How Can Wearing A Sarong Boost Your Ethical And Sustainability Efforts?
Almost 70% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada prefer eco-friendly brands - as found in a recent study by IBM and the National Retail Federation. Those surveyed said that they were willing to pay a premium for recyclable products, and over half would be willing to change their shopping habits to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Brands like 1 World Sarongs are showing that when it comes to industries like fashion, sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. Despite investing in eco-friendly practices that seek to make a positive difference to the planet, 1 World Sarongs’ designs are pleasantly affordable - which just goes to show that business success and green living make perfect partners.
Empowering Artisans
Brands like 1 World Sarongs embrace the talent of artisans, whose talents shine in sarong design and manufacture, but also in jewelry, sandals, beach wear, resort-cruise wear, and more. Sarongs as a fashion item embrace the vivid artisanship of the people of the South Pacific. 1 World Sarongs stocks items mainly made by artisans from Indonesia, but also from other parts of the world (including the U.S.). These artisans are paid fair wages in appreciation of the many hours it takes to make a sarong using techniques like Batik.
Sustainably Colored Batik Sarongs
1 World Sarongs’ items are created using the ancient art of Batik. They are traditionally made using non-polluting production processes which conserve energy and natural sources, while also being safe for workers. The key to ensuring that any garment is dyed sustainably, whether a sarong or a piece of casual clothing, is to work with natural dyes or with synthetic dyes that are then passed through special filtering systems. Water can be saved throughout the dyeing process by dipping fabric rolls in buckets, drying fabric naturally or in ovens, and using an eco-septic tank to filter water before it is allowed to enter waterways.
Giving Back
You can help do your share to make the world a better place by supporting companies like 1 World Sarongs, which donates a 2% of its profits to charitable causes like the International Red Cross, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, World Vision, Amazonia, Union of Concerned Scientists, The Orangutan Foundation and others. The International Red Cross is a favorite of 1 World Sarongs. This is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Its aim is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, uphold human dignity, and battle climate change.
Sarongs Are For Everyone
A sustainable piece of clothing is not simply one that is made with energy conservation and fair trade. It is also one that is meant to last a lifetime and be worn by more than one person, and the beauty of 1 World Sarong's creations is that they are made with the ‘design for life’. In this moment in which western fashion is embracing gender-neutral and gender-fluid fashion, sarongs can be interchanged and worn by various members of the family on the beach, by the pool, in casual gatherings or whatever your heart desires. Sarongs are the ultimate clothing items because they can be styled and used in so many different ways. There is a sarong for everyone and for every time and place.
1 World Sarongs is known for the beauty and vivid hues of its designs, but it is also a company that is focused on sustainability and fair trade. The company donates part of its profits to the various causes, so you know that your purchases are helping make the world a better place. 1 World Sarongs is focused on sustainability, which includes water conservation, support local artisans, and celebrate the wonder of nature through the vivid representations of its most stunning flora and fauna.
We say to ourselves: "What?!? Are you crazy?!? My laundry is poison? My Yoga Pants pollute the ocean and poison the life within it?"
Hard to believe right?
Well, believe it and Stop Look and Listen! Afterall, that's what we learn to do as kids when we cross the street. Why do we learn this street mantra? Well it's obvious we don't want to end up as "road pizza"!
Right now scientists are saying Stop Look and Listen, doing laundry of polyester type fabrics are poisoning the planet!
Everyday clothing products like leggings, yoga pants, tshirts, sweatshirts, underwear, you name it! All kinds of Polyester fiber products ie: nylon, lycra, microfiber, acrylic etc. are poisoning our planet. The chart below names a few of the fibers:
Many of us obviously don't know that our clothing laundry is killing the planet. This is a revelation to most of us regarding the clothing fabrics we use and make up many of our clothing items that are made from Polyester.
At 1 World Sarongs we are always weighing what products we should offer to our customers and what are the impacts of those products on the environment.
As good stewards of the Earth, our focus is being friendly and sustainable to Mother Earth because we want to have a lasting legacy of sustainability for future generations. Imagine what it would be like to grow up in a poisoned polluted world? What it is like to be a young adult or child today with a huge amount of environmental issues going on? Here's one kids book about it: Goodbye Earth
In the past we have gone back and forth on deciding which fibers to use. Choosing between Rayon or Silk or Cotton or Polyester Fibers.
Well, now it's clear that Polyester Fibers should be off the table as they are polluting our oceans and poisoning the lifeblood of our planet.
Use of Polyester clothing is now proven to be entering the food chain. This happens when we wash the clothes and the Polyester fibers go down the drain eventually reaching our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams. When we destroy the water ecosystems and the life in it through the use of Polyester and plastic (petroleum based products), we can count on a devastating effect rippling through the entire Earth and it's food chain, to our own and future generations final detriment.
