Howies: Company beliefs

Our beliefs

A higher quality product will invariably last longer. It will keep on performing as it was designed to for longer before it finally needs replacing. And so over its lifespan it will have consumed less valuable resources than an inferior product that will have been replaced many times.

That's why we make the best quality products that we know how. Because ultimately the best thing we can do for the environment is to make our stuff last a real long time.

Functionality

We believe in making products that serve a purpose and that stand the test of time. We avoid the fashions of the day and just ensure our products are as functional and as simple as possible.
'That which has the greatest use, possesses the greatest beauty'.

Our Purpose

Why are we in business? For us it is not as simple to make a profit. Like any company we require a profit to stay in business. But it is not the reason we are in business. The thing that has not changed from day one is the desire to make people think about the world we live in. This is, and always will be, why we are in business.

Earth Tax

We pledge to give 1% of our turnover or 10% of pre-tax profits (whichever is greater) to grass-root environmental and social projects. To find out more about our donations, please visit the website. It is only a small amount but as our company grows we will be able to give more. Which gives us a nice reason to want to grow.

Fun

We are trying to get the balance right between work and play. Whenever a real nice day comes along, it'd be a shame to waste it. So if you phone up and no-one answers, don't worry. We are out there doing what we love. So leave a message and we'll get back to you in a while.

The rocking chair test

Every product we make has passed the 'rocking chair test'. This is something we use to guide us along the path we are taking. So when we are old and grey and sitting in our rocking chairs, we can look back on the company we created with a smile. That's why we go to the trouble of using the best quality materials to make sure our clothing lasts longer. The longer our products last the less impact they will have on the environment, and the bigger our smile will be.

http://www.howies.co.uk/content.php?xSecId=20

i think that howies is a great company with their own environmental ethics in place, the idea of creating better quality products that last longer and serve a better purpose than something that shrinks or rips after only 2 washes and then is thrown away.

This makes me feel that i need to consider how my products will be finished. Is the product something that is purposely going to last or is it something that doesn't last long but bio-degrades, or uses re-used material!

These are considerations i want to consider in my developing practice.