Rapanui Blog

Rapanui is an Eco-Fashion company from the Isle of Wight, that makes Organic, Ethical clothing using Renewable Energy with award-winning traceability. Rapanui is about making eco-fashion cool.

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Climbing Against Climate Change

The subject of global warming arouses strong emotions in climbers everywhere, with research by Unesco's environment programme suggesting that long-term global warming will affect the mountains in years to come. Now is the time to start taking responsibility. Even down to the garments you wear.

Each t-shirt or top that is produced uses 800 litres of water to make it, with each being shipped or flown in from around the world at a huge cost in CO2. To make a tonne of clothing uses more energy than to make a tonne of steel. In the UK we buy 2 million tonnes of clothing every year at a massive cost to the environment. There is an alternative; Rapanui, an eco fashion brand based in the UK has spent 2 years picking up countless awards for its innovation in eco-fashion. Rapanui has reduced carbon by 80%, sourced new eco textiles and ensured ethical, traceable fair labour, in wind powered factories.

“Like a lot of outdoor enthusiasts, Climbers have a unique perspective on the world which makes them more environmentally aware than most. Boulderers and climbers know that 0.2 degrees change in temperature can alter conditions from 'amazing' to 'greasy' and are becoming increasingly aware of the impact that climate change will have on their sport.” said Rapanui co-founder Martin Drake-Knight

Rapanui was founded by Rob and Martin Drake-Knight (25) and (23), who combined their degrees in business and renewable energy to create a sustainable clothing brand; making clothes out of Organic natural fabrics in a Fair-wear Foundation audited wind powered factory, sold through their online store.

Rapanui set the standard for the clothing industry by providing quality ethical clothing at high street prices. They inform people of where and how the product was made, using simple and effective communication that makes it convenient for shoppers to think about the environment.

“At Rapanui we give the public the ability to shop quickly and with a conscience, if we can inform and educate people as to where clothing comes from and how it is made they can make informed decisions as shoppers; It’s not that people don’t care, it’s just they don’t know” said Rob Drake-Knight.

As well as sound ethical and environmental credentials, the fabrics used in Rapanui’s collection have some impressive properties: “The great thing about using eco-fabrics is that often they are softer, more breathable, and stretchier than their synthetic counterparts, our bamboo tops are hypoallergenic and antibacterial too” said Mart.

“It’s these properties inside the fabric that make our clothing so perfect for any climbing sport, keeping you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot”.

There is a wealth of information for any interested customer to read through on Rapanui’s website, including a Wikipedia style resource with all the essential knowledge on their Eco-Fashion page, they are completely open and honest about the entire process of their clothes, how they are made and what impact each piece has on the environment, yet at the same time provide garments that perhaps you wouldn’t expect from a company whose main concern is about reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Find out more about men’s organic clothing and also women’s organic clothing.

Check them out at

www.rapanuiclothing.com

And let them know what you think.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photos attached - Picture of one of the Directors Rock Climbing.
For further information please contact Rob Drake-Knight, on 01983 873430 or email rob@rapanuiclothing.com

Visit their About and Traceability pages to learn more

July 8th, 2010