At not other time in history has the impact of one species, humans, had so much power and influence over the natural world.
It's almost impossible to read or watch the news without some sort of warning against the effects our behavior is having on our magnificent home.
With this revelation of polyester being a major cause of pollution and damage to our wonderful oceans, it makes us think how can we or any clothing manufacture or supplier sell polyester fibers in good conscience?
Well, wisdom says change. Focus on solutions. What can we do now?
What if 1 World Sarongs collected a sort of Tax that every time we sold a polyester product there would be a portion that was donated towards cleaning up the oceans or creating recycling programs or benefited organic cotton farming?
At this time it's really up to the governments and big companies who are the biggest polluters to make changes in their supply chain. Customers have a choice too. So the next time you are ready to make a purchase, think about what it is made of. If it's polyester and not recycled, maybe it's time to look for that cotton or rayon material which maybe friendlier to our beautiful home.
Mountains of Polyester Garbage or Gold (recyclable)?
This post is an invite to open a dialog. I would like to invite all of our customers and friends to join us in our education, awareness and activism towards a sustainable, peaceful and harmonious planet.
Ideas? How about less disposable fashion? How about more plant or protein based fibers? What do you think about buy less and hold longer and buy second hand or trade clothing?
Stop Look and Listen - this is our beautiful home, how are we going to take care of it now and for future generations?
Spandex is one of several non-biodegradable synthetic fibers. [15][16] Today most clothes containing spandex end up as non-recyclable waste once they've been worn out, as fabric blends containing spandex are difficult to recycle. [17] This contributes to the pollution of the environment. Additionally, non-biodegradable microfibers from laundry end up in the worlds rivers and oceans. [18][19] Some environmentally conscious consumers prefer to buy clothes made of natural, bio-degradable fibers like cotton, flax, linen and wool. However, even some of the clothing companies marketing their products as being "sustainable" add spandex to clothing items like "organic cotton socks", potentially misleading consumers into thinking they are purchasing products that are natural and safe for the environment when they are not entirely so.
"Nowadays, polyester is easy to miss unless you check fabric tags rigorously. It’s already ubiquitous in our most basic garments, such as t-shirts, dresses, and jeans, while calling almost no attention to itself—and that’s the point. It has become essentially invisible, even as it rapidly takes over our wardrobes.
As production of cotton, the world’s most popular natural fiber, has plateaued, polyester has stepped in to fill the void. Because it’s inexpensive, easy to blend with other materials, remarkably improved in its look and feel, and no worse for the environment than conventionally grown cotton, it has allowed us to keep churning out more and more cheap clothes without a hiccup."
Pollution of freshwater and seawater habitats[edit]
A team at Plymouth University in the UK spent 12 months analysing what happened when a number of synthetic materials were washed at different temperatures in domestic washing machines, using different combinations of detergents, to quantify the microfibres shed. They found that an average washing load of 6 kg could release an estimated 137,951 fibres from polyester-cotton blend fabric, 496,030 fibres from polyester and 728,789 from acrylic. Those fibers add to the general microplasticspollution.[10][11][12]
Polyester is a synthetic petroleum-based fibre, and is therefore a non-renewable carbon-intensive resource.[13] Nearly 70 million barrels of oil are used each year to make polyester around the world, which is now the most commonly used fiber in making clothes. But it takes more than 200 years to decompose.[14]
Highly toxic carbon disulfide is used in the production of viscose, leading to many incidents and legal cases.[24] However, the volatile carbon disulfide is lost before the rayon gets to the consumer; the rayon itself is basically pure cellulose.[4] Studies from the 1930s show that 30% of American rayon workers suffered severe effects. Rates of disability in modern factories (mainly in China, Indonesia and India) are unknown.[5][25]
The biodegradability of various fibers in soil burial and sewage sludge was evaluated by Korean researchers. Rayon was found to be more biodegradable than cotton, and cotton more than acetate. The more water-repellent the rayon-based fabric, the more slowly it will decompose.[26]Silverfish can eat rayon.[citation needed]
As water resources get tighter around the world, economies that rely on it face difficulties and conflict, as well as potential environmental problems.[49][50][51][52][53] For example, improper cropping and irrigation practices have led to desertification in areas of Uzbekistan, where cotton is a major export. In the days of the Soviet Union, the Aral Sea was tapped for agricultural irrigation, largely of cotton, and now salination is widespread.[52][53]
Over two-thirds of the world’s cotton is grown in developing countries and the former Soviet Union. Valued at over $30 billion every year, global cotton production should be improving lives. But this ‘white gold’ too often brings misery. Although some progress is being made, the unsustainable, inequitable and abusive conditions under which much of the world’s cotton is produced, continues.
