Our Commitment to a Greener Future

Earth Day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to address environmental issues and promote sustainability. It is a day for reflection, action, and collective efforts to protect our planet's precious resources.
At OnceWas, we believe that every day is Earth Day and the importance of protecting our planet and preserving its natural beauty for generations to come. We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment through our ongoing sustainable practices.
Producing limited quantities of high-quality garments that last season after season has been our main focus in reducing waste and lessening our impact on the environment. Although we manufacture offshore, everything is designed in Melbourne and our business utilises & supports many predominantly female-owned & operated small Australian businesses. 
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with i=Change. This initiative allows us to donate a portion of every sale made online to organisations that focus on the well-being of women and girls across the world + protect our earth's future. With 100% transparency, you can track exactly how much we have raised for each cause and you can even see your donation coming through in real time here.
Another way we are fulfilling our commitment to sustainability is through minimising landfill waste. We use biodegradable shipping bags, garment bags, and reuse recycling shipping cartons. We proudly use Australian brand HeroPackaging. Not only do they donate 20% of profits to charities such as Ozharvest, Children's Ground and Starlight Children's Foundation, they also provide us with zero-waste, home-compostable mailers & stickers and that are ethically produced. 
Traditional packaging materials, such as plastic, contribute significantly to environmental pollution and waste. By opting for biodegradable packaging, we are taking a proactive step towards reducing our environmental footprint.
Biodegradable packaging offers several benefits:
  • It breaks down naturally over time, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
  • It minimises pollution and harm to wildlife compared to traditional plastics.
  • It is made from renewable resources, making it a more sustainable choice for the planet.
HeroPackaging clarifies the distinction between biodegradable and compostable packaging, emphasising that while both are environmentally friendly, compostable packaging undergoes a specific process to break down into nutrient-rich soil. This process typically occurs in industrial composting facilities, ensuring efficient decomposition. Compostable packaging offers distinct advantages. Compostable packaging, like the one we use, can break down into organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. In contrast, recyclable packaging often requires additional processing and may still end up in landfills if not properly sorted.
Beyond our packaging initiative, OnceWas is dedicated to implementing and improving sustainable practices throughout our business operations. From ethical sourcing to eco-friendly production methods, we are constantly striving to minimise our environmental impact and promote responsible consumption.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. If you have any feedback or suggestions we would love to hear from you. OW x