Whether you’re new to outdoor recreation or you’ve got some notches in your hiking poles, the love for nature is the same. We want our natural environment to stay healthy for years to come and if you’re anything like me you make an effort to live sustainably. Sustainable living is a journey, take it one step at a time and if you need a little help you can follow our journey at The Circular Initiative.
In my efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle I needed to find companies with the same values.
I found that many companies are switching to more sustainable practices, but I stick with the leaders of sustainable outdoor apparel.
These sustainable apparel companies have the same love for the environment that we do and hold themselves accountable for the entire manufacturing process. They continually monitor their consumed resources and look for ways to improve, they use recycled materials, and they even institute fair working conditions for all of their employees.
UNITED BY BLUE
Their materials are recycled, repurposed, and organic.
- Recycled polyester is made from old water bottles, and has proven greater durability than the polyester used by other manufacturers.
- The bison is repurposed from ranching materials that would have gone unused.
- All of the cotton used is organic which means no pesticides leaching into waterways.
At headquarters, over 75% of office supplies are recycled materials and energy sources are renewable. Employees are encouraged to participate in conservation volunteer projects and are compensated for their efforts.
United by Blue is my personal favorite because they go above and beyond, they don’t just throw money at the problem; they get their hands dirty.
- For every product sold 1lb of trash is removed from the ocean and waterways, and everyone on the team goes out and helps.
- Blue Friday: an organized event on November 23 where groups across the nation team up with United by Blue to clean up local green areas.
L.L.BEAN
L.L.Bean corporate headquarters are some of the leading among sustainable apparel companies in the nation
- All buildings are LEED certified
- All office supplies are recycled materials
- Recycling and composting in all buildings
- Almost all power comes from renewable sources, including the biodiesel used in distribution trucks
They ensure that all their materials are sustainable and eco-conscious.
- Cotton is all organic and sustainably grown in the United States
- Down is certified 100% Responsible Down Standard, which means the animals received humane treatment
- Recycled materials have kept 40 million plastic bottles out of landfills
L.L.Bean also contributes to many conservation funds and organizations across the country.
THE NORTH FACE
They have been actively reducing the amount of chemicals, water, energy and waste from their manufacturing process.
- Taken out the equivalent of 212 tanker trucks of chemicals since 2010
- Reduced water intake by 470 olympic-sized swimming pools
- The corporate headquarters operate on 100% renewable energy
They co-founded the Conservation Alliance, which is supported by many companies worldwide.
North Face created the Clothes the Loop take-back program that lets people turn in old gear to be recycled and reused to make new clothing.
COLUMBIA
They use recycled and responsible materials in all of their products.
- Polyester made from recycled bottles
- 100% natural down
Columbia created the Rethreads program (similar to North Face’s Clothes the Loop); people can return their damaged or worn out gear and apparel for repurposing.
Columbia continually gives back by contributing to the Conservation Alliance and the Ocean Federation
KEEN
These guys are great because they get involved locally and encourage their communities to speak up
- Political advocates and support for local advocates
- Volunteer in local communities and encourage employees to volunteer
- Donate products to causes
- Created grants that fund grassroots, non-profits
Responsible manufacturing is one of their main goals and objectives and they continually improve their process. Keen has removed harmful chemicals from all of their products and uses environmentally preferred leather.
As a bonus; here’s another sustainable apparel company leading the forefront of sustainable practices and environmental conservation:
TENTREE
Tentree does not specialize in outdoor gear, they have more casual items; think hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories.
Their stuff is great though, I’ve given some as gifts and everyone always loves it. Tentree, like everyone on this list
is concerned with the entire manufacturing process from fair working conditions to sustainable materials. They use recycled polyester, organic cotton, cork, coconut, and more that you wouldn’t normally think of. They’re another group that likes to get their hands dirty, for every item sold 10 trees are planted. As of November 10, they have planted 24,295,790 trees across the world.
Before you step back out into nature, think about where your gear came from, and stick with a sustainable apparel company.
Read more:
The Worlds Leading Sustainable Backpack Companies
Written by
Kaylee – The Word of the Wild
An avid adventurer and nature lover, my life’s pursuit is everything wild. I have a degree in wildlife and my passion is education, so I found my calling in Environmental Education. Basically,
I teach people cool stuff about nature and wildlife. I focus on bringing people closer to nature and living a sustainable lifestyle, follow me and we can explore together!
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