Apparel companies, beware.
Brand of the Free company specializes in t-shirts and totes. The difference between a Brand of the Free t-shirt and shirts sold elsewhere? Brand of the Free t-shirts are 100% American-made, 100% USDA certified organic, and sweatshop-free.
The company debuted its national online store yesterday. With the release of its site, the company's famous t-shirts may not only have set new expectations among eco-conscious consumers. But now it may be able to reach more purchasers through the web.
The company specializes in 100% American organic cotton tees that are made in the U.S. “In offering our 100% organic cotton tees, we can satisfy a growing consumer base requesting high quality, eco-friendly, American made products. The goal is to look great while remaining socially responsible.”
To top it off, the company uses low impact ink and applies fair wage practices within the company.
“Low quality imports are not only taking advantage of workers overseas, but taking a bite out of our economy. Wear our apparel with pride, knowing that every item sold helps keep an American working at a good job and earning a fair wage.”
One criticism of the company’s product model is that it uses non-recycled cotton. While the shirts are made of organic cotton, a far more sustainable alternative than the conventional kind, any clothing made from new, raw materials strains the environment. For example, according to the Environmental Health Perspectives, the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste reported that in 2006 each American threw away 68 pounds or more of clothing and textiles. Without Americans recycling, clothes made from raw materials may mean more waste in landfills.
If the company decided to use for its products 100% recycled fabrics, such as recycled cotton, or refurbished old t-shirts, it would be the first ever of its kind to produce affordable fashion of this sort. That kind of success story would provide insight to others. And it would set the bar on how sustainability and fashion together can make for better business.
At a glance, the gist of the t-shirts, while nothing new, are fashionable. The shirts come in a variety of solid colors. And each display a minimal graphic design. Some include emblems for American pride and the environment. Each has a $30 price tag.
Comments
T-shirts and totes are nice
T-shirts and totes are nice and all, but when will more companies make a wider variety of clothing utilizing organic fabrics? I'm talking about dress shirts, pants, blouses, etc. Most people have more in their wardrobe than just t-shirts.
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