How to Celebrate Earth Day 2021: Our Commitment to Sustainability

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.    

Sustainable Fulfillment and Production:  

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. 

What we can do together: 

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: 

1. Support Pollinators: Giving native bees and other pollinators space at home and on the trail to do their thing is a great way to reinvigorate the environments around you. 
2. Clean Up Roads & Trails: Go on a walk or ride with a trash bag and help collect any plastic or garbage you may come across.  
3. Plant a tree or house plants: Trees and plants support life, capture carbon, cool overheated places, boost local economies, and bring an array of healthy wildlife. Find a conservation area in need or host a potting party with friends to get in the spirit. 
4. Reduce, Reduce, Recycle in the Garden: To reduce waste and save money, invest in a backyard composter or seek out those who offer free soil, sand, or other materials. Reuse old plastic pots and trays or other common household items in the garden. 
5. Donate to Environmental Protection Organizations: Several organizations exist to advocate for and protect the natural environment. If you feel inclined, investigate how to get involved or volunteer. Here are a few to get started with: 

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. 

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