Child Labour and Cotton
In Uzbekistan – the world’s 3rd largest cotton exporter – the government orders
hundreds of thousands of children – some as young as seven – to harvest the annual cotton crop. Hard work for little or no pay, cotton benefits not the rural poor , but the ruling dictatorship, which derives millions from the export of cotton.
In Andhra Pradesh, India, over 100,000 children have been documented working for 13 hours a day for just US50 cents. In West Africa, children are trafficked to work in cotton fields.
Cotton grows on 2.4% of the world’s arable land, yet it is responsible for the release of over US$2 billion of chemical pesticides each year. Nearly half of these are considered toxic enough to be classified as 'hazardous' by the World Health Organisation.
Pesticides are hazardous by design – these are chemicals manufactured with the aim of killing, repelling or inhibiting the growth of living organisms.
An estimated 1 million to 5 million cases of pesticide poisoning occur every year, resulting in 20,000 reported deaths among agricultural workers and at least 1 million requiring hospitalisation.
Aldicarb, a powerful nerve agent, is one of the most toxic pesticides applied to cotton, yet it is also the 2nd most used pesticide in global cotton production. A single teaspoonful of aldicarb on the skin would be sufficient to kill an adult.
Cotton is the world’s thirstiest crop – six pints of water are needed to produce one cotton bud.
In Central Asia the demand for water to irrigate cotton fields has contributed to the draining of the Aral Sea, a crisis so acute that the United Nations described it as one of the “most staggering disasters of the 20th century”.
Up to 99% of the world’s cotton farmers live and work in the developing world where
cotton is a smallholder crop grown by the rural poor. Cotton accounts for around 40% of West Africa’s exports, yet subsidies to northern cotton farmers have led to a fall in world prices and economic problems in the south.
http://www.ejfoundation.org/page93.html
Polyester Pollutes Oceans
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. The McKinsey State of Fashion 2019 said this is the first year it ranked as a top priority for the apparel industry. It is increasingly difficult to ignore the effects of apparel production and waste. The industry has regulated chemicals, created new eco-friendly fibers and are seeking more green practices. Interestingly enough, there is a new, unexpected source of adverse environmental impact.
New Pollution Sources
Apparel production is notoriously polluting, but now there’s more. The new culprit is the maintenance of apparel products, most notably polyester. In fact, these effects are enough to have the government step in. As a consequence, California proposed a bill that would require a warning label on clothing comprised of over 50% polyester, according to Sourcing Journal Online. If this legislature passes, then the sale of apparel without it will be illegal by 2020.
It’s a “tumultuous period for polyester,” stated EcoTextile News. This backlash is due to the discovery that the fiber can shed 1,900 microfibers per wash. These polyester microfibers are escaping through filters and into the water supply. Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica cited research from UC Davis detailing how “25% of fish and a third of shellfish” sampled at California fish markets contained plastic debris. Moreover, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation predicted that “The world’s oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050.”
Preventative Measures for Polyester
Ultimately, completely eradicating polyester from the supply chain is not feasible. Although, some measures can be taken when washing polyester products. The Plastic Pollution Coalition shares that hand washing clothing significantly reduces the number of microfibers shed. Also, laundering items in garment bags and using liquid soap helps minimize abrasion.
Luckily, The Hohenstein Institute is studying how to reduce the emission of these microfibers through technology and testing. We are reaching a crucial point in the fight for sustainability; awareness and demand for change from consumers will be what creates further change in the industry.
Apparel Textile Sourcing supports sustainability in fashion. Come source sustainable textiles and garments from our incredible exhibitors.
The people thinking about these issues fit no single profile. They are women and men, liberal and conservative. They come from many regions and religions.
Cate Mumford, 28, is a Mormon, and Mormons believe God has commanded them to “multiply and replenish the earth.” But even in her teens, she said, she could not get another point of doctrine out of her head: “We are stewards of the earth.”
It all started back in 2000 when I, a native Long Islander - New Yorkah and hardcore summer surfer, following my bliss of surfing and doing some personal inventory and soul searching, traveled to the exotic surfing epicenter of Bali, Indonesia. After surfing my brains out and bintangs galore and after a lot of soul searching, not only did I find God (coming to Christ), but I also started a new business called 1 World Sarongs! I guess I owe a lot to Bali because another great thing followed all the above. While travelling back to Bali, I found the love of a lifetime, and married my dearest darling, a beautiful Indonesian angel named Deby.
