This is a post via Timberland—an Elephant Mindful Partner. We’re honored to work with mindful companies such as Timberland—dedicated to preserving our planet and improving people’s lives, as well as making quality, ethical urban outdoor gear. ~ Ed.

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“I think business can be the largest force for good in our planet’s history.”
~ Ian Rosenberger, Founder, Thread International

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This is Proof that Big Co. Can Do Good, and that Most People Do Give a Damn.

And It’s pretty cool to see men leading the way, here, when it comes to caring.

Caring about the planet, that is, and the impact of our clothing choices on it.

Timberland recently conducted a survey on wardrobe values— and men, perhaps surprisingly, came out tops as more likely to care about whether or not their clothes are eco-friendly.

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wear your values: shop timberland today 

One thing both men and women seemed to agree on though was the types of materials that are a priority when it comes to eco-fashion.

Out of over 1,000 men and women, 47% said they opt for organic cotton or cotton that is produced in a way that minimizes impact on the environment, 34% said they seek out products made from renewable materials, and 30% look out for recycled PET (like plastic bottles).

We tend to agree on how important responsible materials are, which is why we were encouraged to see just how much eco-consciousness is built into the very fabric of what Timberland does. Quite literally.

They use all three of these materials in their products.

These are no ordinary boots.

Sure, they’re good looking and hard working—they’re Timberlands after all.

But they’re also more than that.

They’re responsible, innovative, and forward-thinking: the future of eco-conscious fashion.

Timberland is making strides in their commitment to preserving the outdoors. Like most in the industry, they still have plenty of room for improvement, but this is what caught our attention when we dug in a bit. We’re pretty wary of “green washing,” but these values really do seem to be embedded in their culture, from the ground up.

They work hard to make their products as responsibly as possible, to protect the outdoors, and to serve communities, both locally and globally.

Eco-friendly goes hand in hand with people-friendly.

Timberland’s commitment to corporate responsibility benefits small-scale business owners and entrepreneurs in countries currently enduring the effects of global climate change, like Haiti.

The Timberland X Thread line an example of the kind of work they’re doing toward more sustainable and ethical fashion.

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wear your values: shop timberland today 

These boots are made with Thread International’s recycled Ground to Good™ fabric. Thread is a Certified B Corporation on a mission to end poverty by using waste as a resource and supporting responsible, traceable supply chains.

They work with local people to transform plastic bottles from the streets and canals of Haiti (as well as Honduras and Taiwan) into one of the most responsible fabrics on the planet.

Beyond the environmental benefits of recycling plastic bottles, the collaboration also helps create meaningful change for the people of Haiti.

Hard-working entrepreneurs like Sevenet, Mirlande, and Clenord live in some of the poorest neighborhoods in Haiti, but have been able to transform their lives, support their families, as well as their larger communities by employing others, and ultimately use an otherwise polluting waste product to help end the cycle of poverty.

The project is only one part of Timberland‘s longtime commitment to support communities in Haiti.

“We’re constantly seeking innovative ways to create both social and environmental value, and are excited to continue making a difference in Haiti and in all the communities where we live, work and explore.”

~ Colleen Vien, Sustainability Director for Timberland.

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Timberland is passionate about protecting our outdoors.

They have a commitment to bring nature back to the city through urban greening, in their five-year commitment to bring nature back to the city through urban greening. To date, they have restored and renovated more than 57,000 square feet into green spaces for communities in New York and Philadelphia. So be on the lookout—Timberland could be coming to your city next.

In addition, Timberland has a global commitment to tree planting and has planted over 9.2 million trees since 2001, with a goal to reach 10 million by 2020.

“A big part of [being Earthkeepers] is pulling on our boots to serve in our communities. We’re committed to protect and restore the outdoors, but not just the great outdoors; also the city parks, community gardens, and green spaces people explore every day.” ~ Colleen Vien

So, what are your wardrobe values?

wear your values: shop timberland today 

With spring (finally) in the air—it’s the perfect time to do some spring cleaning, starting with your wardrobe.

Seventy percent of Timberland’s survey-takers said that donating to charity was how they chose to get rid of older clothing.  But men—although leading the pack when it comes to eco-conscious buying—need to step up their donation game. Women are 14% more likely than men to give their clothes to charity, while a whopping 82% of men are more likely than women to throw their old clothes away. Need help?

Timberland’s new partnership with Community Recycling makes it easier to give your old clothes new life.

(Psssst: this is also how you score 10% off.)

Nearly 80% of Americans wish brands and retailers would sell more clothing options that are better for the environment. Well, we’re with that 80%. And Timberland is making it easy to go green this Earth Day, with shoes, jackets, and bags that will make you look as good as you’ll feel knowing that by wearing them, you’re making a positive impact on the environment in which we live, as well as uplifting some of the communities most affected by climate change.

We may disagree about a lot of things, but it’s encouraging to see more and more of us do agree that the hottest thing in fashion is eco-consciousness.~

wear your values: shop timberland today 

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Relephant Bonus: Waylon unboxes his new Timberland Boots.

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Editor: Khara-Jade Warren