There are so many ways that designers approach their craft to have a better impact on our world. Our brands are concerned with our planet’s future, and they work to confront our shared global issues while creating cool clothes. Each brand tackles specific issues in different ways, and we’ve broken down their techniques into nine design codes that explain how people, processes and materials are considered in their strategies.
We assess each brand and product through these design codes, and use symbols to show you why they get a thumbs up from PARO. You’ll see these symbols next to every product in the store, so you can choose what to buy based on what’s most important to you.
There are so many ways that designers approach their craft to have a better impact on our world. Our brands are concerned with our planet’s future, and they work to confront our shared global issues while creating cool clothes. Each brand tackles specific issues in different ways, and we’ve broken down their techniques into nine design codes that explain how people, processes and materials are considered in their strategies.
We assess each brand and product through these design codes, and use symbols to show you why they get a thumbs up from PARO. You’ll see these symbols next to every product in the store, so you can choose what to buy based on what’s most important to you.
TRANSPARENT
Transparency eliminates secrecy and holds brands accountable, and these brands let you know how each item of clothing is made—from beginning to end. Their process might not be 100% sustainable, but by showing you the steps in their current process, they invite you to track how they evolve.
ARTISAN
These brands work with highly skilled craftspeople, providing them with economic support while keeping ancient craft traditions alive. We select these brands based on their commitment to design, cultural preservation, social enterprise and community support.
EMPOWER PEOPLE
By ensuring they have fair and secure working environments, these brands socially and financially empower the workers making their products. They contribute to women’s empowerment (the majority of garment workers are female), and work to elevate marginalised groups.
ECO-FRIENDLY
These brands choose earth-friendly materials that are either non-toxic and/or biodegradable, and are better for people and the environment. These include both synthetic and natural materials, as long as their lifecycle’s impact is minimal.
VEGAN
In order to support animal welfare and reduce the impact of animal agriculture, these brands don’t use any animal products, by-products or testing. Instead, they replace them with natural, eco-friendly materials.
ORGANIC
These brands use certified organic materials that are non-GMO and produced without harmful synthetic chemicals. This reduces pollution, which is safer for the people who make and wear the clothes. It also prioritizes positive farming practices for biodiversity, soil management, and increased income for farmers.
CIRCULAR
These brands are shifting towards a closed-loop industry by re-using and reducing waste through take-back programs, upcycling, and designing durable or recyclable clothing. Their methods tackle our huge waste problem and reduce the impact of making new materials.
MANAGE RESOURCES
These brands reduce their environmental impact by managing resources and emissions during production. Restrictions include minimizing the use of water, energy and fabric, using renewable sources, managing both water and air emissions, and implementing carbon offsetting.
LOCAL
Producing and shopping locally supports a given community’s industries and people. Benefits include the reduction of CO2 emissions through reduced shipping, as well as locally-governed employment and waste disposal standards.
TRANSPARENT
Transparency eliminates secrecy and holds brands accountable, and these brands let you know how each item of clothing is made—from beginning to end. Their process might not be 100% sustainable, but by showing you the steps in their current process, they invite you to track how they evolve.
ARTISAN
These brands work with highly skilled craftspeople, providing them with economic support while keeping ancient craft traditions alive. We select these brands based on their commitment to design, cultural preservation, social enterprise and community support.
EMPOWER PEOPLE
By ensuring they have fair and secure working environments, these brands socially and financially empower the workers making their products. They contribute to women’s empowerment (the majority of garment workers are female), and work to elevate marginalised groups.
ECO-FRIENDLY
These brands choose earth-friendly materials that are either non-toxic and/or biodegradable, and are better for people and the environment. These include both synthetic and natural materials, as long as their lifecycle’s impact is minimal.
VEGAN
In order to support animal welfare and reduce the impact of animal agriculture, these brands don’t use any animal products, by-products or testing. Instead, they replace them with natural, eco-friendly materials.
ORGANIC
These brands use certified organic materials that are non-GMO and produced without harmful synthetic chemicals. This reduces pollution, which is safer for the people who make and wear the clothes. It also prioritizes positive farming practices for biodiversity, soil management, and increased income for farmers.
CIRCULAR
These brands are shifting towards a closed-loop industry by re-using and reducing waste through take-back programs, upcycling, and designing durable or recyclable clothing. Their methods tackle our huge waste problem and reduce the impact of making new materials.
MANAGE RESOURCES
These brands reduce their environmental impact by managing resources and emissions during production. Restrictions include minimizing the use of water, energy and fabric, using renewable sources, managing both water and air emissions, and implementing carbon offsetting.
LOCAL
Producing and shopping locally supports a given community’s industries and people. Benefits include the reduction of CO2 emissions through reduced shipping, as well as locally-governed employment and waste disposal standards.
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