All of us at Sustainable Collective have a story of why we are so committed to what we do. We are a collective vision of eco and social change. Working to do our part in everyway we can. Planting seeds to create something bigger for all.
We call our mission S.E.A.D.S
SUSTAINABLE: our fabrics, dyes, printing, labels, packaging...
Much of what we make is definitely certified organic. But we also explore recycling and using fabrics and trims from recycled sources, both pre-consumer and post-consumer. We also pursue alternate fabrics like hemp, organic wool and Ahimsa silk.
Our color dyer is GOTS certified, which maintains strict regulations on everything from the machinery to the way the waste water is treated. And because we are mad scientists at heart… each season we introduce a new signature color that is completely custom and made entirely without any kind of toxic chemicals (even edible! Like teas, weeds, bark and roots). Our labels and hangtags are recycled. We ship in 100% compostable bags.
ETHICAL: all labor is fairly-paid in the USA and we are members of 1% for the Planet.
Nothing is sewn anywhere but USA. Many of our fabrics are grown and knitted in the US. We are working hard to avoid buying into a supply chain of countries that have history of poor labor practices. We acknowledge the fashion industry is a force and can be used as a means to create positive business with integrity.
AUTHENTIC: no greenwashing here. We research and certify our sources.
We don’t just buy. We don’t take someone’s word for it. We get to know our suppliers. We ask a lot of questions… sometimes finding out more than we want to know. We request certificates and legal documents.
And since making clothing requires a lot of driving from one contractor to another…. We run our Dodge Sprinter on Biodiesel fuel! (made in USA too) We drive hybrid and biodiesel cars, and some of us ride our bikes to work. Our office is painted with low- VOC paint. We eat organic and brew up strong batches of fair-trade teas when we need a kick-start in the morning.
DIRECTIONAL: forward-thinking fashion for eco-fashionistas and mister greens. We have this approach that we will always be highly eco-conscious… but we love wrapping it up in inventive designs that speak to the high-fashion side of your closet. We hope you always find something in our line that makes you feel like you’ve taken a bit of a risk, as well as styles that will be your favorite for many years to come.
SOCIAL: give-back programs and social projects
Our membership with 1% for the Planet has brought us to work with Global Green USA and thru this we support our region and its eco-challenges, as well as those of the wider community. Our kids line has a wonderful two-fold back story; we donate to The Children’s Village in Haiti, and also provide pre-paid boxes with each purchase to allow a child to send needed items to the children living in the Children’s Village. We involve our own kids in this path and are blessed to hear the wisdom and truth that comes thru their small voices.