The Sustainable Sneaker Range From Italian Brand Superga
On the hunt for a biodegradable shoe? The SUPERGA Organic collection is made from 60% organic cotton, 40% natural hemp, 100% organic thread, a natural cork insole and a 50% recycled rubber sole, all sourced from local suppliers the Organic Collection by Superga is made with total longevity and recyclability in mind.
What Makes Organic Cotton Sustainable?
Cotton is the light, breathable good stuff that keeps us cool in the hot weather! Used in products from head to toe and kitchen to bedroom, chances are you’re using at least one cotton based product every-day, and if you’re a hottie that feels the heat you’re probably using more!
So how do we know our soft and smooth bed sheets and beautifully crisp white tee are coming from sustainable and ethical production?
Soft, light and breathable, cotton is a purely natural fibre as opposed to other common clothing fibres such as synthetic polyester, semi-synthetic rayon, PU and synthetic textiles. Being a natural product means cotton is biodegradable, which is a positive right?!
Yes, absolutely, however it’s important to consider negative claims around the production of this biodegradable fabric. With so much cotton being produced globally, we have to take a closer look at some of the issues, concerns, and solutions.
THE THIRST TRAP
Large amounts of water are used to grow cotton every year, according to studies it can take more than more than 2,700 litres of water to produce enough cotton for just one t-shirt.
This can be a side affect of inefficient water usage and high level pesticide use. Alongside this the dying process ends up with hazardous chemical run off due to the high costs of safely disposing of these chemicals. In fact, in China, it is estimated that 70% of the rivers and lakes are contaminated by the 2.5 billion gallons of wastewater produced by the fashion industry.
ORGANIC COTTON; WHY IS IT BETTER?
PESTICIDE FREE
Say goodbye to those harmful chemicals! Organic Cotton is pesticide free, which is a great starting point. It’s better for the workers growing the cotton (who are less exposed to hazardous chemicals like heavy metals, ammonia, formaldhyde) and it’s better for us when wearing them.
MORE WATER EFFICIENT
Organic cotton is 80% rain-fed, which reduces pressure on local water sources. The absence of chemicals also means that water is cleaner and safer.
When you buy organic cotton you are investing in water conservation, cleaner air, better soil and farmer livelihoods. The price for organic cotton is therefore sometimes, but not always, higher. However, with demand on the rise, more choices will become available. Know what you’re buying and help us change the world, one step at a time!
REDUCES MICROFIBRES AND MICROPLASTICS IN WATERWAYS
Standardised cotton in fashion is often combined with synthetic fabrics such as acrylic and polyester. Research shows that during washing, these synthetic fibers are released into our waterways, in the form of microfibers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources estimates that around 1.7 million tons of microfibers enter the ocean each year, threatening marine species and sensitive coral reef ecosystems.
HELPS YOU WEAR CLOTHES THAT MATTER
Choosing products with organic cotton means you are wearing clothes that are nontoxic to you and the environment, are ethical and sustainable.
You can also feel good about using your purchasing power to make a difference. By supporting the organic cotton industry, you can influence other brands and manufacturers to consider switching to a more regenerative supply chain.
