WHY WE MADE THIS: GIVING GARMENTS

How can a toque change the world? Well, quite frankly, it can't. But it can make a real positive impact on the world, and there's something to be said about fashion products that give back more to the world than they take from it. Can you actually buy socially conscious clothing? It's our mission to empower you to do so.

There is no hiding the fact that the fashion industry is damaging to the planet. From the poverty level wage costs to the toxic chemicals and dyes that are released into streams and rivers, there is no shortage of ways that clothing does damage. But what if it didn't have to? What if clothes could be used as a way to empower people - by paying a liveable wage, by removing waste from the world, rather than creating it, and by actually giving more back. 

If you've ever wanted to make a difference with your dollar, now is the time. 

For the past four years, we here at Local Laundry have been working on, and iterating our Giving Garments™. We're biased, but we truly think that this year, is our best year yet. Here's why.

Back in 2017, we made the conscious decision that we were ending all overseas production. The more we learned about how damaging the industry was, the more we realized that we were not interested in contributing to it. Instead of shutting the company down and walking away, we decided there was a way we could change it. We onshored all of our production to Canadian soil, working with local factories. Factories that paid a fair wage, treated their employees with love and respect, and happily abided by the strict environmental and labour laws that prevent the damage caused in so many other countries, to happen here. 

Traditionally, our Giving Garments™ were launched to give back. For every toque sold, we donate a toque to a shelter in need. Over 5000 Giving Garments have been donated to shelters across Canada since inception. 

Above and beyond the give back model, this year the toques are made from recycled polyester, which is a yarn derived directly from recycled pop bottles. Diverted from landfills and oceans, these pop bottles are then turned into a surprisingly soft material that can then be turned into clothing. In our case, toques! 

We're really proud of the fact that not only will thousands of toques and socks be donated to shelters across Canada this winter, but over 20,000 pop bottles were also recycled in the process of making these toques. Purchase this toque online, and we'll carbon offset your shipping. 

While this toque may not change the world, it can change your opinion on the fashion industry being damaging to our planet. It will hopefully change your opinion on a small business's ability to make an impact. At the very least, we hope it will allow you to give back this winter while looking good in your new toque. 

Shop now to make an impact with your clothes.