Local commerce is sustainable commerce
Our shops support a local, proximity economy that is fairer for all concerned and based on sustainability
Whenever we talk about sustainable products we invariably bandy about a lot of eco-labels, but there are plenty of other ways to help the environment. Local products, for example, have less impact than products brought in from afar. Buying local products cuts down on travel and minimises polluting emissions.
Here at bilbaoDendak we are going to introduce you to some shops in Bilbao that are committed in different ways to sustainability and the environment.
ETHICAL AND RESPECTFUL FASHION
Have you been to SKFK? Comfort and good taste go hand in hand at this brand, a veritable trailblazer in sustainable fashion. This brand has been officially recognised as the first Fairtrade® certified fashion company in Spain, no doubt due to their unique and exclusive prints that evoke nature, culture and art and the quality of their natural fabrics whose low-impact organic fibres are gentle on the skin and kind to the environment.
Organic cotton: free of toxins. Ecological fibres embody their commitment while organic cotton is much better for the environment and people than common or garden cotton. This brand has embarked on quite a few initiatives including, in 2019, the launch of the Berrizan Foundation which was set up to preserve and replant our native forests in the Basque Country. In their offices here in the Basque Country, all their designs start from scratch and are filled with love and dedication.
FROM BILBAO TO THE WORLD
From Bilbao to the world. These people are passionate about surfing, fashion and protecting the environment. So let’s take a closer look at basq.
Aitor and Iñigo are two guys from Barakaldo whose motto is “Be part of the change”. Together they have designed a range of surf shoes that are not only modern, unisex and incredibly comfortable, they’re also 100% recycled.
Aitor had the idea for this really neat project in Peru about 4 years ago, and they’ve now opened a physical shop in Bilbao. As the project was born out of their passion for surfing and their love of the sea, every design they make tries to help the planet as much as possible.
That’s why the soles of their shoes are made from recycled apple peels, scrapped Michelin tyres and old bicycle tyres. These shoes are unique and completely sustainable. The insides of the trainers are made of bamboo fibre less than 500km away in the only shoe factory in Spain to have all the sustainability seals.
Although they are a huge success all over Europe, especially in Germany, they have decided not to sell them more than 2000km from where they’re made because of the pollution that’s involved. Trainers with history and a great future.
ELECTRIC BICYCLES: TO BUY OR RENT
Bilbao is home to one of the best-stocked electric bike shops in southern Europe – they have more than 200 different models in their brick and mortar shop alone.
Motor Verde was launched in the spring of 2012, spurred on by those early experiences with electric bikes, and by a growing awareness of the need to offer environmentally friendly, efficient, economical and sustainable mobility. The team, with Ana in the driving seat, has its own in-store workshop and offers a specialised after-sales service.
They also install a conversion kit that turns conventional bikes into electric bikes, and they provide a rental service in case you prefer to try them out before taking the plunge or if you just want to enjoy one of these bikes for a day or a weekend.
DURABLE, REPAIRABLE, RECYCLABLE AND RECYCLED LOCALLY PRODUCED SHOES
Carla is behind this vivacious footwear that’s just bursting with personality. Created especially for urban cyclists, her shoes include such essential features as reflective material to provide greater safety for cyclists at night.
Set up in June 2019, Libertad Avenue has just opened a physical store in Bilbao La Vieja so their customers have somewhere close by where they can try her shoes on.
In Libertad Avenue they’re always looking for ways to make every part of the manufacturing process as environmentally friendly as possible, from their choice of materials to the people they work with, and a fair price for their work. Carla is quite clear about what her values and what the brand’s values are.
The firm is strongly committed to handmade products that last for years and years and can be repaired or altered as often as you like. That’s one of the advantages of working with your hands in a workshop where you can make things in a calm and relaxed way.
