How to have a more sustainable summer:

Leah - Wrap Top

Throughout the summer, an abundance of time is spent in nature. Although the sunshine offers positive physical and mental health benefits, action must be taken to prevent an unhealthy rise in global surface temperatures. A sustainable summer can be achieved, by engaging in easy zero-waste habits and participating in enjoyable activities.

 

Paper Straws - Home

1.      Always carry a re-usable bottle

Over 7.7 billion plastic bottles are used, within the UK each year [Water UK, 2018]. Single-use plastics accumulate either in landfill where they release greenhouse gases as they decompose or within marine environments where they are ingested by/cause harm to life underwater. Approximately 340 million plastic bottles would be saved by an individual, by carrying a refillable water bottle. Therefore, as temperatures rise, a refillable water bottle is essential for remaining hydrated without harming the planet.

 

2.      Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables

Over one third of fresh products is imported from climate-vulnerable countries into the UK. Transporting fresh produce thousands of miles across the world generates a mass volume of greenhouse gases which accelerate global warming. Seasonal fruit and vegetables grown locally are fresher, healthier, more tasty and have a lower carbon footprint that others imported out-of-season.

 

Accessories - Curated Brands 

3.      Purchase reef-safe sun protection

Conventional sun-creams often contain oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate which disrupt hormones and eventually enter oceans once washed of human skin. over 14,000 tons of toxic sunscreen enter the ocean each year; bleaching coral reefs and poisoning marine life [Molvar, 2018]. When purchasing sun protection, look for reef-safe formulas that do not contain oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate.

 

4.        Ditch the car; walk, run or cycle in the sunshine

The transport industry consumes the largest amount of carbon (through petroleum) and emits the highest volume of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Travelling by foot or by bike generates zero carbon emissions and therefore are two simple forms of climate activism. Walking and cycling are also proven to have physical and psychological health benefits which may be noticed with only 30 minutes of either being performed 5 days a week.

 

5.      Ditch or thrift summer trends

New fashion trends emerge with the launch of spring/summer collections. Each year, the same products re-enter stores in new colours or slightly-altered silhouettes. As the fashion industry was coined the second most polluting, refusing to engage in short-lived trends will help to reduce the volume of low-quality, disposable garments eventually entering landfill. The key to a gorgeous and sustainable summer wardrobe, it to re-wear and love items already in your wardrobe. However, if you do fancy purchasing something new for the season, shop at ethical boutiques (including Madia & Matilda) or second-hand stores.

 

Mel - Tunic Dress

6.      Dry clothing naturally/ on the line

Drying clothing outside requires zero energy and will prevent fabric damages occurring within a tumble-drying machine. If you do not have access to an outdoors space, clothing may be hung inside on (bathroom/ bedroom/kitchen) rails above a towel.

 

7.      Plan a staycation

Aviation is the most carbon-intensive, polluting mode of transport. If you are in need of break from your daily routine, discover and travel to new places within your local or nearby areas. As well as saving time and potentially money, staycations save a significant amount of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

 

Imogen - Top

8.      Unplug, go outside and enjoy the sunshine

A digital detox is proven to improve sleep, decrease stress/anxiety levels and enhance cognitive functions. As well as improving your mental health and supplementing you with vitamin D, switching off and unplugging technology will reduce energy consumption.  

 

 

References:

Water UK. (2018). National Refill Day. Available at: https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/national-refill-day/

Molvar, K. (2018). ‘Is Your Sunscreen Bad for the Planet? Here’s How to Choose an Ocean-Safe Formula’, August 14, Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/reef-safe-sunscreens-oxybenzone-free-sea-turtles-environment-stream2sea

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda

The re-fillable revolution: The benefits of re-fillable beauty products

Over 120 billion units of single-use packaging is produced by the beauty industry each year.

Due to the short life-span of products and a lack of recyclable packaging, only 9% of all plastic waste has been recycled and the rest either incinerated (12%) or dumped into the environment as landfill (79%) [Prabhakar, 2020]. 

