Wildlife charity Buglife and eco fashion label Rapanui have today launched a collaborative invertebrate focussed fashion collection.
The collection aims to raise awareness of the diversity and wonder of invertebrate species and raise funds to help save the small things that run the planet.
Eco fashion brand Rapanui was founded by environmentally-conscious brothers Rob and Mart Drake-Knight, who cite the importance of bugs as motivations for supporting Buglife;
Rob Drake-Knight, co-founder of Rapanui, said “We’re delighted to support Buglife with this collaboration collection. Invertebrates are a critical part of our ecology, and integral to our ecosystems and food chains. We jumped at the chance to work with Buglife and hope to raise funds and increase reach to help them continue their valuable work.”
The need for ethical apparel is increasingly recognised within the fashion industry. Rapanui and their staff of eco warrior’s are among those at the forefront of sustainable clothing production; with every product they design and produce being made from organic or recycled materials in an ethically accredited, wind powered factory. They also use cutting-edge low waste printing technology, and every Rapanui product has a value that can be recovered at the end of its life, by freeposting it back. They even include a personalised message with every delivery!
With a shared passion for the environment and sustainability, Buglife and Rapanui’s partnership really couldn’t be better suited.
Paul Hetherington, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Buglife said, “We’re delighted to be working with Rapanui on this clothing range. We hope it will help to challenge misconceptions and raise awareness of just how important invertebrates are – for people, other animals, ecosystems and the planet. The funds generated through our partnership with Rapanui will help to support our valuable species and habitat conservation work.”
Buglife’s work covers a wide spectrum of activities aimed towards insect conservation. These range from ground level habitat restoration, the promotion of the value of invertebrates, and vocalising the challenges facing their survival, as well as shaping the development of relevant legislation and policy.
Just this February, Buglife ran a Crowdfunder project to help prevent the global extinction of the Horrid ground weaver spider, a tiny little money spider that’s only ever been found at 3 sites in Plymouth, one of which is threatened by housing developments. This crowd funder generated a huge amount of support and exceeded its target, raising almost 10.5 K. This reflects existing, widespread appreciation of insects and the safekeeping of the environments we share with them.
The Rapanui and Buglife limited edition collection, which is made up of t-shirts, sweats and hoodies, will further champion the importance and splendour of insects and carry Buglife’s message on to the streets and into public conversation, as they feature bold and innovative invertebrate designs.
You can support Buglife and see the clothing range here, starting from £19.
