At the recent SVP retail Conference in Cork, Ireland, the theme of the day was how Vincentian retailers can use the Triple Bottom Line to promote and protect the dignity of the individual whilst working in solidarity with our communities to serve the common good. By generating social, environmental and economic value (Triple Bottom Line), SVP is using its retail portfolio and wider supply chain to provide affordable clothing, raise funds for SVP, and provide a community hub whilst offering an ethical and sustainable alternative to Fast Fashion.
(Picture: From left: Dermot McGilloway, National Retail Development Manager SVP; Robin Osterley, CEO, Charity Retail Association UK; Jeff Beamguard, Store Support, National US SVDP; Kevin O'Sullivan, Environment and Science Editor, Irish Times and Paddy O'Flynn, Chairman, National Regional Committee, SVP pictured at the Vincent’s National Retail Conference)
We already know that the textile industry is the 4th biggest polluter on the planet and contributes to the global warming crisis, but we now face a raft of new legislation coming from the EU dealing with the over production, over consumption and unethical disposal of fast fashion garments.
From January 1st, 2025, all EU member states are required to organise the separate collection of textiles.
As Ireland’s largest charity retailer, with shops across all 32 counties, we are committed to strengthening our own collection, sorting and re-use capabilities and are speaking with stakeholders and SVP colleagues both at home and abroad to ensure that SVP retail contributes meaningfully to our wider response to “The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” – Laudato Si.