Written by: Anna Cummins
Ethical Yacht Wear, a US-based yacht crew uniform supplier, says it has helped sponsor the removal of the equivalent of one million plastic bottles from the oceans through its recycled garments and through donations to ocean health organisations.
Ethical Yacht Wear was founded in 2019 by Lauren Wardley, a former yacht crew member. The firm produces uniforms made from 100 per cent organic cotton or recycled materials. These recycled materials include plastics that have been collected, melted into pellets, and woven into yarn.
“I launched the company because of my love for the ocean,” says Wardley. “I wanted to give back and use business as a force of good. I am extremely proud of our consistent commitment and effort in supporting ocean cleanup.”
One long-sleeve rash vest from the firm’s range, for example, uses recycled plastic equivalent to 20 500ml plastic bottles. A pair of men’s eco hybrid shorts uses the equivalent of 14 bottles, while a short-sleeve recycled t-shirt uses 17.5 bottles.
The firm uses plastic bottles as an equivalent measurement for clarity, although it uses various types of plastic from coastlines, such as fishing nets and discarded beach toys, as well as bottles, in its clothing.
The firm says the percentage of profits it donates to the Plastic Bank varies yearly, depending on its performance. Therefore, the firm has chosen not to make this figure public yet as it is still a small business.
The total of one million bottles removed has been estimated by the firm, using a combination of items sold to date, plus the amount of money donated to the Plastic Bank.
“This achievement in plastic cleanup in collaboration with our clients and the Plastic Bank is huge, and we are determined to continue making a positive impact and showing people and the industry that there is a better way,” says Wardley.
In addition to tackling larger plastic waste, Ethical Yacht Wear is also addressing the issue of microplastics under 5mm in size. Microplastics enter oceans from various sources, including during laundry processes. To help combat this, the company offers filters, made by Planetcare, that can be attached to washing machines on yachts. These filters capture microfibres released during washing, preventing them from entering the ocean.
Ethical Yacht Wear offers a filter for domestic machines and commercial machines. The part is said to capture 98 per cent of fibres during every wash.