Glossary
Abiotic depletion - Abiotic depletions refers to the exhaustion of natural (non-living) resources such as fossil fuels.
Artisan – An artisan is a skilled craftsperson that makes by hand often using traditional techniques.
>strong> Bluesign Bluesign is a holistic system that provided solutions in sustainable processing and manufacturing, ensuring that products/finished textiles are manufactured with the lowest possible impact on people and the environment.
Biodegradable – A material that can decompose down into carbon, nitrogen, water and other naturally occurring elements in the open environment or in a compost, and leaves no toxic residues.
The term “biodegradable” is often misused to claim a product biodegrades but yet it simply breaks apart into smaller pieces of plastics creating microplastics which are entering our food chain and polluting ecosystems across the globe.
Biodiversity – Biodiversity is the biological variety and variability of life on earth and refers to diversity of genes, species and ecosystems.
Carbon offsetting - This involves an organisation calculating how much Carbon Dioxide it is responsible for emitting into the atmosphere to run the business and doing something to help sequester the same amount of CO2. We off-set our carbon emissions through planting trees with Rainforest Rescue and Greenfleet.
Carbon sequester - replacing carbon back into the soil. When plants grow they absorb Carbon Dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and turn it into sugars through photosynthesis. Plants transport these sugars down into their roots and into the soil where it is stored.
Cellulose – The structural component of cell walls found in natural plant fibres.
Circularity – Circularity is the reuse of used or discarded materials and resources kept in use again and again.
Circular Fashion – A circular fashion industry is one in which waste and pollution are designed out and products and materials are kept in use as long as possible through reuse and recycling.
Fair Trade – Fair Trade supports ethical, sustainable and equitable trade relationships, ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions.
GOTS/ACO
All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals) must be evaluated and meeting basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability. Prohibition of critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes. The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals. Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching). Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited.
Holistic – Holistic refers to the whole, integrating all elements in a system.
Linear Economy/Fashion Industry – The fashion industry and world economy currently operates on a linear model where resources are extracted, used and disposed of, often ending up in landfill.
Closed loop system – a sustainable system with no polluting output or waste where components are kept in the system and used again and again.
Compostable – A material that can decompose down into carbon, nitrogen, water and other naturally occurring elements within a compost, and leaves no toxic residues.
Ecosystem – An ecosystem is a geographical area where living organisms and nonliving elements such as landscape and climate interact in a system. Linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Eco-toxicity – the potential for biological, chemical or physical stressors to affect ecosystems
Eutrophication - Eutrophication is when a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients due to run-off from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life. This can eventually lead to water bodies that can't support aquatic life
Global warming - Global Warming is a serious environmental issue, contributing to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. This rise in temperature causes imbalances in the delicate balance of geophysical systems leading to climate breakdown and extreme weather events.
Microfibres – Microfibres are very fine fibres released from synthetic fabrics in garment washing that enter waterways polluting ecosystems.
Oeko Tex 100
Oeko Tex 100 certifies that no substances harmful to human health are present in the finished textiles. Substances tested are both regulated and non-regulated going beyond international requirements.
Tests are conducted by independent Oeko Tex Partner institutes.
Post-consumer waste – material that is discarded after someone uses it.
Pre-consumer waste – material that is discarded during the making process.
Regenerative – the process of rehabilitating an ecosystem to improve natural resources, rather than destroying or depleting them.
Social Compliance – Social compliance is a process in which organisations endeavour to protect the health, safety and rights of employees through third party auditing.
Synthetic fabrics – Synthetic fabrics are made by chemical synthesis from petroleum-based chemicals.
Tiers – Tiers are a series of levels or stages. We refer to different tiers in the supply chain from the farmers to the yarn processing, fabric and printing mills and garment manufacturing.
Upcycle – repurpose material or garments in a creative way to make something new.
Water scarcity - Water is becoming increasingly scarce, due to excessive & unnecessary use and wastage.
Artisan – An artisan is a skilled craftsperson that makes by hand often using traditional techniques.
>strong> Bluesign Bluesign is a holistic system that provided solutions in sustainable processing and manufacturing, ensuring that products/finished textiles are manufactured with the lowest possible impact on people and the environment.
Biodegradable – A material that can decompose down into carbon, nitrogen, water and other naturally occurring elements in the open environment or in a compost, and leaves no toxic residues.
The term “biodegradable” is often misused to claim a product biodegrades but yet it simply breaks apart into smaller pieces of plastics creating microplastics which are entering our food chain and polluting ecosystems across the globe.
Biodiversity – Biodiversity is the biological variety and variability of life on earth and refers to diversity of genes, species and ecosystems.
Carbon offsetting - This involves an organisation calculating how much Carbon Dioxide it is responsible for emitting into the atmosphere to run the business and doing something to help sequester the same amount of CO2. We off-set our carbon emissions through planting trees with Rainforest Rescue and Greenfleet.
Carbon sequester - replacing carbon back into the soil. When plants grow they absorb Carbon Dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and turn it into sugars through photosynthesis. Plants transport these sugars down into their roots and into the soil where it is stored.
Cellulose – The structural component of cell walls found in natural plant fibres.
Circularity – Circularity is the reuse of used or discarded materials and resources kept in use again and again.
Circular Fashion – A circular fashion industry is one in which waste and pollution are designed out and products and materials are kept in use as long as possible through reuse and recycling.
Fair Trade – Fair Trade supports ethical, sustainable and equitable trade relationships, ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions.
GOTS/ACO
All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals) must be evaluated and meeting basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability. Prohibition of critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes. The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals. Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching). Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited.
