PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2010

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE;

It has been five years since I ventured down the path of converting my apparel manufacturing business to minimize its impact on the environment. In trying to reach this goal, I discovered that more than 90% of a garment’s impact on the natural environment is out of my control. Or Is it?

There are two main stages within the life cycle of a garment that can negatively impact the environment the most.

The process of dyeing and finishing textiles/fabric is where significant harm to the environment can occur because large amounts of chemicals, dye stuffs, waste water, and energy are used in the process. The other process that can account for as much as 50% of the impact to the natural environment (depending on the type of fiber) is the maintenance of the apparel item once it is in the hands of the consumer, due to the energy used to wash & dry the item, detergents for cleaning and the disposal of the garment itself.

Once I understood the impact that these two processes could have, I found solutions and implemented systems that are verified by third party organizations. We now test wastewater and air emissions, and make sure no harmful dyestuffs or chemicals are used in the production of any components used to manufacture our clothing. I have also researched, tested, and verified the durability and energy use of certain fibers to create apparel collections that use less energy during the maintenance phase of the apparel life cycle. We are also “CLOSING THE LOOP” by offering the option of returning garments made of 100% polyester to be recycled back into new fabrics and eventually, garments.

What I have realized is that in order to make a significant difference, I need to take responsibility and get involved in the entire lifecycle of my product. Everything is connected. No matter where on the planet an environmental impact is occurs, all humans are affected. If I do not create systems to ensure the environment is being protected, then I am not a good businessman, as it is obvious to me that it is the natural environment that is sustaining my business. Without clean water and clean air, the ecology of the system which provides me with this business opportunity will cease to exist. More importantly if I do not take responsibility, it jeopardizes the health and safety of all the people on this planet, which includes me, my family, friends, employees, and customers.