Check out the photo of us getting married in Yoga Style Traditional Indonesian Sarongs (King and Queen for a day)!
Queen Deby and King Terry wearing traditional Yogya style sarongs for wedding in Java
When I traveled to Bali, I had no idea that my love for surfing would lead to so much. Finding God first and foremost, starting 1 World Sarongs, marrying my beautiful wife Deby and starting a new family.
We support the Orangutan Foundation in Los Angeles. Say NO to Palm Oil!
Why the name 1 World Sarongs? I liked the sound of it. It had a nice ring to it, and it also spoke of the 1 World Family (humanity), which is all of us on this amazing planet called Earth. As the famous 15th century poet John Donne once wrote and I paraphrase: “Anyone's death diminishes me, because I am involved in humanity, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee." and “No one is an island, entire of itself; every one is a piece of the continent.” What does that mean? I believe it means were all connected. Even if you live in Hawaii or Ireland or New Jersey or Bali or France or England or Russia or Columbia or Puerto Rico (you get the idea), we are all connected and so that’s why we are 1 World. Maybe there is a little bit of hippie or idealist in me but I just have this dream that together we can workout our problems together. Peace now!
1 World = 1 Love
As for our company, 1 World Sarongs, has turned out to be more than a business, we are a family. We have been so fortunate to build a great team both here and in America. We have our ups and downs like every family, overall, I can say it’s been a great journey so far and I’m thankful to all those we have worked with in the past and present to create such an amazing company and bring so much joy to our customers!
Humbled to be working with this artist and sarong master!
Moreover, 1 World Sarongs has been blessed and has supported many artists and their families throughout the years. As you know, most if not all of our products are handmade through batik or screen printing or hand drawn or stamped, embroidered and beaded etc etc. We are so proud of that and want to keep it going in this age of technology and machines.
1 World Family! Amazing people! Future for Children
Thankfully, 1 World Sarongs has also had the ability to contribute to the Rotary of Bali Canggu, Rotary International, Solemen, Future for Children - Muntigunung, American Red Cross, Oceana, Orangutan Foundation, Habilitat Hawaii, Surfrider Foundation, Union of Concerned Scientists, most recently World Vision among others.
"Bua Hati" Children - The fruit of our love
Today, 1 World Sarongs is proud to be fulfilling it’s mission of creating joy and happiness and continuing it’s support of the arts, dance, music, family, community and the environment. Plus, Deby and Terry now enjoy the fruits of their union with their little “bua hati” (fruit of love - children)
Kids Sarong Party
Future for our children. Once you have kids you start to think about what will this beautiful creation called Earth look like in 20, 50, 100 years? We all know that the effects of humanity and our increasing consumption (especially fast fashion) of clothing and the true cost of making and producing clothing and other products is starting to have a big impact on our Earth. As a result we all need to start thinking and taking action towards sustainability of the planet and it’s resources like air, water and the precious life of plants and animals. 1 World Sarongs is increasingly turning our eyes more and more to sustainability. This means doing our very best to take care of our
family, community and the Earth, while maintaining our customer driven mission to bring the finest sarongs and beachwear possible in as sustainable manner as possible. So my hope is that you will support us as we focus more on our path of sustainable prosperity.
Love love love! All you need is love!
Who would have guessed that following my bliss of surfing has given me so much to be
grateful for! It’s been an interesting journey so far and I’m certainly looking forward to the future years of making new friends in Indonesia, around the world and on the internet (we are so connected).
Mahalo nui loa!
We are truly thankful for all of our customers support and we look forward to many more years of serving you and who knows, maybe even catching a wave together!
This article below is from our amazing customer, TantraNova. Elsbeth from TantraNova explains how they incorporate 1 World Sarongs' into their programs.
"Sarongs are the perfect attire for the Tantric ritual – they are beautiful, adorning, help set the tone for the ceremony and after all, they are practical. Let’s look more closely as to why sarongs are worn and how to wear them for maximum comfort and versatility.
Adorning ourselves helps put us into a different state of mood. Just as a bride wears a wedding dress or a tap dancer a tuxedo with wings, wearing a sarong is indicative of a special type of ceremony. Sarongs are made from a variety of inspiring colors and pleasing patterns. They help create a lively and beautiful experience for both the giver and the receiver. The softness and spaciousness of the fabric puts us at ease and allows us to be comfortable in our body....."
Want to know the best techniques to tie your sarongs as a cover-up? Get style tips from the lovely Passion Jonesz as she shows us 5 fun ways to style a plus size sarong. We love how she was able to show us different ways to tie the high neck cover up look, whether it's a high neck with a twist or without, find the perfect style to fit your personality and taste! Watch her video to get inspired.
