Sustainability

Shelter is committed to reducing our environmental impact. As a social justice charity, we acknowledge how the climate crisis disproportionately affects marginalised groups in society, including people living in unsafe housing that would be more affected by extreme weather conditions brought on by global warming. In addition to campaigning for high-quality social housing and better conditions for renters, we strive to reduce our own organisational environmental footprint. Our 2022-2025 strategy states that we will have only succeeded in our overall mission if we have made measurable reductions in our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. 

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Our impact

There is a clear link between the whole fashion industry and the environment. Throughout the UK, an estimated 164,000 tonnes of clothing was discarded that could have been reused in 2021. However, if half of UK clothing was worn another nine months carbon, water and waste footprints would reduce by up to 10% and by doubling the life of clothes, greenhouse gas emissions can be lowered by 44%. By promoting more sustainable fashion choices through shopping and donating pre-loved clothing, Shelter shops engage people to buy, use and dispose of clothing and textile products in ways which reduce climate impact and resource use. 

Our actions

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    Sustainability targets

    We’ve joined Textiles 2030, collaborating with other signatories on carbon, water and circular textile targets.

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    Sharing skills

    We’ve partnered with craftspeople on shop events to share skills with customers on how to repair and upcycle clothes, to reduce the need for new.

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    Community projects

    We take part in projects where students, including from Graduate Fashion Foundation and the BRIT school, plus Scotland Re:Design competition, take unsaleable items and use the fabric to create new designs.

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    Single use plastics

    We’re reducing single use plastics across our shops, including a switch to fully recycled and recyclable donation bags. 

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    Packaging

    Our new goods are packaged more sustainably. You won't find plastic wrap on greeting cards and we use a compostable foil liner on our chocolate bars.

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    Textiles recycling

    We only work with textiles recyclers that have the TRUST accreditation, which means that they have to promote the best sustainability and environmental standards.