We are committed to increasing the
use of organic cotton in our ranges.
International cotton production uses only 2.4% of the world's agricultural land
but 25% of the world pesticide consumption. A single t-shirt can require about 100-150g
of pesticides. This is damaging both for the planet and also for the growers who
are exposed to these chemicals. We strongly favour the switch to organic cotton
and we have made a small start by introducing some organically produced cotton
jersey in our tee shirts. We will continue to add to this range as we are able.
We will only use animal products which
are a by-product of the meat industry.
We don't use skins or pelts of animals which are raised solely for obtaining their
skins. Products such as shearling, sheepskin and the leathers for our shoes and
bags come from animals which have been raised for meat.
We recycle everything we can and we
package everything so that you can do the same.
In our stores and offices we have full recycling of everything from coke cans to
ink cartridges, office equipment to hangers, paper and cardboard. All our packaging
is either biodegradable or can be recycled. We try to keep it to a minimum too.
International trade can be a force for good but our suppliers must adhere to our
policy on safe and fair employment practices.
Our producers understand that our standards are high and we have worked with some
of them over a number of years. We do not operate in a market where cost-cutting
is more important than working standards. All our suppliers are required to comply
with our code of conduct which lays down minimum standards for environmental. Work and health
and safety issues. We will not place work in regions or with suppliers
where working practice is known to be below acceptable standards.
We are working towards being truly carbon neutral.
The pressures facing our planet are urgent and will need all our contributions to
make a difference. These are some of the ways in which we are tackling this vital
issue at Toast. Our stores and our head office use electricity produced from wind-power
by Ecotricity, the leading installer of wind farms and producer of wind-power energy.
We have taken the first small steps towards the environmental accreditation ISO
14001. This will help us first monitor, and then improve our environmental standards.
We also have a cycle purchase scheme available to employees. Although we don't believe
that carbon off-setting is a solution to climate change, we are helping to plant
a wood at a farm in West Wales as some sort of recompense for our unavoidable air
travel.
We do not make throw-away fashion.
Our products are durable and will last much longer than cheap high street versions.
It is better for the world and for you that they do.
We seek out products which are made by co-operatives and small independent producers.
There is a value in the artisan made product and over the years we have always sought
out the unusual over the easy and readily available. Some examples of this are our
Ethiopian gabi and our Kenyan baskets. Both products are made by women's co-operatives
where the money paid goes straight back to the local communities that make them.
Our toiletries are not tested on animals.
Just that.They're not.