SUSTAINABILITY
Our Philosophy & Commitment
As sustainability has gained widespread importance, creating a new brand in the world of fashion is both an opportunity and responsibility that we do not take lightly. At Brooks Avenue, our sustainable vision is guided by the yogic philosophy of ahisma, which is expressing compassion, respect, and love towards all beings, including the natural world. After all, it is the natural beauty and people all around us that inspire our creative process, and we believe designs that reflect this beauty begin in the design stage with sustainable practices that protect the people and our planet.
At Brooks Avenue, we have a holistic approach to sustainability that equally values those who craft and wear our clothes and the planet that gives us the resources, grounds, and inspiration to design and create. We have partnered with trusted and reputable manufacturers who share our principles of sustainability and ethical responsibility. Together, we are dedicated to weaving these values into every thread of our brand, including the way we operate, design, and strategize.
As a small yet passionate emerging brand, we are committed to educating ourselves and evolving our practices, and we are fortunate that our co-founder, Lawson, has the opportunity to study at FIT where sustainability is a core element of the Master's in Fashion Design curriculum. We are committed to maintaining transparency with you all and steadfastly giving back to the environment and communities in which we operate.
“80% of all sustainability efforts begin in the design stage.”
Our Approach
At Brooks Avenue, we are working hard to think and act sustainability in all facets of our business. Enter digital textile printing.
Traditionally, textile printing is one of the most harmful processes in fashion for the environment, particularly because of the waste, chemicals, and dyes involved. The traditional dyeing process is also one of the world's biggest sources of water pollution. Digital textile printing, however, has proven to be a much safer, cleaner, and greener alternative that uses digital inkjet printing technology to print colorants onto fabrics. Rather than using inks that typically contain heavy metals and formaldehyde, DTP uses non-hazardous, non-toxic, and biodegradable inks. With digital printing, many of the printers are completely waterless, eliminating the need for pre-treatments, steaming, or washing that traditional methods require. Digital printing also allows us greater flexibility to produce in smaller batches, which eliminates energy and waste.
Digital Textile Printing...
Has a Smaller Carbon Footprint
Reduces Fabric Waste
Eliminates Hazardous Waste Water
Uses Less Energy
Allows for Greater Flexibility for Small Batch Production
Minimizes Ink Waste
What We're Doing
Our Packaging
We pack each item in a biodegradable or recycled plastic bag for protection and mailers made from recyclable, low-density polypropylene material.
Our Designs
We design with longevity in mind, creating quality and timeless silhouettes that can be re-worn, re-styled, and loved for many years to come.
Our Fabrics
We design with longevity in mind, creating quality and timeless silhouettes that can be re-worn, re-styled, and loved for many years to come.
Manufacturing
We have partnered with trusted and reputable manufacturers across the globe who share our principles of sustainability and ethical responsibility and are GOTS (Global Organize Textile Standard) compliant.
A Note from Lawson
At Brooks Avenue, we understand that sustainability is a greatly complex issue, and there are pros and cons to almost every practice or approach you take. I am grateful for the opportunity to have these ongoing discussions with my classmates and professors at FIT who are equally passionate about the subject. The reality is, there is no one-size-fits all solution., and sustainability is not just about what happens behind the scenes of fashion houses but also the choices we make as consumers.
As fashion enthusiasts, we are equally important players in the game. It is just as important that we cherish our clothing and keep them around for as long as we can.
Your thoughts and feedback matter to me, and I am always open and happy to continue this important discussion. After all, we are more powerful together than alone!