Lark & Berry's Match was launched to provide the world with the most carefully and expertly curated collection of high-end, luxury fashion and jewellery out there – only brands that operate only utilising care towards the planet.

You’re a Lark & Berry fan – you know we made our name using only lab-grown diamonds and stones, and that’s simple enough, right? Just buy lab-grown instead of mined stones, and it’s as easy as that to do something exponentially better for the planet!

But with sustainability in fashion, it can be a much more complex world. There are all kinds of sustainable materials out there, old and new, and things to watch out for like “fast fashion” and “green-washing.”

We know you want to be a conscientious consumer… so you’ve come to the right place to learn!

As a fashion enthusiast, you're probably always on the lookout for the next cool trend in luxury clothing. But have you considered the impact of your fashion choices on the environment? As we become more conscious of the negative impact of the fashion industry on the planet, it's essential to support brands that prioritize sustainability in their design and manufacturing methods.

Sustainability in fashion is a growing movement that aims to reduce the environmental and social impact of clothing production. Fast fashion, in particular, has come under criticism for its wastefulness and contribution to pollution. But sustainable fashion encompasses so much more than just choosing between lab-grown or mined diamonds.

With so many moving parts involved in sustainability, it can be challenging to keep up with everything happening. However, our new platform Lark & Berry's Match is proud to work with brands that prioritize sustainable practices. That means no matter what you might buy on the platform, you're getting sustainable clothing.

One of the most significant factors driving the trend towards sustainable fashion is the growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

The production and distribution of clothing use non-renewable resources like oil and water, and the pollution caused by textile dyeing and finishing processes further contributes to environmental degradation.

Consumers are starting to realize that their choices have consequences, and they are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for clothing made using ethical labour practices and sustainably sourced materials.

This is as good a place as any to tackle green-washing.

As more people become aware of the impact of our actions on the environment, it's no surprise that companies are trying to capitalize on this trend by marketing themselves as "green" or "sustainable." However, not all claims of sustainability are created equal, and fashion consumers need to be wary of the phenomenon known as "green-washing."

Green-washing can take many forms, including vague or misleading language, green packaging or labels without actual changes to production processes, or false claims of eco-friendliness. It can be challenging for consumers to navigate these claims, but there are steps we can take to shop more sustainably.

First and foremost, it's essential to do your research. Look for brands that are transparent about their production processes and materials used, and that have certifications or third-party verification for their sustainability claims. Don't just take their word for it; look for concrete evidence to back up their claims.

Second, be wary of vague or misleading language. Terms like "eco-friendly" or "green" can be used in a variety of ways, and may not indicate sustainability. Instead, look for specific claims such as the use of organic or recycled materials or a reduction in water or energy usage during production.

Third, consider the overall impact of a product. Even if a product is made from sustainable materials, it may still have a high carbon footprint due to transportation or production processes. Look for locally-produced products or those that have a clear plan for reducing their carbon footprint.

Finally, it's worth remembering that the most sustainable option is often to simply buy less.

Rather than constantly purchasing new clothes, consider investing in high-quality pieces that will last for years, or shop secondhand to give existing clothes a new life.

Being an informed and responsible fashion consumer requires some effort, but it's a crucial step in reducing our impact on the environment. By being cautious of greenwashing and supporting genuinely sustainable brands, we can help create a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.

To help you make informed choices about what you buy, we've put together a list of sustainable materials and methods that brands represented by Lark & Berry's Match are using to create their fashion.

Deadstock fabric, for instance, refers to excess fabric that has not been used by a fashion brand or manufacturer and is often sold off to third-party vendors. Using deadstock fabric in fashion helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry by repurposing existing fabric instead of producing new textiles.

Organic cotton is another sustainable option that is grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, making it environmentally friendly. Hemp, Tencel, and bamboo are other sustainable materials used to create clothing that is soft, lightweight, and durable.

Wool is a natural and sustainable fibre that is often used in clothing like sweaters and coats, while linen is one of the oldest and most sustainable fabrics that require less water and energy to produce than other fibres.

In addition to the changes being made by individual brands, brand collectives are doing great work to promote sustainability and great design as widely as possible. Lark & Berry's Match is proud to bring together sustainability-minded brands with excellent and unique designs from all over the world, making it easy to shop with sustainability in mind.

And on the lab-grown diamonds front? Efforts to use renewable energy to make lab-grown diamonds are growing. The rapid progress in labs using renewable energy sources in the diamond-growing process is motivated by a rising demand for environmentally conscious products and the aim to decrease the carbon footprint associated with diamond production.

The fact there's a growing number of labs utilising renewable energy to cultivate diamonds aligns with a broader global trend. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the proportion of renewable energy in the global power sector has been steadily increasing. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for approximately 26% of global electricity production, with solar and wind energy being the primary contributors. As renewable energy becomes more accessible and cost-effective, its usage in diamond-growing labs is expected to continue rising.

By embracing renewable energy sources, producers of lab-grown diamonds are reducing their already low emissions (especially when compared to the energy usage and waste generated by diamond mining). This transition not only helps safeguard the environment but also strengthens the overall sustainability and ethical credentials of lab-grown diamonds. As consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of their purchases grows, selecting diamonds created using renewable energy becomes an attractive choice for those in pursuit of sustainable luxury.

Despite the progress being made towards sustainability in fashion and jewellery, there is still a long way to go. However, as more consumers become aware of the impact of their choices, the trend towards sustainability in fashion and jewellery will continue to grow. So let's get started by supporting sustainable brands and making a positive impact on the planet, one fashion choice at a time!