If you do a search for most sustainable clothing lines Patagonia will show up in your top searches because of their design and materials. But, did you know that Patagonia has been giving back to organizations that directly impact the environment since 1985? Through giving 1% for the Planet, they have been able to provide $89 million to environmental organization efforts. Patagonia’s World Trout Initiative funds organizations who offer impact-oriented solutions for endangered salmon species. Through this initiative, Patagonia has been able to provide Ocean Blue with thousands of dollars for native trees to be planted in Oregon streams of the Willamette River.
2, Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher’s Vision 2020 is one of an entire industry where both “human rights and sustainability are not the effect of a particular initiative, but the cause of a business well run. Where social and environmental injustices are not unfortunate outcomes, but reasons to do things differently.” And the company is doing things differently. They have pledged to use all organic cotton and linen by 2020 and to use wool from humanely raised sheep on land that is managed sustainably. Eileen Fisher strives for responsible chemical, water, and energy use, reducing fabric waste, and lowering carbon emissions. The company also sponsored Ocean Blue’s Beach Clean Initiative and Wildlife Enhancement Projects for 2018.
3, Hanky Panky
Gale and Lida dreamt up Hanky Panky in the 1970s and have been setting trends ever since, like the fact that Hanky Panky has pledged to use cotton that’s 100% organic by 2025. When you buy from the Cotton with a Conscience collection, you’re buying fabric that is knitted, dyed, and finished in the Southeast USA, uses low impact fiber reactive dyes that require less water than conventional dyes. Flocked fabrics tend to shed fibers and are not a part of the Hanky Panky collection because the company takes the threat of synthetic fiber pollution to our waterways and marine life very seriously. Sustainability permeates the whole philosophy and practices of this women’s underwear company. We especially appreciate that they have installed filters to purify NYC tap water for their employees, encouraging everyone to use their own refillable cup or mug. This is a fantastic solution to using water coolers with plastic bottles. They are another proud Ocean Blue Beach Clean Initiative sponsor too.
4. SiiZU
SiiZU is an eco-friendly women’s clothing company with both quality and style in mind. Every piece of clothing is designed to only use 100% organic and environmentally friendly fabrics and the design team makes sure they utilize the fabric so that as little as possible goes to waste. This means no polyester and zero toxins. Since tree fibers are at the root of some of the fabrics SiiZU utilizes, they have partnered with American Forest to plant trees and help close the loop. This amazing company also supports Ocean Blue’s National Beach Cleanup Initiative! The clothing and jewelry offered by Siizu is beautiful, built to last, and comfortable beyond words.
5. Hope Made in the World
This clothing company is partnered with Verde Fulfillment USA, the first eco-friendly third party logistics center in the United States. Combining luxury with practices that are good for the planet, they also use GOTS-certified organic cotton and REACH-certified dyes and biodegradable wool. Their vision is of an apparel industry where craftsmanship and sustainability are not a luxury, but foundational core values. We love this company because their idea that “conscious clothing is not only possible, but necessary” is in direct alignment with Ocean Blue’s core values. They handpick and oversee each of their suppliers based on environmental impact, working conditions, and quality. Headquartered in Columbia, Ocean Blue is working to Create a Cleanup with Hope Made in the World for the Beach Clean Initiative that we aim to take international for 2019.
6. Vivo Barefoot
Vivo Barefoot offers shoes that reconnect the whole family with nature. The design of the shoe in itself is one that helps you feel more human and closer to nature at the same time. The company holds close the philosophy of treading lightly on the Earth and strives to use natural, recyclable, durable, and locally sourced materials. Their Ultra Bloom shoe is the first ever molded shoe made of algae which offers an alternative to the synthetic petrochemical EVA that is used in many of today’s shoes. When you wear a pair of Ultra Blooms you offset petroleum use while wearing a lightweight and waterproof shoe made by a company in support of Ocean Blue’s Beach Cleans.
7. Indosole
This certified B Corp is proud to turn #tirestosoles, taking what was once a landfill bound waste product and giving it new life. Indosole repurposes indestructible tires into the soles of some of the most durable footwear around. Using a toxic-free process, they pride themselves in using strong hands and strong minds to manufacture their shoes. Indosole also partners with organizations like Ocean Blue to do beach cleans, and give back to the environment and communities.
8. Oliberté
Oliberté is a sustainable shoe brand supporting workers’ rights in sub-Saharan Africa. Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this company established the world’s first Fair Trade Certified footwear manufacturing factory. Ocean Blue understands that when people are empowered and provided with opportunities to overcome poverty, then people, the environment, and our waterways all benefit. Oliberté high quality shoes are each handmade by well-respected employees and are offered to the world with a lifetime warranty. This company is leading the charge for workers’ rights and partners with suppliers, farmers, and craftsmen to create a product that their team and customers can be proud about making and wearing.
9. Looptworks
Ocean Blue is proud to partner with Looptworks, and just like Ocean Blue is based in Oregon with values centered on giving back to the environment. The name of the company is directly influenced by their long term goal of closing the loop in the manufacturing process. Looptworks products are upcycled so they automatically close the waste loop and conserve precious water resources. They “use only what already exists,” saving valuable materials that are otherwise landfill bound. They offer high quality apparel, bags, backpacks, and computer cases that also come with a lifetime guarantee.
10. Faeries Dance
Another Oregon based company, Faeries Dance offers an environmentally conscious shopping experience with a variety of eco-friendly fabrics and low-impact dyes. Products are sourced from socially responsible manufacturers and everything they do from printing invoices to providing packing materials is done with the environment in mind. To make eco-friendly shopping accessible to more folks, Faeries Dance prices all of their products from US manufactures below suggested retail prices and they donate 1% to environmental charities.
Happy shopping, everyone! We hope you have fun choosing quality products made by companies that care about our One World Ocean! Remember, you can also support the Ocean by becoming an Annual Ocean Blue Project Member! You can also ask the company you work for or shop at frequently to become an Annual Corporate Member. Reach out to Karisa (karisa@oceanblueproject.org) to find out how you can make direct impact in your own community, because all water runs downstream! Read More:
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