 

Plastic pollution has a direct and deadly threat to life on land and under water. During the 400 years plastic takes to decompose, poisonous greenhouse gases (predominantly carbon and methane) are released into the atmosphere which accelerate global warming. When lying obsolete on land or floating in water, wildlife may ingest, become entangled and harmed by the plastics used once and disposed of by mankind.

 

There are several ways to combat the plastic pollution crisis, one being the use of refillable product packaging. Product refills can be purchased from a retailer online or in-store and the poured and inserted into an empty product already owned. A product refill generates 70% less CO2, 65% less energy and 45% less water than an entirely new product [Niven-Phillips, 2020].

 

The benefits of refillable packaging, however, extend beyond clearing the environment to include:

1.      Save money- Product refills are significantly cheaper than purchasing the whole new product. Although select products may be initially more expensive, money will be saved overtime with every refill purchased.

2.      Brand loyalty reward schemes- Purchasing product refills may be a sign of brand loyalty, as you continue to buy and show love for a specific item overtime. As a way of thanking you for purchasing a product (refill) on repeat, select brands (including LUSH Cosmetics) offer points, discounts and/or the opportunity to enter prize draws. 

3.      Safer materials – Plastic packaging contains BPA and other harmful substances which may transfer into products which are then applied onto the skin. Glass and other non-plastic materials are commonly used to package refillable products which do not pose this same threat.

4.      Customisation- Due to the complexity of the human skin and cosmetic ingredients, it is important to find the products which best suit your skin type. Applying a variety of products onto the skin may cause irritations and blemishes which can be avoided by using few but effective products on a regular basis. A solid beauty/skin care routine (achieved with the use of refillable products) will optimise your skins health, look and feel.

5.      Decrease your carbon footprint- The carbon, energy and plastic waste avoided with the use of refillable (instead of single-use) products will help to reduce your personal carbon footprint and therefore support your zero-waste lifestyle.

 

Shop our curated range of refillable beauty products at Madia & Matilda here: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/BEAUTY-c21482242%3Fsort%3DnameAsc

 

 

References:
Prabhakar, M. (2020). PLASTIC-FREE BEAUTY: THE NEW NORMAL!, June 17, Beat the Micro Bead. Available at: https://www.beatthemicrobead.org/plastic-free-beauty-the-new-normal/

Niven-Phillips, L. (2020). Can refillable packaging *really* solve the beauty industry's plastic problem?, November 10, GLAMOUR. Available at: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/refillable-beauty-products

 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Reduce Your Environmental Impact At Home

 

In September 2015, the United Nations established seventeen Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030 to prevent irreversible climate change. Although of different severities, everybody has an environmental footprint and therefore a part to play in achieving these goals. You can calculate your own carbon footprint to determine the most effective ways that you can reduce your environmental impact.

 

Carbon footprint calculator: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

 

As the saying goes, change begins at home. Therefore, there are numerous ways to begin or continue your journey towards a sustainable lifestyle under your own roof- many of which involve reducing your energy use.

1.      Switch to renewable/ green energy

Renewable energy is collected from sources which are carbon-neutral and replenish naturally. Wind and solar power are (most commonly) converted into electricity and heat for use within the home. As countries aim to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2030/50, renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable and accessible.

 

2.      Use energy-efficient appliances

Appliances are tested and rated on a scale from A to G according to their energy use (with A being the most efficiency and G the least). When purchasing new appliances, look for the energy label and consider its rating relative to its size. Energy efficient products reduce unnecessary energy consumption (often obtained from non-renewable sources) by up to 40% and lower energy bills.

 

3.      Wash clothing at low temperatures

Setting the washing machine at 30 degrees (instead of 40) will not only preserve the quality of your clothes but also lower your energy bill by £52 per year. Cooler temperatures prevent colour loss, fabric damage and shrinkages within garments to prolong their lifespan and therefore lessen the demand for new products which diminish the Earth’s resources.

 

4.      Buy in bulk

Unnecessary (often non-biodegradable) packaging is avoided when products are purchased in bulk. Single-use plastic accounts for 40% of annual plastic production and therefore contributes massively to plastic pollution and the saturation of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere [National Geographic, 2019].

