Ripple Effect

1. Andrew, what motivated Ripple Effect to support marine conservation?

Marine conservation was a desire of ours long before the thought of REOW had even begun. REOW was actually born from the dream to protect the world's oceans and to unite people worldwide in the fight to save these precious ecosystems. We wanted to create a fresh and dynamic form of conservation, one that could generate awareness within a new medium and resonate with the greater public...and so REOW was born.

REOW was founded and is run by marine scientist, all of whom volunteer their time and resources to the upkeep of REOW. Marine conservation has always been, and will continue to be, the sole purpose of REOW.

2. Do your clients have a natural affinity with the seas and their protection?

Yes, we align ourselves as best we can with like minded organisations. This allows us to develop strong relationships that utilise our synergies and deliver the greatest outcome for the marine environment. Our support for 'sustainable' and 'green' shops is helping to grow this market within Australia and this is an area we can see expanding rapidly in the near future. Similarly to this is the increasing demand for online shopping. We are very supportive of our online partnerships due to the reduced environmental footprint these stores typically have in comparison with traditional stores. We have recently 'opened' our own secure online shop that we look forward to expanding and developing further.

3. Can you tell us about the environmental ethos of your business?

REOW is committed to protecting the natural marine environment, we strives to set new benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility. We wanted to create a tee-shirt that people would be proud to wear, knowing that it had been produce with as little impact upon our world as practicable. Some of the key sustainability initiatives we integrate include:

-        100% organic cotton Tee-shirts

-        Sweatshop free production facilities

-        Environmentally responsible screen printing

-        100% recycled hangtags and packaging

-        Avoidance of plastic packaging and materials

Careful thought is put into each of our designs to inspire the mind and challenge what we know about our environment and its treatment.

We have also recently launched a series of 100% recycled post cards and greeting cards. Not only are these cards manufactured in Australia from 100% recycled card, but each displays a message for marine conservation.

4. Do you think that businesses can play a role in helping to protect our oceans?

Definitely, businesses play a huge role in shaping our world's environment and it is time for us all to take responsibility and become environmentally accountable. REOW leads by example, forever employing new sustainable practices and demonstrating that the environment can be a key driving factor for business success.

It is the consumer dollar that ultimately drives the global market. Consumers of today are continually growing in their environmental stance and global sensitivity. Through their product choices, consumers can begin to dictate and drive the global market towards sustainable practices. By choosing to purchase environmentally responsible products, like REOW, consumers can begin to influence the actions of the corporate world and provide the environment with a fighting chance.

5. What is it about the sea that inspires you and your colleagues?

I have always had a strong affinity with the sea. I think everyone, and in particular Australians, feel this strong connection to the sea. The sea is somewhere we can feel calm, at peace and at home. It provides us with both beauty and recreation. The sea feels as though it is never ending, a vast world of opportunity that can live on forever. Unfortunately, as many of us know, this may not be the case. The world's seas are facing some of their toughest challenges to date. The thought of losing these for future generations just isn't comprehendible. The idea of our children growing up with a lifeless sea or on beaches littered with rubbish seems unimaginable. But sadly it is not. This is what inspires us, this is why REOW exists and this is why we will continue to support the fantastic work organisations like AMCS undertake. We ask you to join us to help spread the ripple effect, together we will begin to fashion the future for our seas.

www.reoceanwear.com.au/