Our Materials

Our organization is driven by a singular vision: to create superior products through processes that respect the environment. Sustainability is not merely a department within our company; it is the heartbeat of our entire operation. We are deeply invested in tackling critical global issues such as climate change, ethical labor practices, the humane treatment of animals, and the adoption of renewable energy, all while actively pursuing a future where our net emissions are reduced to zero. Our strategy for managing our climate impact is built on a structured, three-tiered framework that involves calculating our total emissions, systematically decreasing our environmental footprint, and investing in initiatives that actively pull carbon out of the atmosphere.

We view our carbon footprint as a vital diagnostic tool, a scorecard that keeps us honest about our ecological impact. We believe in total transparency, which is why we track and publish our data across five distinct operational categories. The first is our selection of materials. We consistently prioritize renewable and natural resources, such as wool, tree-based fibers, and sugarcane, because these biological materials possess an inherent ability to absorb carbon, helping us lower our overall impact from the very beginning of the production cycle. The second category is manufacturing. We recognize that industrial production is energy-intensive, yet we have found that by collaborating exclusively with partners who align with our values and prioritize efficiency, we can achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption.

The third area of focus is transportation. Every step of a product’s lifecycle, from the factory floor to our distribution hubs and finally to the customer’s doorstep, generates a measurable impact. We carefully consider the logistics of shipping and the complexities of returns to minimize the energy expended throughout this journey. The fourth category concerns the use phase of our products. We design our items to be durable and easy to maintain, encouraging users to adopt low-impact care practices—such as washing in cold water and air drying—which helps extend the lifespan of the product while keeping carbon emissions low. Finally, we address the end-of-life stage. We are actively fighting against the industry-wide trend of sending worn goods to landfills, where decomposition creates harmful greenhouse gases. Through innovative programs that facilitate the resale of slightly used items and partnerships that repurpose older gear, we are working to keep our products in circulation for as long as possible.

Beyond these specific metrics, our commitment to the planet is supported by foundational values that guide our entire corporate structure. We have maintained our status as a certified social enterprise for many years, a testament to our dedication to balancing profit with the well-being of people, communities, and the environment. While our headquarters are located in San Francisco, our influence and collaborative network stretch across the globe, reaching from New Zealand and Vietnam to Peru and Brazil. As we expand, we ensure that our growth does not come at the expense of our partners; instead, we aim to lift them up as they pursue their own sustainability goals.

Furthermore, we are deeply committed to the circular economy. Our dedicated marketplace for pre-loved and slightly imperfect goods allows our community to participate in reducing waste by giving these items a second home, thereby lowering our collective footprint. In addition to these internal efforts, we support nature-based projects focused on carbon removal that are aligned with our own supply chain. By looking at the big picture and focusing on both immediate reductions and long-term climate strategies, we strive to be a positive force for the planet, ensuring that our legacy is one of restoration and environmental stewardship.