Sustainability can mean so many different things. At Only, it means putting our earth and the well-being of life (animals & humans) first. It also means operating in an alternative way, which requires continuously improving the way things are done, because, we can always do better. So why stop at “this is good enough”.
How is Only Sustainable?
RESPONSIBLE - We work with suppliers who’s production operations and sourcing meets strict sustainable standards and certifications. Making sure our textiles are grown using water and energy efficient methods and harmful chemicals are not used.
ETHICAL - All workers throughout our supply and production chain are guaranteed worker’s rights, paid fair wages, provided standard working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.
FAIR TRADE - All goods are paid for at a fair price throughout the business chain.
CRUELTY-FREE - No animals + humans are harmed or disparately impacted throughout all phases of product development. All our products are animal-free.
sustainability goal
As a new brand built off of sustainable practices and commitments, we are constantly learning new ways to operate and produce responsibly.
This section will be updated as we meet our sustainability goals overtime. We understand fashion is the third most polluting industry in the world and so we strive to be a part of the small community of businesses that are taking this issue seriously. We hope to inspire lifestyle changes and lead other businesses in this industry in the right direction.
Our current sustainability goal: To source truly sustainable fabrics that have the least ecological and social impact.
efforts
At Only, we are actively conducting research on fabrics and notions. We continue to discover textiles made out of innovative materials, but to really ensure the fabrics are sustainable, here are a list of factors we strive to vet before sourcing:
Fabric make-up
The quality and durability of the fabric
Whether the fabric meets certain sustainable textile certifications/standards
How raw materials that make up the textiles are grown/produced
What it takes to process raw materials into fabric
How the development of each textile impacts the environment and it’s workers
How the development of each textile impacts the surrounding communities they are made in
How the end life of a fabric impacts the environment
FABRICS WE’RE CURRENTLY USING:
Organic Cotton - is grown and produced without harmful chemicals, does not contaminate soil, air, and ground water. It also uses significantly less water to grow and produce than conventional cotton. Our organic cotton meets STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which is worldwide standard that tests textiles for harmful substances. Our organic cotton also meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, which is a worldwide leading textile processing standard for ecological and social criteria for the textile supply chain.
TENCEL™ Modal - made from the wood pulp of beech wood. It is self-sufficient in energy, biodegradable, and compostable under industrial and at-home composting. The producer of TENCEL™ adopted a reforestation plan in place which commits to replanting trees for every tree used.
TENCEL™ Lyocell - made from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees, produced with low environmental impact. Similar to TENCEL™ Modal, it is self-sufficient in energy, biodegradable, and compostable under industrial and at-home composting.
MANUFACTURING:
All of our clothes are responsibly manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri by a women-owned, non-profit organization that empowers women from all backgrounds - by providing living wages and opportunities for professional growth.