The fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters, responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. As awareness of these environmental impacts grows, more consumers are demanding sustainable alternatives. At BTFD Shirts, we've made sustainability a core part of our mission, not just as a marketing buzzword but as a genuine commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while creating high-quality products.

Our Sustainability Journey

When we founded BTFD Shirts, we knew we wanted to create products that would stand the test of time both in style and durability – a natural extension of our "Buy The Fashion Dip" philosophy. But as we learned more about the environmental impact of traditional fashion production, we realized that true quality must include sustainability.

In 2021, we began a comprehensive review of our entire supply chain, from raw materials to packaging and shipping. This led to the development of our Sustainability Roadmap, a multi-year plan to transform every aspect of our business with environmental and social responsibility in mind.

Eco-Friendly Materials

The foundation of any shirt is its fabric, and we've carefully selected materials that minimize environmental impact without compromising on comfort or durability:

Organic Cotton

Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-intensive crops, requiring significant amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. Our organic cotton is grown without these harmful chemicals, using methods that maintain soil health and biodiversity.

We source our organic cotton primarily from farms in Portugal and Turkey that are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensuring not only environmental standards but also fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.

Recycled Polyester

For our performance shirts and certain design elements, we use recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles. This diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans while requiring significantly less energy to produce than virgin polyester.

Linen Blends

Linen is one of the most sustainable natural fibers, requiring minimal water and pesticides to grow. We use linen in some of our summer blends to enhance breathability while reducing the environmental footprint.

Ethical Manufacturing

Beautiful, sustainable materials mean nothing if they're produced in conditions that harm workers or local communities. That's why we've built partnerships with factories that share our values:

Transparent Supply Chain

We believe in transparency, which is why we publish details about our manufacturing partners on our website. Each BTFD shirt comes with a QR code that allows customers to trace its journey from raw materials to finished product.

Fair Labor Practices

All of our manufacturing partners are required to pay living wages (not just minimum wages), provide safe working conditions, and allow for collective bargaining. We conduct regular audits to ensure these standards are maintained, and we're proud that many of our partner factories exceed these baseline requirements.

Local Production Where Possible

To reduce carbon emissions from transportation, we prioritize local production whenever feasible. Our primary manufacturing facilities are in Portugal, which allows us to serve our European market with minimal shipping impact, and we're developing similar relationships in North America to serve our customers there.

Reducing Waste

The fashion industry is notorious for waste, from fabric scraps to unsold inventory. We're tackling this problem through several initiatives:

Zero-Waste Pattern Making

Traditional pattern making can waste up to 15% of fabric. We use computer-optimized pattern layouts to minimize waste, and any scraps that do result are repurposed into smaller items like pocket squares or donated to textile recycling programs.

Made-to-Order Options

For certain limited edition designs, we offer made-to-order production, eliminating the risk of unsold inventory. While this means a slightly longer wait for customers, it dramatically reduces waste and allows for more customization.

Sustainable Packaging

All BTFD shirts are shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging. We've eliminated plastic polybags in favor of compostable alternatives made from cornstarch, and our shipping boxes are made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard.

Our Carbon Footprint

We believe in measuring what matters, which is why we conduct an annual carbon footprint assessment of our entire operation. In 2022, we achieved a 35% reduction in our per-shirt carbon footprint compared to our 2020 baseline, primarily through:

• Transitioning to renewable energy in our offices and warehouses
• Optimizing shipping routes and consolidating shipments
• Implementing more efficient cutting and sewing techniques
• Working with suppliers who have their own carbon reduction initiatives

For emissions we cannot yet eliminate, we invest in verified carbon offset projects focused on reforestation and renewable energy development.

The Road Ahead

While we're proud of our progress, we know there's much more to do. Our sustainability goals for the coming years include:

1. Achieving carbon neutrality across our entire supply chain by 2025
2. Eliminating virgin synthetic fibers from our products by 2024
3. Implementing a take-back program for worn BTFD shirts to ensure proper recycling or upcycling
4. Developing innovative natural dye techniques to reduce water usage and chemical pollution

How You Can Help

Sustainability is a collective effort, and our customers play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of fashion:

Wash Less, Wash Cold

Up to 75% of a garment's lifetime carbon footprint comes from washing and drying. Wash your BTFD shirts only when necessary, use cold water, and air dry when possible to extend their life and reduce energy usage.

Repair and Repurpose

If a button falls off or a small tear appears, consider repairing rather than replacing. We offer repair kits with matching buttons and thread for all our shirts. When a shirt has truly reached the end of its wearable life, consider repurposing it as cleaning cloths or quilt material.

Share Your Feedback

We're constantly evolving our sustainability practices, and customer feedback helps guide these efforts. Let us know what matters to you and how we can improve.