Environmental Policy

This policy has been written as a guideline for Clean Slate as we aim to  reduce the amount of pollution and waste produced by the the production and distribution of our fair trade, organic school uniforms.  Environmental and social principles are fundamental to the work of  Clean Slate and this policy sets out our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
   
1. Production   
We ensure that our suppliers comply with the requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice.

Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world and we are committed to using organic cotton which is better for the health of the growers and the land. Our organic has received SKAL and IMO certification.

We are extremely concerned at  the stain-resistant coatings which are commonly used on 'easycare' school uniforms.   Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is used in the manufacture of many of these coatings (ie., Teflon) is a potentially carcinogenic compound and small amounts of the chemical, which can remain in the body for four years, are found in a large portion of the public.    Therefore, our school uniforms will be free from any "easycare" chemical finishes. In addition, we will not use optical brighteners and our dyes are azo-free.

2. Packaging  
We aim to keep packaging to a minimum both when transporting garments to the UK and when dispatching orders out to customers.   We save and re-use any boxes, packets, plastic bags or envelopes which are in good condition.  Soft packaging, such as bubble is also saved and reused.    Our labels are printed on recycled or Forestry Commssion approved board.  We use recycled paper for all letters, labels, delivery notes, envelopes and general stationery printed from Clean Slate's computers.   

3. Education
Clean Slate is also an educational and campaigning organisation.  It is our aim to raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in environmental matters.   We hope to be able to assist our customers in using our products in an environmentally sensitive manner, such as washing with Eco products and not using bleach.

We aim to help schools educate children in environmental issues through linking the production of our fair trade, organic school uniforms into relevant topics in the national curriculum.


We continuously seek to improve our environmental performance and to reduce our pollution, emissions and waste with the aim of being an environmentally sustainable business.