Initiative Insight – Copa
The Importance of Sustainability
It is becoming increasingly apparent to even the most skeptical members of the population the world is facing a very real crisis as a result of climate change. Whilst scientists have been warning us for well over a decade that something must be done, we have been very slow in heeding their advice and making changes to the way we live.
There are several different ways in which you can lessen your carbon footprint, such as a plant-based diet, greener travel or a reduction in daily energy use. Additionally, buying products that are ethical and environmentally sustainable is an easy adjustment to your day to day lives which can make a significant difference. This article is going to focus on a small group based out of Cardiff that have launched an initiative which not only sells ethically produced triathlon apparel but also uses the profits to give back to the community.
Who is Copa?
Copa (Which means Summit in Welsh) was formed by a Cardiff based, outdoor loving group of friends who met through their shared love of triathlon. The initiatives primary focus is to ‘keep people active in a sustainable world’. Copa sells triathlon and outdoor themed clothing, bags and wall art. All their products are ethically made with the environment as the primary focus. However, when buying their products, not only are you supporting a sustainable company, but you are also making a positive impact on getting people healthier through triathlon.
How? Well with triathlon being such an expensive sport, the group decided to use the income from selling their products to invest back into the sport and the planet. They use a combination of swimming, biking, running, rowing, scooting and jumping to get kids active, both indoors and outdoors. They will host events aimed at communities who may have an under-representation in the sport. Copa also fund community and organisation leaders through appropriate and relevant training so that they can further expand engagement in triathlon within their group. The initiative is working closely with Welsh Triathlon to help us deliver these goals.
So, how are their products ethically made?
They are sustainable – the products are made from certified organic cotton, powered by renewable energy and every product is designed to come back to Copa when its worn out – Copa then make new products from the material that is recovered. All products are also made on demand which means there is never any leftover stock.
They are vegan – the products do not contain any animal derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals. This is seed-to-shop and includes their organic cotton and printing technology.
They are plastic free – all orders are shipped in plastic-free packaging. They are rip-proof, splash-proof mailers which are made from paper. Larger orders are delivered in cardboard boxes that are sealed by plastic-free tape.
They are circular – in a circular economy, products are designed from the start to be remade. That means materials are flown back to the maker and the new product is made from an old product. This is different from recycling or up-cycling, where a material is turned into something different before being thrown away. A circular economy is infinite as by design the material flows in a never-ending loop.
More details can be found on the circular economy here – https://teemill.com/circular-fashion/
There’s only one thing left to do now…
Go check out the Copa website and all their social media platforms! Whilst 2021 may not have gotten off to the best of starts with the current Covid-19 restrictions and the cancellation of the Olympic Games looming over us for the second time, this is a chance to do something small which will have a real impact. Imagine how good you’ll feel, when you’re out training in your Copa apparel and you run past a group of kids on their bikes, knowing you have contributed to a cause which may give them the opportunity to fall in love with triathlon. Pretty good right?
Find out more about Copa by clicking on the links below to access their website and social media channels.
www.copa.teemill.com
Instagram/Facebook/Twitter – @copa_triathlon
