Having a good day so far? Well, it’s about to get even better – because our latest ‘8Shades Of’ interviewee is the founder of Good Days, Libby Perry!

Good Days is a homegrown sustainable, ethically-made activewear brand that uses materials made from recycled plastic waste – meaning their clothes not only look and feel great but are great for the planet too.

We chat with Libby about her favourite eco products, how watching a film helped spark her sustainability journey and why turning plastic bottles into fabric isn’t as surprising as people think.

See also: 8Shades Guide To Sustainable Sportwear

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I’m the founder of Good Days, a sustainably-minded activewear brand for women, based in Hong Kong and made in Bali.

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

Like most of us, I became acutely aware of the issue of plastic pollution over the past few years through documentaries such as A Plastic Ocean. Through an advert for a collaboration between Prada and National Geographic in 2019, I also became aware of materials such as Econyl, which uses discarded fishing nets to create recycled nylon; from there, I learnt how plastic bottles can be reformed into recycled polyester for activewear.

I felt there was space for an activewear brand that focused on ethical production and sustainable fabrics, but that wasn’t only targeted at those shopping at the luxury end of the market. I aim for Good Days to be premium quality at an accessible price point and do this by operating as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand, keeping my overheads low.

3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

Investing in a good reusable water bottle and getting in the habit of filling it up and taking it with you whenever you’re out, so that you’re less likely to have to turn to single-use plastic.

My not-so-green habit would be long showers!

4. Fave eco products?

• Swell water bottles – they keep your water cool for hours
• Guppyfriend laundry bags – they’re a scientifically-proven filter to prevent microplastic shedding when washing synthetic clothes
• I just had a baby and Retykle is amazing for purchasing second-hand children’s clothes from great brands.

5. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong?

I love having breakfast out. My favourite would be the ‘half and half’ from Fineprint – it’s two slices of sourdough, one half with avocado and the other with tomatoes and feta. The shakshuka eggs from Blue Supreme are also great, as is the poached pear, yoghurt and granola from Elephant Grounds.

6. What are the most challenging aspects of developing a sustainable, ethical activewear line? And aside from fabrics, in what other ways does Good Days incorporate sustainability?

The most challenging aspect was ensuring that your manufacturers have the same values when it comes to ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes – from how they pay their workers to what kinds of dyes they use on the fabrics, to what they do with waste materials.

My recycled fabrics come from some of the top producers including Repreve and TopGreen. Working with known manufacturers ensures that the right accreditations are in place and you can be sure you are getting the quality of product you need. For instance, activewear must be durable and have a strong performance element, so it’s imperative that the quality is there alongside all the sustainable attributes.

Aside from our fabrics, we avoid plastic in our packaging by using compostable or biodegradable mailers and garments bags. Our hang tags are all made from recycled card and our tote bags are made from rice sack cloth too. Beyond the environment, we also place a big emphasis on people, and only work with ethical manufacturers who pay their workers fairly and provide benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

7. What is one thing about sustainable fashion that you think more people should know about?

People are often surprised at the idea of plastic bottles becoming clothing. However, if you were to check your clothing labels, you’d find a lot already contain polyester or nylon – which are plastic derivatives! So the recycled fabric we use is just as fit for purpose as using a virgin fibre for a garment.

8. What shade of green are you and why?

Teal green – it’s the shade I chose for the Good Days logo and reminds me of the sea.

Find out more about Good Days on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

Sign up for the 8Shades weekly newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox!