Over 90% of Bombus Products are made using discarded textiles, preventing them from ending up in landfill!

The Numbers

exact figures counted since 2025, 2022-24 figures estimated. last updated feb 2025

Pieces saved from landfill

Over 175 items of clothing and accessories have been saved from landfill by Bombus. This includes tops, bottoms, jumpers, bags and anything I've received that is already a product.

This number includes items I've not yet used to make a Bombus product.

Fabric Used

Over 75 metres of fabric has been used from the pieces saved from landfill to create Bombus products.

This reflects how much fabric has been reused and become part of a circular system.

I get this figure by working out the meterage of Bombus products that I've made from discarded textiles.

Items Made from discarded textiles

Almost 300 items have been made from discarded textiles. This includes Bombus' upcycled scrunchies, bags, zip pouches and so on.

The main products that aren't counted towards this figure is my natural dye collection as that fabric was purchased specifically for the dyeing process.

Where do I get my materials?

I've collected the clothing & textiles I use through a few different methods.

The majority of it comes from collecting clothing no longer wanted from my office space, family, friends and even my own wardrobe.

Occasionally I buy second hand items in pre-loved stores, charity shops etc if the pattern or texture is particularly interesting.

Some items I find because they've been dropped in the streets.

Before it can be discarded in another way and potentially end up in landfill, I take the items, wash and sort them to use as fabric for Bombus products.

What happens to items I can't use?

There are two situations where I don't use the items that are given to me.

The first is items I can't use because it's too stained, damaged or simply doesn't work for any products. What is usable will be utilised in patchwork and the rest of these textiles become stuffing for zero waste keyrings.

The second situation where I don't use items given to me is when I believe they'll be better used by someone else. For example, I donate all coats to organisations that will distribute them to unhoused people or others in need.

Times I Don't Upcycle

When donated textiles aren't suitable, I use the next most sustainable option available. This could mean organic, recycled, mended or deadstock (unused fabrics).

There are a variety of ways a material can be sustainable and finding that balance is important - saving a bunch of polyester from landfill is likely more sustainable than producing brand new organic fabrics, for example.

Be sure to check collection details to see how each product aligns with our ethos.

A big part of why my business exists is the nuances of sustainability. There’s a handful of different ways to define sustainability and not every fashion brand is clear about what they’re doing to be better for the planet & people on it. 

To me, sustainability is about balance and looking after each other, our planet and ourselves.

It’s paying makers a fair wage, being environmentally friendly and consuming products mindfully. It’s ensuring no one’s well being is put at risk for the sake of profit. 

So, that’s what I do at Bombus to the best of my ability. 

- Amber, Bombus Founder

Amber working, 2023

Production Values

Material use isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to sustainability. How products are produced is also extremely important.

Zero Waste: Where possible I design my products to create no waste. This means that the patterns can be placed perfectly next to each other and the fabric is cut out with no waste at all.

When there is waste: If a product can't be designed zero waste, I use the scraps in patchwork or as stuffing for my keyrings.

Self care: Whether it's myself or another small maker I'm working with, sustainability also means ensuring people aren't being taken advantage of. This means encouraging the practices of slow fashion to ensure no one is overworked & everyone is paid for their time and skill.

Made-to-order: I don't want my products to become like many of the items I receive so many products are made in small batches & further production only occurs if there is an order for the item. This means is a design isn't popular I can prevent waste and use fabric in a different project.

Fabric dyed by Talú Earth

Collaboration

Sustainability is also about ensuring people can live a comfortable life. Working with other makers and artists allows Bombus to uplift other, often over looked, creatives.

Anyone that hand makes products deserves to be recognised for their work.

Check out the makers page to see who else I'm working with.

Rainbow zip pouch from Bombus' pride range

Diversity & Inclusion

Sustainability & diversity go hand in hand. Creating a sustainable future means creating that future for everyone. All genders, races, abilities and identities.

As a mixed, queer & fat person, I'm particularly invested in contributing to global majority, LGBTQIA+ and plus sized communities.

You won't find gender markers on any products and every effort will be made to produce a range of sizes. If you can't find your size & the fabric is available, I will make another in your size at no extra cost.

Pride all year round: 25% of online sales from my Pride range will be donated to Trans Aid Cymru - a mutual aid fund that helps trans, non-binary and intersex people across Wales.

In progress repair using visible mending methods.

Repair Services

As an additional way to encourage circular fashion, I offer a repair service. Which is totally FREE for all Bombus bags & clothing.

If you want to breathe new life into your favourite clothes, my repair service starts at £25/item.

Find out more here!

Green Growth & Equality Pledges

Other Practices

Packaging

All packaging used is plastic free & fully recyclable.

Traceability & Transparency

I want my customers to feel confident that Bombus is being as sustainable and ethical as this page states and so I aim to be as transparent as possible about our materials, practices, production and every other part of the business.

If I haven't answered your questions on this website, I'm available via email or DM on instagram.

Accountability

To help keep myself accountable to all my sustainability goals, I've signed Bombus up to the Green Growth & Equality pledges via Business Wales.

Green GrowthEquality