A new Conscious Collection has hit H&M stores worldwide. including high-low dresses, pleated skirts, must-have accessories and a new high-end offering called Conscious Exclusive. The pieces are sustainable, well-made and fashionable, of course.
The fashion addict in me loves this collection but what about the facts? What makes this collection so conscious?
Well, here are 7 of the many facts you need to know about the H&M’s Conscious Collection. Read on. You’ll gain tons of knowledge and feel even better about indulging your fashion addiction!
1.
15.8% OF THEIR COTTON COMES FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES.
H&M’s Conscious Collection prides itself on using sustainable materials but getting to do so across the board can be a challenge. As of 2013, they’ve managed to make 15.8% of their cotton consumption sustainable and their goal is to get this figure to reach 100% by 2020. In addition, H&M also suggests conscious care instructions to its customers and is investing in organic leather supplied by organic meat farmers in Sweden.
2.
SIGNED ACCORD ON FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY IN BANGLADESH
You might remember the Gazipur tragedy where nine workers lost their lives and 50 more were injured in a garment factory in Bangladesh. Since the deadly incident, H&M has made a lot of efforts to improve their factory workers working conditions by paying better living wages, educating them on their rights and signing an accord on fire and building safety in Bangladesh.
3.
50% OF THEIR BOARD MEMBERS ARE WOMEN
H&M promotes a culture of equality, diversity and transparency. The company believes that every cultural background and gender is an asset to the company at every level. That is why it is important for them to reflect the same values in upper management positions. In addition, the retailer has a zero tolerance policy for corruption which is a major challenge in most of their production countries.
4.
18% OF ELECTRICITY USED IN 2013 CAME FROM RENEWABLES
H&M’s empire is in constant expansion and with that their carbon footprint is also growing … or is it? According to H&M’s Sustainability Report 2013, they want to grow 10-15% new stores every year without causing any additional climate impacts. Only time will tell if they can reach that goal.
5.
3,047 TONNES OF UNWANTED GARMENTS COLLECTED
Through their recycling campaign, H&M stores around the world collected over 3K tonnes of clothing. That’s enough textile to make 15 million t-shirts. H&M is also investing in closed-loop production which consists in using textile and fibers from old garments to create new ones and prevent fashion from being dumped in landfills. They’ve already launched their first closed-loop products.
If this is not impressive enough, you should also know that 92% of the waste handled in their warehouses in 2013 was recycled.
6.
3,591,000 LITRES OF RAINWATER HARVESTED
Let’s face it, our natural resources are running out and H&M understands that although so many other manufacturers have yet to get the memo. Dying fabrics, washing /distressing denim and growing cotton all require a lot of water. So, by 2015, H&M in collaboration with WWF will implement a ground breaking holistic strategy for water stewardship along their entire value chain.
If you are interested in learning more about the water crisis, I suggest you watch Last Call At The Oasis, a documentary directed by Jessica Yu.
7.
230,000 PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER
Since the beginning of H&M’s partnership with WaterAid, they’ve provided clean drinking water to 230K people. H&M has also trained 300K cotton farmers on growing cotton with less environmental impacts. H&M is also continuing to invest in early childhood development, education, women training and seed capital for small businesses through the Conscious Foundation.
In addition, H&M has donated 3,555,687 garments to charitable causes and is committed to strengthening communities around the world. That’s Conscious & Chic!
Shopping H&M’s Conscious Collection is something we can feel good about. Now, let me know what your favorite pieces in the collection are?
Stay Conscious & Chic!
Figures provided by H&M’s Sustainability Report 2013.