Welcome to The Conscious Citizen – CF’s monthly spotlight on the most inspiring sustainable collectives paving the way in mindful innovation and impact.
Including a denim brand that uses recycled cotton and solar powered factories, the world’s largest jewellery brand that merges timeless design with sustainable innovation, and a fine dining restaurant in the Berkshire countryside spotlighting local ingredients and eco-friendly interiors – these are a few of the names making a positive change this August.
JEWELLERY
Founded in Denmark in 1982, Pandora has redefined modern jewellery by pairing global scale with an uncompromising commitment to sustainability. Now the world’s largest jewellery brand, Pandora creates pieces that are as responsible as they are beautiful, leading the industry in circular design and ethical practices. The brand produces all of its silver and gold jewellery using 100% recycled metals, a shift that dramatically cuts carbon emissions and sets a new benchmark for the sector. Diamonds, once mined, are now exclusively lab-grown, offering the same brilliance at a fraction of the environmental impact, while Pandora’s state-of-the-art crafting facilities in Thailand run on 100% renewable energy, recycling over 90% of materials used. Beyond environmental impact, Pandora prioritises people: from ensuring safe, fair working conditions across its global workforce to championing gender parity in leadership. Recognised among the world’s 100 most sustainable companies, Pandora has proved that luxury can be both aspirational and accountable.
FASHION
DL1961
At DL1961, sustainability is woven into the brand DNA: from sourcing responsibly to manufacturing with care through their family-owned factories; ensuring each step, from fibres through to the dyeing processes, is fully accountable. A mix of recycled, renewable, and certified cottons, botanical fibres like Tencel, and regenerative practices all aim to reduce environmental impact. Waste textiles are sorted, decolorised, shredded, and repurposed into new fibres via their Recover program, while low-impact dyes, waterless laser and ozone treatments, and fabric technologies minimise water and chemical usage. Meanwhile, solar power, heat recovery systems, rigorous chemical management and fair, safe working conditions help reduce carbon emissions and ensure ethical production with DL1961 aiming to reach net zero by 2040. With Elsa Hosk fronting their fall campaign and with her own edit, this is the denim label to know.
STAY
This hotel operates on 100% renewable energy, while a sophisticated waste programme ensures recycling, renewable energy conversion, and anaerobic digestion, keeping landfill to a minimum. The ten-acre grounds are not only beautifully landscaped but deeply productive, with more than fifty varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs cultivated for the kitchens and cocktail bar – and the estate is committed to achieving net zero by 2040, a vision already recognised with Gold Certification from Green Tourism. Four thriving beehives enhance local biodiversity and provide honey for the menus, while guests are invited to connect with the land through garden tours, sensory walks, and beekeeping experiences. At their fine dining restaurant, The Warwick, MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stu Deeley leads the culinary direction, crafting menus that celebrate British cuisine and the seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.
BEAUTY
MEDIK8
You might know Medik8 best for its incredible retinol and vitamin C products – beauty insiders definitely do – but the brand is also testament to the fact that science and results-driven skincare can keep a protective eye on the planet too. Not only is the company B Corp certified, which means it has met extremely high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, but it also has a robust and, most importantly, open sustainability framework called Medik8 Made. This outlines all its policies: to be ‘a manufacturer for good’, including reducing carbon emissions, with a goal to be Net Zero by 2040; use of 100% renewable energy in the factory; and efforts to conserve water and energy, while reducing waste through packaging and formulation innovations. One per cent of every Medik8 purchase is donated to different nonprofits too. That means your new-found glowing skin comes with planet-positive approval. Becki Murray
EAT
THE BRAYWOOD
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are at the heart of The Braywood, with head chef Sam Brennan creating a menu that centres on seasonal, ingredient-led British produce. The ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, including Vicars Game, a Reading-based meat and game specialist that has been family-run for three generations since 1886. Further eco-initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, passive ventilation, and heat pumps, while the landscaping has been thoughtfully planned to enrich biodiversity. The ambience is chic and inviting, making every meal feel special and celebratory – especially when bookended with a drink in the striking cocktail bar, a destination in its own right, thanks in part to their resident mixologist who makes a mean negroni (with a dash of port for an elevated twist on a classic). Restaurant menu highlights include perfectly pink wood pigeon served with white peach and a malted crumb to start, Iberico pork with cider jus as a standout main, and an apple crumble soufflé; the ultimate high note to end the experience on.
Lead image: DL1961
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