Following yesterday's release of its third Transparency Report, Ragtrader asked Elk co-founder Marnie Goding, what are three things you've learned in the pursuit of transparent fashion?
1. It is the ultimate test of patience.
Pushing for major transformation takes time and you cannot expect change overnight even though it's what you want and what the industry needs.
2. To be totally transparent you need to be rock solid with data and information and to be clear with reporting.
If there is any shred of doubt around a claim, then don't make it; our mission is total honesty avoiding greenwashing at all costs.
3. That customers are ok if what you're doing isn't perfect as long as you can demonstrate plans for improvement.
We were so scared of admitting that we didn't have everything perfect even though we had made so much great change, so bringing our community along the journey with us through the reports helps everyone internally and externally see where we are at now and where we are heading.