Our researched stances on issues that matter are driven by the planet and the people inhabiting it, even if they lose us sales.

“This is not philanthropy. This should be a cost of doing business. It’s paying rent for our use of the planet.”

~ Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia and 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet — From food insecurity and hazardous pollution to crippling natural disasters, the negative impacts of the environmental crisis affect people of color at much higher rates than other communities. We have been certified members of 1% for the Planet since 2021, with our donations going to environmental partners that fight for social and environmental justice. To receive certification, businesses must meet a high-bar commitment of donating 1% of annual sales to environmental causes.   

BIPOC in Fiber — We were among the first supporters of the crowdfunding campaign for this website and resource portal. Created in 2019 by Jeanette Sloane, Britain's most prominent black knitwear designer, she is also one of our favorite authors and a regular contributor to Finnish publication Laine. We continue to support Jeanette and her efforts to amplify and celebrate the work of Black, Indigenous and People of Color working in the fibre industry.

We've selected a third-party energy provider to supply our shop with electricity generated from 100% renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. 

Coffee Coffee Coffee! Even our coffee is sustainable! In the shop, we offer (and drink) coffee from Nespresso, a company that believes coffee can be a Force for Good. Recently certified as a B Corporation, reflecting 30 years of commitments to sustainability, Nespresso is committed to "building a better future with a regenerative approach." With their fully recyclable capsules, coffee grounds are transformed into renewable energy sources or compost, and capsules become new aluminum objects like new capsules, a pen, a bike, or a watch case (did you know aluminum is infinitely recyclable?)!

Through our Gift for Good program, we offer customers a 10% discount on their purchase in exchange for a $10 charitable donationwhich is divided equally among these three non-profit organizations: Steep Rock AssociationHousatonic Valley Association, and World Central Kitchen — all of which are members of 1% for the Planet as well.

We are committed to sustainable packaging, working primarily with EcoEnclose, a family-owned and operated business. They help us navigate eco friendly packaging and shipping supplies specific to our business operations so that we can ship as sustainably as possible. EcoEnclose prioritizes building a domestic supply chain and chooses domestic partners whose eco values align with theirs as part of their Sustainable Packaging Framework. 

Some examples of the shipping supplies we use:

  • Paper Shopping Bags: 100% recycled content, 95% post-consumer waste. Curbside recyclable & naturally biodegradable.
  • 100% Recycled Poly Mailers: 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waste, reusable tear strip, recyclable in thin film bins.  
  • EcoEnclose Bubble Mailers: 50.27% recycled content, 10% post-consumer waste, dual adhesive strip for reuse. The QR code design encourages recipients to reuse, recycle, or return these mailers to EcoEnclose for recycling (see Poly Film Take-Back Program link below).
  • Recycled Flap and Seal Bags: 100% recycled content, resealable adhesive closure.
  • Zero Waste Shipping Labels: 100% post-consumer waste, release liner that is 100% recycled AND curbside recyclable
  • Eco-friendly Stickers: 100% post-consumer waste, plastic-free protective layer, curbside recyclable with paper products
  • 100% Recycled EcoX Paper Mailers: 100% recycled content, 70% post-consumer waste*, curbside recyclable & naturally biodegradable
  • NOTES: If customers can't easily recycle plastic film, they can ship them to EcoEnclose for recycling through its Poly Film Take-Back Program. For a list of EcoEnclose's sustainable packaging terms, click here.

Companies that reflect our principles and values, with whom we choose to partner:

As you walk through our doors, you'll find natural and organic fibers (with interesting backstories)...ranging from American-grown Merino, Targhee/ Columbia, and Jacob sheep from local farms in Connecticut, New York, and Virginia — to fair-trade Cashgora, spun by rural women in some of the most isolated, traditional communities in the world. 

Our chosen partners support education; they empower women and help them become financially independent in places where that is often impossible (e.g., Ghana, Uruguay, Tajikistan, Afghanistan). We seek out small businesses that understand the importance of fair trade and encourage personal relationships among producers, buyers and customers...particularly those businesses that are family-, women-, LGBTQ+, or black-owned and/or run. We seek out products that are created in a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible way. We avoid the use of chemicals whenever possible and make every effort to support businesses that honor humans, animals, and the planet. 

We believe in karma. 

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

~ Anne Frank

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