I was recently involved in delivering Design Sustainability workshops to future clothing designers, and I LOVED the experience. It was so fulfilling to both learn from and help the students. It got me thinking about how much we all have to share, and how sharing can make a difference in making our lives and the planet healthier.
So, let's chat about something super important today: how pesticides affect our soil and, ultimately, our food and ourselves. Sustainable farming isn't just about being nice to the Earth; it's about making sure our food is safe and packed with nutrients too.
Here's how pesticides affect soil health:
1. Messing with Microbes: Soil isn't just dirt; it's alive with tiny microbes that help plants grow strong. But when we use pesticides, we can wipe out these helpful critters, making the soil less vibrant and fertile.
2. Squashing Soil Structure: Good soil should be light and fluffy, but pesticides can squash it down, making it hard for water to move through and for plants to spread their roots. That means weaker plants and less nutritious fresh produce for us!
3. Further Contamination: Pesticides don't just stay on the surface; they can seep down into the soil and wash away into streams, ending up in our food chain. That's not exactly appetizing, right?
So, why does soil health matter for our food?
1. Nutrient Boost: Healthy soil equals nutrient-packed food. If the soil's not in good shape, neither are the plants growing in it, which means less goodness for us. Organic foods, grown without synthetic pesticides, often have more of those good-for-you nutrients.
2. Avoiding Nasty Residues: Eating food coated in pesticide residue isn't just off-putting; it can also be harmful. Research shows that long-term exposure to certain pesticides can mess with our health.
To steer clear of these issues, we can solve them with sustainable farming methods:
1. Organic farming: Choosing organic means skipping the harmful synthetic pesticides and opting for natural ways to grow our food.
2. Crop rotation: Traditional methods like rotating crops and covering soil with crops in between plantings can keep soil healthy and pests at bay without relying on chemicals.
In the hospitality and retail world, you've got a big role to play too:
1. Pick Organic: Champion organically farmed products and produce to support healthier soil and reduce the demand for pesticide-heavy stuff.
2. Applaud Sustainable Farmers: Thank and encourage your suppliers to embrace eco-friendly farming methods that take care of our soil and our food.
3. Spread the Word: Let customers know about the benefits of choosing pesticide-free products. Let them know that you choose soil-friendly produce and products.
Thank you for caring about soil health and remember what's good for the soil is good for us. Collectively we can make a real difference in the food we eat and how we take care of our planet.
💚
p.s. Thank you for choosing Cream Collectionaprons and uniforms for your teams, as you know our cotton is pesticide free - good for the soil and for you.
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