 

Jamilla - Pink Bias Cut Ruffled Skirt

5.      Reduce, reuse and recycle

When purchasing items, consider their longevity and re-usability. Look for refillable or recyclable packaging to avoid single-use plastic and minimise waste. if an item is near its end-of-life, research ways which it can be re-purposed or upcycled, rather than throwing it away to become landfill. Check out our range of Curated Brands for zero-waste home wear.

 

Madia & Matilda Curate Brands – Home wear: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/New-Homewear-c14656008%3Fsort%3DnameAsc

 

Storage Baskets

 

References:

Parker, L. (2019). The world’s plastic pollution explained, June 7, The National Geographic. [Online]. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

 

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Whats New From Us

 

At Madia Matilda we create timeless pieces centred on quality and longevity.

Our styles are brought to life by carefully selected materials that create individuality and vintage prints. We value the versatility of natural fibres and are introducing a line of T-Shirts and knit along side our upcycled collections

Furthermore, we have been working collectively with scap (Sustainable Clothing Action Plan) since 2013,  to reduce the carbon, water and waste footprint of clothing sold in the UK by 2020.

This work has informed our efforts to question where and how the raw materials we use are grown and produced, enabling us to make more considered choices

We know we will face many challenges during this journey.  we are committed to change and do better, so each year, we will share our progress towards our goals.

Learn more about our efforts to reduce the social and environmental impacts of our materials in our processes page on our website

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Vegan And Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse

 

Whilst we are still in lockdown, here is another amazing vegan dessert for you to try when bored! It is quick, healthy and so good!

What you will need:

150g of chocolate. You can choose whether you want to use dark, milk (make sure it is made with plant-based milk) or maybe even white chocolate, but our favourite is dark as it doesn't turn the mousse too sweet.

½ tbsp of caster sugar.

300g of silken tofu.

150g of raspberries. You can use any berries you want but we think that raspberries give the mousse some nice acidity!

Cinnamon.

Shredded coconut.

Steps:

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water.

Blend the tofu with the sugar in a blender.

Mix in the melted chocolate and blend again until smooth.

Pour the mousse into four small cups, add in some raspberries.

Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

10 minutes before serving, remove from the fridge to soften.

If you want - add on toppings like cinnamon or shredded coconut.

Bon appetit!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Homemade Coconut Sugar Face Scrub

 

Image from: https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/honey-face-mask/ 

Whilst we all have to stay home, why not test out a homemade skin treatment?

This oatmeal face scrub is sure to leave you feeling fresh and super relaxed!

You will only need 4 ingredients:

⅓ cup of coconut oil - great for hydrating

1 cup of coconut palm sugar - an exfoliator which won't dry your skin

1 tsp of natural honey - for nourishing

1 tbsp of organic matcha powder - helps increase skin cell growth

All you have to do now is add all of the ingredients into a bowl, mix well and scrub away! You can use this two to three times a week for a clear complexion.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

New Home And Beauty Picks!

Hey readers! Lockdown is starting to lift slowly and we might now be able to enjoy going out for a quick meal or drink at our favourite outdoor restaurants, but the sometimes too cold British weather is still keeping most of us inside for the time being. That is why we at Madia & Matilda have picked out a couple of home items for you to check out from our new range of items as well as some beauty products for you to slowly start getting ready for a “back to normal” summer!

Jade Facial Roller

This beautiful facial roller is used to reduce the puffiness we all get after a good night's sleep. If you're planning on stepping out into the soon opening bars and restaurants, better not do it with a swollen face!

Image from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Jade-Roller-Beauty-p318628069

Coconut Shell Bowl

Whilst you're still spending time home, why not buy a couple of these cute bowls for your living room? Not only are they great for snacks, they also look amazing in Instagram pictures showing off your healthy breakfast!

Image from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Coconut-Shell-Bowl-Home-p310281545

Bamboo Toothbrushes

As always, Madia & Matilda is very concerned about being environmentally friendly. That is why we suggest switching out your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one instead! Your smile will be as white as ever - but maybe a bit brighter due to knowing that this small change has made a difference for the better.

Image from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Bamboo-Toothbrushes-Home-p307979957 

Art Cufflinks

A beautiful (and sustainable!) addition to any of your spring and summer looks.

