Fairtrade organic cotton apron

Fairtrade, Organic Cotton Aprons

Short, Medium and Long Aprons

Reviewed by Jo on 09 July 2008

Rating: / 5

The 100% organic cotton, fair-trade and ethically produced aprons minimize the impacts of your workwear. Designed in Australia the aprons are sustainably and ethically grown and sewn supporting communities in developing countries which have the best climate to support cotton crops.

 

The raw materials and manufacturing process have been uniquely selected to ensure that they have a minimal carbon footprint, and minimal water footprint. In addition Moral Fibre ensures that all people along the supply chain are treated with respect and dignity. Carbon emissions from operations are audited and offset.

 

NoMade from recycled materials
YesMinimises the use of pesticides / fertilizers
YesFairtrade
NoAussie made
YesSustainable
YesMinimises chemical use
YesLifecycle impacts considered

What does this table mean?

 

Options - Short (width 89cm x length 50cm) apron with double pockets and extra long strap.

Medium (89cm x 57cm) with double pockets and extra long strap

Long (89cm x 63cm) with fold over flap.

All available in black or chocolate brown.

 

Cost – Short $12.50, medium $14.50 and long $18.

 

Where to buy

Purchase online through Moral Fibre website. As such garments are available in all States of Australia.

 

 Raw material –. Most of the organic cotton comes from India where up to 95% of the water for the crops is provided by monsoonal rains. This natural supply of water also reduces the need for fossil fuel driven irrigation machinery. All crops are hand sewn and harvested without the use of fossil fuels. The cotton used for the aprons is certified organic by SKAL and certified Fair Trade.

All organic, fair trade cotton is purchased from Fairtrade certified sources in India. It is purchased from co-operatives of family owned farms where possible through an organization that works with 180 small scale farmers and is currently training 125 students in organic sustainable farming methods. 

Natural farming methods are used to grow the cotton. Farmers use chilli, garlic and soap instead of expensive and harmful chemicals to repel pests, which can then be eaten by chickens or other birds. Insect traps can be used to detect when levels of infestation are rising, allowing farmers to time their applications to gain the best effect. This saves the farmers up to 3000 rupees (US$75.00) per acre. At this organization the women are paid the same as the men - and they all receive a pension, health insurance and good medical facilities.

 Manufacturing – Fairtrade cotton products are manufactured by a non-profit rehabilitation program in Southern India. The company is the first of its kind and it is run by nuns, where young women are employed who are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities or are considered unfit for marriage by their families. 

These products are manufactured in premises that are audited by Fair Trade to monitor their ethical practices. 

 Distribution – Wherever possible cotton is grown, ginned, woven, sewn & sent from regions within close proximity to minimize transport emissions during manufacture.

Products are shipped via sea freight to their point of distribution in Australia. Distribution related emissions are offset.

Products purchased online are distributed via Australia Post.

 Product use – The aprons are hard wearing and the colour means that everyday stains are not visible. Long lasting and made to a high standard to ensure they retain their shape and texture.

 Waste management – Cotton is biodegradable. The aprons are not excessively packaged and packaging used can be reused and recycled.

                                                                                                                                                 

What does this table mean?

Moral Fibre dedicates 10% of its profits to support authentic female leaders who are striving to address gender inequity in their local communities/countries.