Holistic – Holistic refers to the whole, integrating all elements in a system.
Linear Economy/Fashion Industry – The fashion industry and world economy currently operates on a linear model where resources are extracted, used and disposed of, often ending up in landfill.
Closed loop system – a sustainable system with no polluting output or waste where components are kept in the system and used again and again.
Compostable – A material that can decompose down into carbon, nitrogen, water and other naturally occurring elements within a compost, and leaves no toxic residues.
Ecosystem – An ecosystem is a geographical area where living organisms and nonliving elements such as landscape and climate interact in a system. Linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
Eco-toxicity – the potential for biological, chemical or physical stressors to affect ecosystems
Eutrophication - Eutrophication is when a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients due to run-off from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life. This can eventually lead to water bodies that can't support aquatic life
Global warming - Global Warming is a serious environmental issue, contributing to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. This rise in temperature causes imbalances in the delicate balance of geophysical systems leading to climate breakdown and extreme weather events.
Microfibres – Microfibres are very fine fibres released from synthetic fabrics in garment washing that enter waterways polluting ecosystems.
Oeko Tex 100
Oeko Tex 100 certifies that no substances harmful to human health are present in the finished textiles. Substances tested are both regulated and non-regulated going beyond international requirements.
Tests are conducted by independent Oeko Tex Partner institutes.
Post-consumer waste – material that is discarded after someone uses it.
Pre-consumer waste – material that is discarded during the making process.
Regenerative – the process of rehabilitating an ecosystem to improve natural resources, rather than destroying or depleting them.
Social Compliance – Social compliance is a process in which organisations endeavour to protect the health, safety and rights of employees through third party auditing.
Synthetic fabrics – Synthetic fabrics are made by chemical synthesis from petroleum-based chemicals.
Tiers – Tiers are a series of levels or stages. We refer to different tiers in the supply chain from the farmers to the yarn processing, fabric and printing mills and garment manufacturing.
Upcycle – repurpose material or garments in a creative way to make something new.
Water scarcity - Water is becoming increasingly scarce, due to excessive & unnecessary use and wastage.
Sustainability Development Goals
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No poverty
More than 700 million people live in extreme poverty. The fashion industry offers employment opportunities in developing countries.
We ensure all our suppliers are audited for social compliance and receive a fair wage. Read our code of conduct here -
Zero hunger
Today more than 820 million people regularly go to bed hungry, of whom 135 million suffer acute huger.
By committing to regular and consistent orders with our suppliers we help to ensure the job and food security of their workers. By using organic and BCI certified cotton we are helping to contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices, essential for food security. -
Good health and well being
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being is critical to sustainable development.
By using certified fibres and fabrics and having a restricted substance list in place we are helping to protect the health and well-being of our supply chain from the farmers, spinners, weavers and makers and our customers. -
Gender equality
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. We partnership with a supplier that offers education and training for disadvantaged women to support and empower them to enter the workforce. -
Clean water and sanitation
Worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water, two out of five people do not have a basic hand washing facility.
We partnership with a supplier that has a clean water for artisan’s scheme, helping to conserve this precious resource. -
Affordable and clean energy
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity. We are committed to using renewable clean energy, our head office and store are powered by Enova.
“Enova Community is empowering the transition to renewables through design led thinking and community created solutions,” says Enova Community Manager Sandi Middleton. “Our organisation is helping champion the reduction of greenhouse emissions, while making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all.” -
Decent work and economic growth
Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. We have a code of conduct in place and conduct third party social compliance audits to ensure labour rights are protected and workers have secure working environments. -
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Investments in infrastructure and innovation are crucial to achieving sustainable development.
We work closely with our suppliers to drive sustainable sourcing and development. Encouraging innovation in sustainable technology and practices. -
Reduce inequalities
Up to 30% of income inequality is due to inequality within households, including between women and men. Women are also more likely to live below 50% of the median income.
Garment manufacturing employs at least 40 million workers in Asia alone and more than 60 million worldwide, 80% of which are women. Social compliance auditing allows us visibility and assurance of fair wages and working conditions.
We stipulate in our code of conduct that our factories must pay worker’s wages and provide benefits without regard to race, colour, gender, nationality, religion, age, maternity, marital status, indigenous status, social origin, disability, sexual orientation, membership in workers’ organizations including unions, or political affiliation. -
Responsible consumption and production
Should the global population reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to sustain current lifestyles.
We are committed to using FSC certified recycled materials for all our paper packaging and trims.
Our swimwear is made from Econyl regenerated from pre and post-consumer waste, including discarded plastic, fishing nets & fabric scraps. -
Climate action
Global emissions of CO2 have increased by almost 50% since 1990. We are committed to reducing our freight carbon emissions by 45% by 2025 in line with the Paris agreement.
The globetrottersiraconlineusa team are actively involved in direct action attending fight for climate change marches. -
Life below water
The ocean drives global systems that make the earth habitable for mankind.
By working with certified mill’s we hope to help minimise water contamination.
We support Take 3 for the sea, Seabin, Sea Shepherd and Plastic free July through 1% for the planet charitable donations. Read more on giving back. -
Life on land
Nature is critical, providing us with all the resources we need for survival.
We are committed to being plastic free and only use compostable garment bags and post satchels.
We support Rainforest Rescue and Greenfleet through 1% for the planet charitable donations. -
Partnerships for the goals
Together we are stronger.
We believe strong working relationships and aligned values are critical and try to source suppliers that share our values of social advocacy.
We also believe in the power of community and have expanded our conscious product offering through collaborations with Australian brands.