Image from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Art-Cufflinks-Jewellery-p158522086

Wooden Massage Roller

Perfect for a relaxing night at home when the weather is too cold to go for a drink at an outdoor bar. Important note - it is also a better alternative to a regular plastic roller.

Image from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Wooden-Massage-Roller-Beauty-p318578925 

Hope you found something for yourself or a loved one from this list!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Superhero Day

 

Image from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-problem-with-female-superheroes/

You might not know this, but since 1995 the date 28th of April has been named as being Superhero Day.

It is clear that growing up almost every kid has a favourite superhero or fictional character as a role model - someone they look up to maybe even later in their adult years still. It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of Wonder Woman, Hulk or Spiderman,  watching and reading about these characters with special powers fighting crime and protecting others inspires and teaches us the importance of kindness, justice and bravery.

On this Superhero Day in 2021 we at Madia & Matilda encourage you to look past the fictional to find and honor the everyday superheroes around you. This year has no doubt been difficult for everyone, but especially for the doctors, nurses and other essential workers who have been on the job and fighting for us tirelessly. We ask you to celebrate them and show our gratitude for all that they have so selflessly done.

And remember, you can always become a superhero yourself! Whether that is through being an advocate for the environment, doing volunteer work or by donating to your local charities - not only will you do good deeds but also inspire others to be better as well! Be the person the younger version of you would aspire to be.

Wishing you a super day!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Rent It!

Why not rent your clothes

 

Image from: https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/ethical-and-sustainable-fashion/

As our readers know, we at Madia & Matilda are all about pursuing more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living, and as a fashion brand it is our duty to help you do the same. Fashion is known to be one of the biggest polluting industries there is - starting, of course, with fast fashion.

People go around buying cheap clothes with poor quality, wear them until they inevitably break or until they have to throw them away to make room for new products that they feel they need due to the constant flow of new clothing lines coming in all year round. This, however, results in massive amounts of almost unused items and fabrics ending up in landfills and damaging the Earth. But we also know that nobody wants to go around wearing the same things all the time or spending most of their money on luxury items that are considered to be of a good quality.

So what is the solution? Easy! It's time to try out something new - renting your clothes. Not only are you able to wear different outfits each month, you're also doing a favour to the environment by keeping the clothes in circulation and ensuring that they do not end up in a landfill somewhere. In addition, you will find your closet much more decluttered as there are no impulse-bought tops, skirts or shoes laying in the back of it, completely unused.

What are you waiting for? Go check out the great selection of rentable clothes on our website now! For exclusive deals and benefits maybe even try out for a membership!

 

​

How it works:

Once activated, your monthly subscription will give you access to many styles for only 65£/month.

Step 1: Stock your closet - Keep up to 10 items in your virtual dreamy closet.

Step 2: Rent - We will select and send you 3 pieces from your closet that you will be able to wear for a whole month, starting the day you receive the package.

Step 3: Return - The items must be returned together before the next shipment. You will then receive 3 new items from your virtual closet!

 

Membership benefits:

Escape your comfort zone - Try new styles completely risk-free.

Free shipping included - We will provide a prepaid envelope included in every box, covering both ways.

Exclusive deals - Own your favourite styles for a discounted price up to 30% off the original price.

No commitment - Cancel your subscription anytime.

Hope you enjoy! 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Fashion Revolution Week 2021 - Articles, Movies and information

Since we started in the wake of the Rana plaza  disaster we have participated in the Fashion Revolution week event, raising awareness to transparency and our practices. Now more than ever, we must acknowledge and participate in #FashionRevolutionWeek 👉 @fash_rev @ecofashionevents @madiamatilda 

Here are some top links on information, movies and events to follow.

