We all know by now that Plastic is one of the world's major crises of this century. According to National Geographic, ‘there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the world’s oceans with 269,000 tonnes of this floating on the surface’.
It’s detrimental to our eco-system and health. Wildlife is injured and poisoned due to the ingestion of debris and chemicals. As in the video, a major proportion of the sea fish now contain plastic. While chemicals such as phthalates found in plastic packaging (which is also found in vinyl flooring and wall coverings) are absorbed by human bodies through inhaling or ingesting. It can alter hormones and lead to other possible health effects. Eight out of every ten babies, and nearly all adults, have extensive levels of phthalates in their bodies. Whilst biphenyl A (BPA), found in polycarbonate bottles and the linings of food and beverage cans, can also leach into food and drinks. Find more info here. Why is it vital for chefs to know this? Your day to day practices and products used in the kitchen have a profound impact on our eco-system and people’s health. Yes of course some kitchen products just need to be made from plastic, that’s fine. But if it has to be made from plastic, then choose a biodegradable, a re-useable or recyclable brand.
Eco clothing - Yes your staff needs to look awesome, they definitely still can in sustainable clothing. Organic material is free from synthetic fibers which is ultimately plastic. It also promotes better body breathing and easy movement.
Choose environmental friendly footwear- Did you know, many shoes contain high amounts of plastic which can’t be broken down? E.g Birkenstockuse eco-friendly cork and rubber.
Choose ballpoint pens which are made from recycled water bottles. Water bottles are one of the top contributors to not only plastic pollution, but to world pollution in general. Pilot and Australian Eco pens are great alternatives.
As cling wrap is one of the most heavily used products in a commercial kitchen, seeking a Biodegradable option is essential. Think twice the next time you stretch out metres of cling wrap to use.
LED Bulbs - LED bulbs and Solar panels work like magic in preserving energy (and magically lower your electricity bill).
Thinking of a sustainable garden patch for your restaurant? Awesome start. Complete it with biodegradable garden pots - made from recycled material and decompose in around a year.
Cutlery & Packaging for those take home left over meals are a highly used kitchen commodity. Ditch the single use plastics for biodegradable. Biopackhave an awesome variety.
Ditch plastic bags. We all know they’ve outnumbered our human population and covered our planet. If you need to shop for groceries, carry your clothes around after your long shift or just need a handy bag, choose reusable shopping bags. Each Cream Workwear garment is packed into an organic linen garment bag which can be re-used as often as you like for endless purposes.
It’s important to be aware of the domino effect created by daily kitchen practices and products usage. Yet it’s encouraging to know of the endless eco-kitchen alternatives available - it's the minor things which lead to a profound difference. Just think long-term. Think eco-alternatives.
Store owner replied:
Wow! What awesome pics Josh, you look great as usual :) Thanks for your ongoing support.
Whether working the grill, pass or larder. You are always going to look good in the shirt. Comfortable & cool (if you are standing over a coal grill for 12hrs you are gonna sweat no matter what you wear). Always feel proud rolling into a shift in one of these.
Store owner replied:
Wow! You look great Olly, and Thank you for your beautiful review. It's much appreciated and we are sure this will assist other chefs who work in hot environments and want to look and feel cool. Thank you again.
I love the product, comfy and cool to wear. Special the apron really love it with the design.
Store owner replied:
Hi Phillip, thanks for taking the time to leave your comment - glad that you appreciate the quality of the apron which is made here in Australia. You're absolutely correct, this is lightweight denim as we mention on the website. Although it feels lightweight, these aprons last for many years and are absolutely loved by our chefs and I hope that they'll become a firm favourite of yours too. I'm here to assist with any questions you may have.
Store owner replied:
That's great to know that the aprons are comfortable to wear, thanks Nika, your comment is very much appreciated.
I was excited to order and received my 100% organic cotton chef Jackets and Aprons but was disappointed to find that there is a 2% spandex (Lycra) which takes away from the organic that you promote so strongly. Is there a reason for this and why isn’t it on your website under fabric content.
As far as I know the addition of spandex to your products takes it away from the circular economy as it is a synthetic material and makes the whole garment no recyclable.
I have been a chef for over 30 years and don’t think I have ever come across a chefs Jacket with spandex in it (polyester yes) A good fit should make putting a stretch material unnecessary.
Store owner replied:
Hi Sion, Thank you for your review. You are 100% correct, and I personally take full responsibility for this. We have added the fabric content this morning on all products. I can assure you we don't intend to mislead anyone - it was an oversight when changing the product descriptions recently. The 98% cotton is certified organic cotton. The 2% addition of spandex is woven in as when we worked with chefs to develop the collection, they wanted an element of stretch in the garments to allow the garments to be more tailored but move with the wearer to make them super comfortable. I will also email you directly to assist further.
Love it so light weight and breezy good for working in a fast paced kitchen wile still looking sharp cheer
Store owner replied:
Yay! That's great to hear that you're loving the softness of the fabric. Thanks for letting us know and may you enjoy wearing them for many shifts. xxx
This is probably theee best fitting and comfy jacket I’ve ever owned! I’m going to order a few more in the new year!
Thanks again guys for being so easy about the return due to them not fitting properly!
Thanks
Store owner replied:
You chose well Amanda! So glad he loves the fit and comfort of it. Thanks for letting us know.
Very flattering shirt. My only comment would be that the small is quite small. I’m a straight size 8 and I feel this is more like a size 6.5-7. But I’m still very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Glad you like the flattering fit of this chef shirt Kaye. Thanks for letting us know about the sizing, we will consider this if we repeat this style in the future.
I have been a professionally trained cook for the past 40 years, so I have come through the traditional whites in a brigade system.
So far one of the best aprons / gear you can see some thought has been put into the design
Very nice
Les
Store owner replied:
Thank YOU Mr Leslie. Sorry you had to wait 40 years to wear "one of the best" but glad you found Cream Collection eventually. Enjoy every moment wearing the gear.
Was a present for my son. He is very happy with it.
Store owner replied:
Thanks Bea for your 5 star review, glad you love the comfort of the chef shirt. Enjoy!
I purchased the white Jo apron. Great quality apron, however the design was slightly different from the other photos of the same apron in different colours. I would prefer the pen pocket to be straight at the top (rather than slanted) and from an aesthetic standpoint I wasn’t fan of the round ring on the neck strap (but that’s probably me being picky)
Store owner replied:
Hi Andrew, Thanks for your 4 star review. I'll contact you about the images as the image of the white apron is as per the image on our website. The reason the pocket opening is slanted is that it is designed for ergonomic reasons, but we understand that every wearer has their personal preferences. Hope you are enjoying the comfort and fit of the apron. Thanks again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Philipp! What a lovely review you have given, we appreciate it and glad that you are happy with the "insane quality" Thank you again.
Store owner replied:
Thank you Peter, so good to know your chef apparel ticks all the boxes. Thank you!!!! and enjoy.
Very happy with my apron love the fabric & tanks for the great customer service when I had to exchange as I mistakenly ordered the wrong size
Thanks Janet
