Supporting Re-Forestation on Mt. Kenya
Why it matters to safeguard an important ecosystem
Africa’s vibrant creativity and colour often shine through in its distinctive textile designs. However, the reality is that Africa's textile supply chain isn’t fully vertically integrated. With roughly 90% of Africa’s cotton processed in Asia and only 3% of locally grown cotton processed on the continent, this disconnection limits our ability to fully embrace local resources. As a result, we currently source all our fabrics and components from Europe, to maintain a transparent supply chain.
We understand the paradox this creates and the impact it has on our carbon footprint. That’s why we’re continually exploring ways to incorporate more locally manufactured fabrics and components into our collections, focusing on sustainable African textiles. By doing so, we’re aligning with our long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions and minimising our environmental impact.
From the start, we’ve taken responsibility for our freight emissions by partnering with the Mt. Kenya Trust. This incredible organisation shares our values of community support, environmental protection, and wildlife preservation. Since 2021, we’ve been actively supporting reforestation efforts in the Imenti Forest, an area that has suffered significant deforestation in recent decades. The Trust guides us on where these efforts are most needed, allowing us to make a meaningful impact on reforestation in Kenya.
In recent years, we’ve made significant strides in tracking and monitoring our carbon emissions across our entire supply chain. While we’re still a small business with low volumes, we’ve mapped out a lower-impact freight model that will be integrated as we grow, contributing to lower emissions and more sustainable freight choices.
In July 2023, as part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we adopted the Allbirds open-source Footprint Calculator. A tool, developed by a brand that consistently exceeds industry best practices, provides us with a tested and effective way to measure our environmental impact. We admire Allbirds' openness in sharing insights and processes, helping the entire fashion industry move toward meaningful change and sustainable fashion practices.
Mt. Kenya Trust
Spanning approximately 182,000 hectares, Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, is a sanctuary of rich biodiversity. Its forested slopes are a vital water source for much of Kenya, sustaining communities, the environment, and the wildlife that calls it home. The lower reaches of this vast forest, covering 715 square kilometers, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The success of the Mt. Kenya Trust lies in its collaboration with local communities and government entities. Together, they work to protect this harmonious ecosystem, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, curbing illegal logging, and combating poaching.
At In Our Name, we are proud to support the Trust's efforts as we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future, rooted in both tradition and innovation.
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