Today, sustainability has become a cornerstone in the fashion industry, and companies like Toad&Co are leading the charge. Based in Santa Barbara, California, Toad&Co is an eco-friendly clothing brand that is making a significant impact by placing sustainability and ethical labor practices at the heart of their business model.
What sets Toad&Co apart? Let's delve deeper into the company's commitment to a greener and fairer planet.
Sustainability in Material Selection
Toad&Co's commitment to sustainability begins with the very fabrics they use. As of September 2021, a whopping 100% of their products are made using eco-friendly materials. These include organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester, hemp, and responsibly sourced wool. Each of these materials is carefully selected for its minimal impact on the environment, reducing water usage, chemical inputs, and energy consumption.
Organic cotton, for instance, is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, reducing the impact on soil health and biodiversity. Tencel, derived from sustainably harvested trees, is another preferred fabric due to its soft feel and excellent durability, plus the closed-loop production process which significantly reduces water and energy waste. Recycled polyester, often sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, gives a second life to plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills or our oceans.
Waste Minimization and Recycling
Toad&Co have also taken significant steps in waste minimization and recycling. In 2010, they launched the first-ever garment recycling program, Renewal Workshop, that cleans, repairs, and recycles unwanted clothing. Any garment that cannot be renewed is upcycled or recycled, ensuring that no clothing ends up in a landfill. In their words, they are "hell-bent on creating a circular fashion future."
Ethical Labor Practices
Beyond environmental considerations, Toad&Co also display a strong commitment to ethical labor practices. They believe in a fair and safe working environment for all their workers and comply with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) Workplace Code of Conduct. To ensure compliance, they only partner with factories that share the same ethos and can meet FLA standards, which include fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions.
Inclusivity and Community Building
In addition to their sustainability and labor practices, Toad&Co are also dedicated to social sustainability. They've partnered with Planet Access Company, a logistics provider that offers career opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. Through their partnership, they've been able to provide job training and employment to a marginalized section of the community, proving their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
A Commitment to a Greener and Fairer Planet: Afterglow Market Welcomes Toad&Co
As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their purchasing decisions, brands like Toad&Co are setting the standard for what it means to be a sustainable clothing company. Through their use of eco-friendly materials, dedication to waste minimization, commitment to ethical labor practices, and inclusivity initiatives, they are truly a brand that embodies the intersection of style, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Toad&Co's dedication to these values proves that it is possible to produce fashionable, high-quality clothes without sacrificing ethical standards or environmental considerations. As we look to the future, one can only hope that more brands will follow in their footsteps, embracing a fashion industry that is as good for our planet as it is for its people.
At Afterglow Market, we are incredibly excited to carry the Toad&Co brand. We believe in offering products that not only speak to our customers' style but also resonate with their values. Partnering with Toad&Co aligns perfectly with this mission.