We Care.

All industries have an impact on the environment and the apparel industry is no exception. The key to reducing that impact is by focusing on practices that we can continue long term, without the harmful effects of traditional manufacturing. We are glad to be at the forefront of this movement with our selection of eco-friendly apparel. It is important for us to have the least amount of impact we can on the environment. It is why our magazine is 100% digital, our clothing shipping materials are made from recycled materials and/or are 100% compostable, and we are moving towards more organic and natural materials, such as bamboo and organic cotton, or RPET- recycled plastic bottles. We are committed to the well-being of our planet.

We recently released our eco-conscious, I Am The Wild collection which includes t-shirts made from mixtures of organic cotton, bamboo, and RPET and are made right here in the USA. Our t-shirt manufacturer adheres to The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, from the harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible practices, certified by an independent third party. GOTS covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles, ensuring that both environmental and social standards, such as safe and hygienic working conditions, no workplace discrimination and fair pay rates, are respected. They are also members of the Organic Trade Association and all of their operating facilities and subsidiaries operate as fair, safe and non-discriminatory companies. Their USA made apparel is cut, sewn, picked & shipped by employees making a livable wage, in safe & comfortable working conditions. They encourage creativity & promotion and strive to provide a rewarding atmosphere conducive to personal & professional growth.

Why Bamboo?
Sustainable: Bamboo is an extremely fast-growing plant and can replenish itself in less than a year after harvest. It is an extremely resilient plant that does not need fertilizers and is naturally pest resistant so need for harsh fertilizers or pesticides while farming it.
Eco-Friendly: Bamboo is truly a wonder plant and absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air than cotton or timber. In turn, it releases more oxygen into the environment which improves our air quality. Bamboo is also biodegradable and will simply return to the earth quickly when put in a landfill.
Performance: Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch, bamboo feels amazing to wear. It is hypoallergenic, the fibers do not irritate the skin and is a natural solution for those with sensitive skin. Bamboo fibers are breathable and thermo-regulating and keep you comfortable whatever the weather; cool in summer and warm in winter. More absorbent than cotton, the fibers help wick moisture away from the skin.

Why Organic Cotton?
Sustainable: Organic Non-GMO cotton, that is grown without pesticides is a highly sustainable crop. It is 100% biodegradable and can be grown from seed to fabric in less than 180 days.
Eco-Friendly: According to a 2017 report by the Textiles Exchange, organic cotton uses 91 per cent less ‘blue’ water (from groundwater and surface-water bodies, such as freshwater lakes and rivers) than conventional cotton. Without the use of harsh fertilizers or pesticides, the soil remains healthy, water run-off doesn’t pollute the nearby rivers and groundwater, and farm workers are not exposed to cancer causing chemicals.
Performance: Unfortunately cotton as a “stand alone” fabric doesn’t make the best hiking shirt option for all environments but when mixed with fabrics such as bamboo or RPET it gains the performance it needs to be a great hiking short.

Why RPET?
Sustainable: RPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, or recycled PET. RPET is made from recycled polyesters, recycled plastics and pure, 100% organic cotton with our shirts comprised of 50% RPET fabrics and 50% organic cotton, which is extremely high for the industry. These polyester & plastic materials are given a second life instead of ending up in the landfill.
Eco-Friendly: 90% less water is used in the making of RPET clothing, dramatically decreasing our negative environmental impact. Less waste ends up in the landfills and no pesticides/fertilizers are used.
Performance: RPET is a high-performance fabric. They last forever so you do not need to replace them as much as natural fiber shirts. They are extremely soft and flexible making them very comfortable to wear.

Although we offer RPET shirt options, we are aware of the issue with microplastics when these materials are washed that leak into our water systems. One solution we have found is to start using The Guppyfriend Washing Bag for the most effective hands-on solution against microplastic pollution from washing. It reduces fiber shedding and protects your clothes, filters the few fibers that do break, and is a daily reminder to change our buying habits and washing rituals.

You can shop our Eco-Friendly clothing line here.