Sustainable Practices
TAKE CARE + BE KIND
Our mission to be sustainable is always evolving as we grow and learn.
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
Clothing production and fast fashion are among the leading causes of pollution on this planet and makeup 10% of all carbon emissions worldwide. (That’s more than aviation and shipping combined!) The competitively low price points of fast fashion items also contribute heavily to the mistreatment, poor working conditions, and, in some cases, forced slave labor of the very REAL people making these clothes. But we, as artists, makers, and consumers, can choose to stop participating.
We want you to feel GOOD about the clothing you buy, and we want to feel GOOD about making it! From the planning stages to the delivery of your new piece—and every step in between—we keep the community and the planet at the core of every decision we make.
MATERIALS
We only use vintage, deadstock, and sustainable materials in our clothing. Saving textiles from ending up in landfills and giving them new life is our passion. Whether that’s an old quilt, tablecloth, or bolt of vintage deadstock, we would rather create from materials that already exist.
SOURCING
Here in our tiny state of Vermont, it isn’t always possible to find everything needed for the creation of a garment, but making sure we are using USA-made eliminates the necessity of overseas shipping and the pollution associated with it.
PRODUCTION
Currently all of our products are made in our Vermont studio with Kat’s own two hands. Speaking about sustainability: We are always planning ways to grow our business, and a one-woman show just isn’t sustainable. As we plan our next steps, we weigh our options against our values. We will not hire more sewists until we can pay them a living wage. If we DO decide to get some of our products manufactured, choosing a sustainable company that treats their workers well—both emotionally and financially—will be a must.
TRANSPARENCY
Why are we sharing “maybe” and “future” plans? Because you cannot be truly sustainable without transparency and accountability. As a growing company, things are ever-changing, and you as our supporters will be the first to know about these changes. We aim to be an open book, so if you ever have questions about our practices, we’d love to hear from you. info@kittybadhands.com
SHIPPING
Your Kitty Badhands pieces will be shipped to you in a compostable package that was partially made from plants in a zero-waste process, from a certified carbon-free facility. Plus we think they’re really cute!
Check out the Better Packaging Company!
RECYCLE
We aim to use as much of the material we source as possible. You’ll often see us using the scraps from a quilt coat to make a hat, bag, etc. However, it’s not always possible to use things up 100%. That is why we donate our scraps to local artists, other makers, and anybody who wants to get crafty. If you’re interested in our scraps please get in touch. info@kittybadhands.com