Aussie Ark - Koala Ark Project
We are proud to continue supporting koala conservation. Koala Ark will be the world first and largest wild koala sanctuary. The aim for Koala Ark is to create a safe haven preventing extinction should the pattern of decline continue. $10 from the sale of every swimsuit sold from Blossom at our online boutique, will be donated to Koala Ark.
Koala Ark is a project of Aussie Ark, and will deliver the following actions:
• Protection of 7,000 hectare of Koala habitat within the NSW Barrington region through exclusion fencing
• Secure a wild population of 1,000-1,500 Koalas (Koala home ranges can be between 2-4 hectare per individual in suitable habitat. With over half of Koala Ark being preferred Koala habitat; over 1,300 Koalas will call Koala Ark home.)
• Protection from intense bushfire
• Weed management including removal of the invasive Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Removal of introduced species inclusive of horse, pigs, goat, cat and fox from protected areas
• Baseline surveys of fauna and flora present before and after protection of land is established
• Long-term monitoring of the sanctuary by field officers
Below is the budget list for the build and management of Koala Ark. These are some of the areas that our donations will go towards. Through our support we hope to help share and contribute as much as we can towards this project.
| Already completed | |
| Supply of accommodation, vehicles, equipment, machinery, resource | |
| Secured land of 7,000hectare of koala habitat in the NSW Barrington Region | |
| Yet to be completed | |
| $173 per hectare of land protected with feral exclusion fencing | $864,850 |
| Research and associated activities including radio tracking post release for 6 months in a wild landscape $2,233 per individual |
$111,650 |
| Bio-mapping and ecological survey of protected area | $20,000 |
| Weed management and site rehabilitation | $62,000 |
| Koala Hub / Joint research station | $25,000 (total cost of centre $180,000 split between multiple projects) |
| Fire Management (initial investment of machinery and proactive low intensity fire control) |
$80,000 |
| Long-term monitoring program | |
| 500 x $150 motion sensor cameras | $75,000 |
| 3 years x $45,000 time in the field by wildlife officers | $135,000 |
| TOTAL COST OVER 3 YEARS | $1,373,500 |
Time frame: 3 Years – Expected completion 2022
Born out of an appreciation for the natural world and an affinity for the outdoors, SHAPES IN THE SAND is an Australian swimwear and lifestyle label that has been contributing to sustainability within the industry for over a decade.
In 2012, Alexandra Dash founded SHAPES IN THE SAND while studying Fashion Production and Textile Design at Sydney’s Ultimo TAFE. Recognising the environmental impact of the fashion industry, Alex dedicated her final year to exploring circularity and responsible manufacturing, establishing the foundation for the distinctive playfully Australian identity that SHAPES IN THE SAND embodies today.
With a Diploma in Sustainable Living, Alexandra has not only crafted a unique brand but has also played a role in encouraging responsible practices within her community and the broader fashion landscape. SHAPES IN THE SAND stands as a testament to her commitment to both purpose driven design and environmental responsibility.
"Our commitment is to sustainably shape exceptional Australian made swimwear by implementing purpose driven approach. We strive to foster a movement towards thoughtful fashion decisions, empowering people to make choices that benefit both themselves and the Earth. Our purpose is to encourage and support the protection of native wildlife and habitat through community-based conservation partnerships." - Alexandra Dash
Circular Design
Circular fabrics form the lively canvas for the imaginative Australian textile prints of SHAPES IN THE SAND, each design celebrating the natural world with attention to detail and vibrant, colourful considerations. Since the very beginning, SHAPES IN THE SAND has consistently centred its values around circularity, local Australian manufacturing, and community-based conservation.
At the core of the labels commitment is a closed-loop system, where pre and post-consumer materials seamlessly reenter the production cycle, giving rise to new life. Fibres are sourced from diverse materials, including plastic waste destined for landfills, discarded ghost fishing nets, and other pre and post-consumer items like carpet fluff.
Fabrics, originating from Italy, adhere to the stringent OEKO-TEX® recycled standards, ensuring sustainability throughout our supply chain. Printing takes place locally in Sydney, Australia, using a method that is water-free and avoids harsh chemicals. This commitment not only guarantees the durability of our prints but also reflects our dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Through this eco-friendly approach, we assure you of vivid, enduring, and colorfast prints, inviting you to embrace both style and sustainability in every piece from SHAPES IN THE SAND.
Environment
SHAPES IN THE SAND swimwear is made locally in Sydney, Australia. We propel a minimal waste approach across all areas of the business. We consider the environmental impact of each process involved from the sourcing right through to the distribution of our capsule collections.
An outstanding commitment towards local conservation is recognised through the valuable partnerships we have formed. Supporting local not-for-profit organisations including WIRES Wildlife Rescue, BirdLife Australia, Aussie Ark and OceanWatch, Shapes in the Sand has provided critical support towards helping to protect vulnerable native species and habitat.
Local production
SHAPES IN THE SAND collections come to life through our partnership with a local swimwear manufacturer. A production house, run by the skilled artisans Raymond and Ivy, is a small family-run business based in Sydney. Operating with a commitment to sustainability, patterns are meticulously cut using minimal waste practices to minimise leftover fabric remnants. Any remaining fabric is carefully taken back to our studio and repurposed.
Each SHAPES IN THE SAND collection is crafted to be unique and is produced in small quantities, a choice to prevent garment waste and overproduction. We firmly believe in the philosophy of choosing garments thoughtfully and ensuring longevity. By adhering to these principles, we aim to make a positive impact on both the fashion industry and the environment, providing our customers with pieces that are considered and made for their intended purpose.
Our packaging
SHAPES IN THE SAND has a zero plastic packaging policy. Your swimwear is packed using only recycled, circular and sustainably sourced materials. All packaging comes from responsible certified sources.
Swing tags are made from 100% recycled card using non toxic inks for printing. Logo and Care Labels are made from regenerated fibres derived from recovered materials.
Swimwear bottoms and one pieces are lined with compostable hygiene liners, replacing the plastic ones that are widely used in the industry.
We're a Global Commitment signatory - part of the Plastics Economy to help eliminate problematic plastic especially within our manufacturing ; supplier to business where it's a little more challenging. Our Commitments are:
1. Take action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging by
2. 100% of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable
3. 100% post-consumer recycled content target across all plastic packaging
