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tentree – Eco-clothing that Gives Back

tentree’s name tells the story: ten trees are planted for every item purchased. They’ve now planted over 25 million. These trees have helped to restore damaged ecosystems, remove pollution from the atmosphere and provide jobs. The company is also working to reduce the negative impacts of the apparel industry on both workers and the environment.

Dave Luba and Kalen Emsley, the co-founders of tentree, spent as much time outdoors as was possible given their business school schedules. According to the Financial Post*, the two were hiking in Hawaii when they first heard of TOMS shoes’ One for One model of giving back. It inspired them to create their own business that gave back to the environment.

tentree clothing is made for life outdoors. The styling is classic but with subtle details that set it apart. As creators of eco-friendly clothing, their choice of fabrics is driven in large part by sustainability. You’ll find blends that can include organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, Tencel, modal and linen, all chosen with an eye to reduced water consumption and no pesticides.  Buttons are made of long lasting coconut shell rather than plastic. And tentree is incorporating the use of natural biodegradable dyes in their clothing when possible, with a resulting nuanced color palette.

Certified B Corporations meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. tentree is a member in good standing in the group of Certified B Corporations along with Patagonia, TOMS, Ben & Jerry’s and Seventh Generation. These companies work to reduce inequality, lower levels of poverty, create a healthier environment, stronger communities, and quality jobs with dignity and purpose.

Originally, tentree clothing was made in the US and Canada. But to keep up with demand, they now work in partnership with mills and factories in five different countries, carefully selected so they can offer products they’re proud to stand behind both ethically and environmentally and, as a result, plant even more trees. You can find a list of their current manufacturing partners and the programs to protect workers and the environment on their website.

tentree is focused on more than just planting trees. They’re changing lives. Not only does reforestation revitalize dry arid soil and provide a substantial oxygen supply, but it directly benefits locals living in the area by providing wood for fuel, food, and fodder for livestock, as well as permanent and seasonal employment. They’ve partnered with non-profits across the planet to ensure tentree has a truly global footprint, and can best identify the regions that will benefit most from planting.

tentree can have an incredible impact on the ecosystems where they plant. All trees planted are local species. They use "pioneer" species to ensure survival and aim to plant in areas that have the greatest need. This includes Madagascar, where Mangrove forests have been devastated, leaving locals with infertile farm land and completely wiping out thriving ecosystems. Trees have also been planted in Senegal, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, Haiti, Canada and the United States.

What you wear matters. The tentree goal is to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. Twenty five million down; 975 million to go…