Vive la République
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                                                                                     Ethics

Ethics are an important part of our set-up. In fact it constitutes the main basis on which we do business. By ethics we mean our means of production in relation to the environment, and our political engagement vis-à-vis the fashion industry.

Environment Policy

We devised an environment policy in partnership with Newham College and their Discovery Lab.

Our business

The principle of Vive la République is French design hand-made in England using heritage textiles. We consider that ethical practices and a sound environmental policy are at the core of our brand.

 Our on-going commitment

We are committed to look at our supplies and methods of production as well as assess new technologies i.e. energy saving devices on a regular basis. We are also committed to political changes regarding these issues.

 Impact on our business

Vive la République pledge to make these policies the hallmark of the business:

• Ensuring that our supplies are locally sourced to minimize transport, support the local economy, ethical employment and production practices. Use of recycled material i.e. off cut, vintage material and found objects. Use of recycled packaging and labelling. Minimizing the use of material needing washing and dry-cleaning with harsh chemicals: This is made possible partly by the application of textile sealants on our products. We privilege quality over quantity.
• Implementing good working practices such as recycling paper, printing on two sides, re-using envelopes, using energy saving light bulbs, keeping the heating at a minimal temperature, and limit waste in a general way. Saving the environment saves money.
• Participating in campaigns against waste and exploitation at all levels of the industry. We aim at highlighting and help stopping immoral practices.

 Managing business impacts

These commitments are rigorously put into practice and managed in every aspect of our activities on a daily basis at all levels of the business.

 Monitoring

Annual assessment of our Environmental Policy and action plan.

 Communication

Ethics and the environment are the raison d’être of Vive la République. Not only these polices are communicated on our website, but they are an integral part of our beliefs and therefore are present at all levels of our communication down to the labelling of our products.

Campaigns

We are supporting War on Want ‘s campaign LOVE FASHION HATE SWEATSHOPS.  If you wish to support the campaign, contact War on Want http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/love-fashion-hate-sweatshops

We wrote to our local MP Theresa Villiers by sending a postcard provided by War on Want as part of their campaign material regarding these questions. We would encourage you to do the same. In her reply dated 30 August 2011, she highlighted actions the government is taking regarding these issues including their commitment to work with multinational and developing-country companies to promote responsible and sustainable trade through the Ethical Trading Initiative and the RAGS Challenge Fund.