Q: Please share what work is being done at Pingree toward sustainability.

A: We are looking to reimagine what the future looks like in terms of maximizing the well-being really of all living things and to us, that includes seven generations from now.

We pay a living wage to our makers, use quality materials otherwise destined for the landfill, and are working hard to eliminate all harmful chemicals and climate change-causing emissions from the entire life-cycle of our production and distribution processes. “

We look at the entire ecosystem input through output and beyond, asking ourselves, where does this material come from, what does it take to make this piece of steel that’s going into one of our bags, etc.

 By 2025 we are committed to Designing products so that we can source the majority of materials from the Great Lakes Region, have zero carbon emissions, and offer military-grade, fossil-free plant-based alternatives to leather and plastic. In short form, we’ve set the following goals to reach by 2025:

• Waste-free

• Toxic free

• Carbon negative

• Offer products made from plant-based alternatives to leather and plastic

• Source majority of materials from the Great Lakes Region

Q: How will you reach these goals?

A: Looking at the breakdown of these commitments we know it’s ambitious for our small team of nine. Conversely, being a small team allows us to be nimble. We can test out small runs of plant-based materials for our pet collars, etc.

Sourcing materials from mainly the great lakes region is really difficult. For example, there are only a few companies that make zippers and Velcro. But we also see that as an opportunity to support Midwest businesses. We also urge our suppliers to push the curve for standards of measuring and offsetting.

We’ve partnered with the auto industry to use reclaimed and underutilized materials from their production process.

Now, with 3-D printing and 3-D knitting, we are hoping to be able to bring production and supply channels closer to home.

When it comes to our carbon-neutral goals, we work to offset the footprint with renewable energy at our workshops. We participate in tree planting and reforesting efforts. Every product bought is offset in production and shipping.