April 20, 2021
We all know that riding your bike or cycling has diverse and far-reaching benefits. Whether it be physical exercise, stress relief, or fostering social connections with others, cycling can bring an array of positivity into life. Not to mention the benefits it has on the earth and the people around us.
At Thread + Spoke, we believe in the power of being environmentally conscious and caring for the natural elements that sustain our passions. As a result, and given the special occasion that is Earth Day this April 22nd, we wanted to highlight our efforts to make the world a better and more healthy place. Whether it be the sustainable design of our production and fulfillment procedures or the personal efforts we are all capable of implementing into our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint, anything can make a difference.
It’s no secret that there are an array of non-sustainable practices in the apparel production industry. Some of these damaging practices include the overproduction and amount of excess waste deposited in landfills each year. It’s estimated that around 25 percent of manufactured apparel goes unsold. This means that natural resources are often wasted in the effort to cut costs and overproduce unwanted garments.
At Thread and Spoke, our efforts to reduce waste and carbon emissions extend into our both production and fulfillment practices. Our ‘build to order or ‘print on demand model helps make apparel production a cleaner, more sustainable, and responsible enterprise. Digital printing capabilities allow us to eliminate waste by exclusively and quickly producing items once they are sold. More than that, Thread and Spoke digital printing utilizes the most advanced technology engineered for sustainability.
Our water-based NeoPigment inks are free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APE), making them both non-hazardous and non-toxic. This water-free printing system eliminates hazardous and costly external processes like pretreatment, steaming, and washing As a result, these water-based inks and energy-saving processes make for the most eco-friendly printing solution on the market.
On a micro level, we are all capable of implementing eco-friendly practices like cycling to work or the store. While it’s difficult to estimate the impact of these small efforts, they do make a difference. Cycling has a carbon footprint of about 21g of CO2 per kilometer. Comparatively speaking, that’s less than walking or getting the bus and less than a tenth of the emissions of driving. If riding to work or the store just isn’t possible, the following activities and practices can easily be implemented into your mindset and routine. Take some time this Earth Day to give back:
Rails-to-Trails: is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that reimagines public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
Climate Ride: is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that organizes life-changing charitable biking, running, and hiking events to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation, and environmental causes.
The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
There is no better time to start caring for the environment than now. This year, make Earth Day a special occasion to take action. No matter the extent of your efforts, anything makes a difference. More than that, explore our special Earth Day apparel as a show of your commitment and love for the environment. For everything else cycling apparel, visit Thread + Spoke collections today.
April 04, 2023
Road bikes and gravel bikes are two popular types of bicycles that are designed for different purposes. Road bikes are specifically designed for speed and efficiency on the tarmac, while gravel bikes are built for versatility and durability on unpaved roads and mixed terrain. In this article, we will compare and contrast road bikes and gravel bikes to help you decide which one is right for you.
March 07, 2023
When it comes to mountain biking brakes, two of the most popular brands are SRAM and Shimano. Both companies offer high-quality products, but there are a few differences between them that may influence which one you choose to put on your cockpit.
August 31, 2022
As an avid mountain biker, it can seem that the quest to find the perfect brake can be a never-ending task. Too much bite sends you over the bars. Too little, and you’ll find yourself at the bottom of the cliff. Well, I think I may have found the perfect brake and it’s a bit out of the ordinary... In my opinion, the Hayes Dominions are the best mountain bike brake on the market.