For me, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a core value that guides everything I do as I build Pine & Palm. When I started this business I saw firsthand how harmful the manufacturing industry has been and how critical it is to advocate for better practices.
As we celebrate Earth Day, I’m taking a moment to reflect on our sustainability journey and share our goals for the future.
As you might know, the textile industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases, water pollution, and landfill waste, but I’m committed to challenging the status quo and leading toward a more sustainable future. Let’s take a look back on what we did in 2023 and I’ll share with you what we have in store for 2024.
What We Accomplished in 2023: In 2023, we took significant steps to reduce our environmental impact. And, really took the time to understand the problems we face to find areas that we can make a positive impact. In 2023, we:
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Became Climate Neutral Certified: Not only were were officially certified, by we offset 27 metric tons of carbon, reinvesting our carbon credits into renewable energy projects around the world. Some of these projects include the:
- Manantiales Behr Wind Farm in Argentina: Registered on the Verra Carbon Standard (VCS) Registry with a 2020 vintage, the Manatiales Behr Wind Farm project brings increased renewable power to the Argentinian grid, helping Argentina reach a target of 20% non-hydro renewables by 2025. This 99-megawatt project helps to displace non-renewable fossil fuel sources from the grid and diversify Argentina’s grid mix while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was commissioned in 2018, cost about $200 million to build, and has one of the highest wind capacity producing potentials in the world.
- Unitor REDD+ Project in Brazil: Located in Lábrea, Amazonas State, Brazil, which is the municipality with the fourth highest aggregate deforestation rate in Brazil between 2008 and 2020, according to PRODES data1. Municipal deforestation rates have risen year on year, from 3.8% in 2017 to 5.3% in 2020, making it a priority area for forest conservation worldwide. A consortium of 15 neighboring properties comprises the Unitor REDD+ Project, summing to 99,035.20 hectres of forest area, who have come together to develop forest carbon activities under the guidance, example and inspiration of the nearby Fortaleza Ituxi REDD Project.
- Eliminated Single-Product Plastic Poly Bagging: Did you know that status quo is for manufacturers to send every piece of inventory you purchase in its own plastic wrapping?! This is an INSANE amount of plastic, and for a company like us, is completely unnecessary. We have eliminated all single-product plastic poly bagging across all our product lines.
- Switched to 100% Recycled Packaging: With no plastic to mess with, we easily switched to 100% recycled packaging made by like-minded partners, reducing our reliance on virgin materials and supporting the circular economy.
- Partnered with Refugee Care Collective: With each inventory shipment, we have a number of Turkish towels with minor defects. These bath towels, hand towels and towel sets are completely usable, but I won’t sell them as they have these imperfections. So, I’ve partnered with the Refugee Care Collective to donate all unsellable but fully functional bath products to furnish the bathrooms of newly relocated refugees.
- Partnered with 1% for the Planet: In partnership with 1% for the Planet, we donated 1% of our revenue to organizations fighting our global climate crisis, supporting initiatives that align with our values and mission.
Our Goals for 2024: As I look ahead to 2024, there are so many things I’m excited for. I’m setting ambitious goals to further reduce our environmental impact, promote sustainability and focus on ethical manufacturing practices. Here are some of our key goals for the year ahead:
- Eliminate Upstream Shipments via Air Freight: We will eliminate all upstream shipments via air and send our textile shipments via ocean freight, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.
- Initiate a Sustainability Audit: We will initiate our first sustainability audit with our main supplier to identify areas for carbon reduction and work together to implement energy efficiency strategies for the products we produce.
- Publish Supply Chain Information: As consumers we’re so disconnected from how the products we purchase our made. I want to change that. I plan on publishing information on our supply chain so that our customers know exactly where, how, and who made their products, promoting transparency and accountability.
- Materials Assessment for Organic Cotton: With our main manufacturer, we will undergo a materials assessment to identify the benefits of moving to 100% organic cotton, prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Continue Supporting Refugee Care Collective: We will continue to support the Refugee Care Collective by donating all unsellable but fully functional bath products to furnish the bathrooms of newly relocated refugees.
- Join a Larger Community of Brands: I will join a larger community of brands committed to supply chain transparency, sustainability best practices, and ethical manufacturing, collaborating with like-minded partners to drive positive change in the industry.
How You Can Get Involved & Follow Along: I’m so happy you’re here. I know you care deeply about the environment and how our consumer behaviors can change the trajectory of climate change. Here's how you can join us in our sustainability journey and stay connected:
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay updated on our sustainability initiatives, product releases, and special offers by subscribing to our newsletter.
- Follow Us on Instagram: Connect with us on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes content, sustainability tips, and inspiration for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
- Shop Our Ethically Made Products: Support our mission by shopping our collection of ethically made Turkish bath towels, beach towels, peshtemals and home textiles.
- Make your bathroom more eco-friendly: From water conservation to choosing towels that use less energy to clean and dry, here are eight easy tips to help you create a more eco-friendly bathroom.
- Spread the Word: Help us spread the word about our sustainability efforts and encourage others to check us out.
- Connect with us directly: If you’re involved in sustainability work, or, have connections with within the space we’re always happy to connect and chat. You can reach me directly at hello@shoppineandpalm.com.
Thanks for reading along! We’re excited to share more updates as we continue through 2024.
