People and Planet First verified!
At the end of last year, we applied to become verified by People and Planet First network which is stewarded by the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), thanks to their relationship with Social Enterprise Scotland.
To do this, we had to prove that we meet the below requirements:
Purpose: We exist to solve a social and/or environmental problem;
Operations: We prioritise purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions;
Revenue: We are working towards a self-sustaining financial model;
Use of Surplus: Your enterprise is committed to any surplus being used towards its purpose; and
Structure: We have a legal structure and financing that protect and lock-in our purpose long term.
Làmhan has chosen to become verified by People & Planet First as a reflection of our deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As a new charity dedicated to preserving textile heritage and promoting sustainable practices, we believe it is essential to align ourselves with an accreditation that prioritises ethical, community-focused, and environmentally conscious values.
Verification by People & Planet First reinforces our mission to provide high-quality education, support responsible consumption, and foster an inclusive, creative space for learning. By becoming verified, we aim to demonstrate transparency, build trust with our supporters, and connect with like-minded organisations working toward a more sustainable and socially just future.
Stock image from Squarespace on textile waste
This accreditation also supports Làmhan’s goal of securing a permanent base, as it highlights our dedication to long-term sustainability. By meeting the People & Planet First standards, we strengthen our credibility when applying for funding, forming partnerships, and engaging with our community. It also reassures our participants, donors, and collaborators that their involvement directly contributes to a socially responsible and environmentally conscious initiative. As we continue to grow, this recognition will help us expand our reach, enhance our impact, and further our mission of preserving textile heritage while promoting sustainable practices.
Our decision to seek verification is also driven by growing evidence from Textiles 2030 research and Zero Waste Scotland, which highlight the urgent need for environmental responsibility in the textile industry.
The UK’s textile sector is one of the most resource-intensive industries, with clothing and textiles contributing significantly to carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste. According to Zero Waste Scotland, textiles are the fastest-growing waste stream in the UK, with millions of garments discarded each year, many of which could be repaired, reused, or repurposed.
Textiles 2030, led by WRAP, emphasises the need for circular economy solutions, including textile repair, upcycling, and responsible consumption—principles that are central to Làmhan’s mission.
By embedding these sustainability goals into our work, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future, empowering individuals to reduce waste, extend the lifespan of their clothing, and make environmentally conscious choices. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is further strengthened by compelling statistics from Zero Waste Scotland and WRAP.
In Scotland, textiles constitute just 4% of household waste by weight, yet they account for nearly 32% of the carbon impacts of household waste.
Additionally, in the UK, an estimated £140 million worth (350,000 tonnes) of used clothing is sent to landfill annually.
These figures highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices in the textile industry, aligning with Làmhan’s mission to promote textile repair, upcycling, and responsible consumption.