November 4, 2021, by aczjb1
COP26: Meet the MSc student tackling climate change, one t-shirt at a time
Tom Sproull, 21, is currently studying MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management at the Haydn Green Institute. As well as studying for his Master’s, he runs a sustainable clothing business called Cove, inspired by his love of the outdoors and insights gained on his undergraduate degree.
“I’ve always been an outdoorsy, sustainably minded person,” he explained. “Over the last three years I completed a BA (Hons) in Geography with a strong focus on economics and sustainability. As part of my degree, I spent quite a lot of time researching the issues surrounding fast fashion and realised what a huge problem it is.”
A recent House of Commons environmental audit found that clothing production produces more emissions than international plane travel and shipping combined, and with three in five t-shirts bought today thrown away within 12 months, the casualwear industry is under scrutiny for its negative impact on the environment.
Through the use of recycled materials, biodegradable packaging and a commitment to plant 10 trees per sale, Tom strives to create high-quality, sustainable casual clothing that doesn’t harm the environment.
“I think tackling climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing us as a global nation,” he said. “I grounded Cove in my love for Cornwall and the outdoors, to create a coastal-orientated, causal wear brand, aiming to become carbon negative and inspire others to get outside and reap the benefits of the natural world.”
Tom’s entrepreneurial journey is only just beginning, and this year he enrolled on the MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management to increase his knowledge and skillset to prepare himself for the world of business.
“The MSc looks to teach you all the skills you need to successfully run a business,” he said. “With the business, I felt as though I had been making it up as I went along, so I hope to learn the skills I need to make Cove into a business that can truly do some good!”
Find out more about Cove at cove.clothing
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