Regenerative Agriculture Can Change the Fashion Industry – And the World. But What Is It? https://www.vogue.com/article/regenerative-agriculture-sustainable-fashion-christy-dawn-fibershed

What Has Biodiversity Got To Do With Fashion? https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/biodiversity-fashion

22 DIY Ideas For Repurposing Clothing Into Something New https://mindfulofthehome.com/diy-repurposed-clothing/

ethical fashion: how I’m transitioning my wardrobe https://alittlerosedust.com/ethical-fashion-transition/

What Is Slow Fashion and How It Can Change Your Life

https://www.prettygreenlily.com/what-is-slow-fashion/?utm_medium=social&utm_ source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_ term=975564252_43746274_713814

8 SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL FASHION DOCUMENTARIES YOU MUST WATCH https://sewrendipity.com/2019/04/25/sustainable-ethical-fashion-documentaries/

6 Steps to a Sustainable, Ethical, and Affordable Closet https://ecocult.com/how-to-make-your-wardrobe-sustainable-ethical-and-cute-in-4-steps/

Fashion Revolution Week 2021 - Movies

Sweatshop - Deadly Fashion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCHfV97D7I

The Next Black

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuPzdpudwhU

The True Cost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDx711ibD1M

The Lifecycle of a t-shirt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiSYoeqb_VY

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

TEDX talk

The TEDx is a program for local and self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, you can expect talks, videos, live speakers and deep discussions in small groups. 

TEDxSTROUD

If you don’t know me already, let me introduce myself. My name is Shalize, and I am the designer and director of Madia & Matilda. I was asked to take part in the TedxStroud event to talk about my journey in the world of sustainable fashion and how I have built a brand with the business model of having zero waste practices.

 

I am honoured to have been part of this event, speaking alongside 7 other inspirational women. It has always been a lifelong ambition of mine to be able to give a speech on something which I am so passionate about and believe in so strongly. It has been a challenging process along with the struggles posed by the coronavirus pandemic over the past year, nevertheless we persisted and were able to put on a fantastic virtual event.

My speech covers topics which I believe are extremely important to the future of sustainable fashion such as ‘Zero Waste’, ‘Fast Fashion and Waste’, ‘Upcycling’ and ‘The Future’. As I have mentioned in my speech – “now more than ever, there’s more choice for sustainable fashion”. Although we are not completely there, the journey to becoming more sustainable in our fashion practices is well and truly underway as the possibilities these days are increasingly growing. 

My most important piece of advice is this – going forwards, take every day as it comes. With each day believe we can do better and improve upon yesterday. In the future we hope to introduce natural, planet-friendly fabrics to Madia & Matilda, but there is scope for collaboration, and I am excited to see what change we can bring and not be a part of the problem. 

Sincerely Shalize  -  Madia & Matilda 

Apps For A More Sustainable You

 

We at Madia & Matilda always try to inspire our customers to live their lives in a more eco-friendly way. We know that it might be quite difficult to start your sustainability journey - from figuring out how to reduce your food waste and using less plastic to recycling your clothes. To make it easier on you we have put together this list of applications that will definitely help you out towards becoming a friend to the environment!

Image from: https://www.capgemini.com/au-en/2019/12/applying-technology-to-sustainability-challenges/

Think Dirty

An app that gives you information on what goes into your favourite makeup. You will be able to ditch all products that use toxic chemicals and find cleaner replacements just by scanning the items.

Depop

Over the last year Depop has become an incredibly popular platform for people all around the world selling and trading their old clothes, accessories and jewellery. It's a sustainable version of online shopping as you get to browse clothes but instead of buying into fast fashion you get to give new life to pre-loved items!

PaperKarma

A way to get rid of the massive amounts of paper junk mail being sent to your house. By taking a picture of all of the papers you do not want to receive the app quickly lets you unsubscribe from the company's mailing list.

Olio

An amazing app that makes sure your food does not go to waste whilst simultaneously helping out your local community. Just take a picture of your food products (or any miscellaneous items) and share it with the people in your neighborhood also using the Olio app. They will get a notification and be able to arrange a pick-up time. The app is even still operating during the coronavirus pandemic (with new safety guidelines) which can be of great help to the vulnerable people in your area.

Tap

Made to aid people in reducing their plastic usage. Just buy a reusable water bottle, turn on the Tap app and find a water refill station on the go. It will show you a station's location and details on its water options from chilled and filtered to sparkling or flavoured.

Giki

For people living in the UK, this app is made to get insight into whether your store-bought products are sustainable. With its scanner you can find out if the product is packaged with recycled materials, whether it is responsibly sourced and so on. But what if it isn't? Then don't worry - Giki will offer you alternative options.

Hope this helped!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda