using up resources or materials which are not needed, whilst minimising materials going to landfill.
Any scrap wool that we have is used for other purposes, such as in our packaging or donating it to aspiring student creators and charitable organisations. These include Craft Forward, a knitting club in London who make blankets for the homeless; Arts Care in Belfast who facilitate art workshops in healthcare settings; Trash Fashion in Belfast who create clothes out of recycled items and Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast use the scraps in a Craft Kids Club.
We are always on the look out for how to use any waste we have in an efficient way, which can benefit others and the environment. We have recently released the Bella Colossal Knit Cushion which uses scrap wool as the infill, meaning it is both minimising waste and has insulating properties. The lining of the cushion has also been created from left over fabric from clothing factories.
Green friday
On Black Friday, we have our very own 'Green Friday'. We donate £15 to our partner environmental charity for every order placed.
Every year we team up with Greenhill YMCA in County Down, Northern Ireland. This project aims to educate young people on biodiversity, conservation, horticulture, sustainability, waste and recycling. Previously, we helped create a new Outdoor Forest School for environmental education on the slopes of the Mourne Mountains.
More recently we helped build "Bee Hotels", which provide an environment for wild bee varieties, as well as educating younger generations on how to help pollinators.
Please see our FAQs page to find out more!
If you have any further questions, please feel free email customercare@hopemacaulay.com for more information