All industries have an impact on the environment and the apparel industry is no exception. The key to reducing that impact is by focusing on practices that we can continue long term, without the harmful effects of traditional manufacturing. We are glad to be at the forefront of this movement with our selection of eco-friendly apparel. It is important for us to have the least amount of impact we can on the environment. It is why our magazine is 100% digital, our clothing shipping materials are made from recycled materials and/or are 100% compostable, and we are moving towards more organic and natural materials, such as bamboo and organic cotton, or RPET- recycled plastic bottles. We are committed to the well-being of our planet.  
We recently released our eco-conscious, I Am The Wild collection which includes t-shirts made from mixtures of organic cotton, bamboo, and RPET and are made right here in the USA. Our t-shirt manufacturer adheres to The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, from the harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible practices, certified by an independent third party. GOTS covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles, ensuring that both environmental and social standards, such as safe and hygienic working conditions, no workplace discrimination and fair pay rates, are respected. They are also members of the Organic Trade Association and all of their operating facilities and subsidiaries operate as fair, safe and non-discriminatory companies. Their USA made apparel is cut, sewn, picked & shipped by employees making a livable wage, in safe & comfortable working conditions. They encourage creativity & promotion and strive to provide a rewarding atmosphere conducive to personal & professional growth.
 
Why Bamboo?
Sustainable: Bamboo is an extremely fast-growing plant and can replenish itself in less than a year after harvest. It is an extremely resilient plant that does not need fertilizers and is naturally pest resistant so need for harsh fertilizers or pesticides while farming it.
Eco-Friendly: Bamboo is truly a wonder plant and absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air than cotton or timber. In turn, it releases more oxygen into the environment which improves our air quality. Bamboo is also biodegradable and will simply return to the earth quickly when put in a landfill.
Performance: Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch, bamboo feels amazing to wear. It is hypoallergenic, the fibers do not irritate the skin and is a natural solution for those with sensitive skin. Bamboo fibers are breathable and thermo-regulating and keep you comfortable whatever the weather; cool in summer and warm in winter. More absorbent than cotton, the fibers help wick moisture away from the skin.
 
Why Organic Cotton?
Sustainable: Organic Non-GMO cotton, that is grown without pesticides is a highly sustainable crop. It is 100% biodegradable and can be grown from seed to fabric in less than 180 days.
Eco-Friendly: According to a 2017 report by the Textiles Exchange, organic cotton uses 91 per cent less ‘blue’ water (from groundwater and surface-water bodies, such as freshwater lakes and rivers) than conventional cotton. Without the use of harsh fertilizers or pesticides, the soil remains healthy, water run-off doesn’t pollute the nearby rivers and groundwater, and farm workers are not exposed to cancer causing chemicals.
Performance: Unfortunately cotton as a “stand alone” fabric doesn’t make the best hiking shirt option for all environments but when mixed with fabrics such as bamboo or RPET it gains the performance it needs to be a great hiking short.
 
Why RPET?
Sustainable: RPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, or recycled PET.  RPET is made from recycled polyesters, recycled plastics and pure, 100% organic cotton with our shirts comprised of 50% RPET fabrics and 50% organic cotton, which is extremely high for the industry. These polyester & plastic materials are given a second life instead of ending up in the landfill.
Eco-Friendly: 90% less water is used in the making of RPET clothing, dramatically decreasing our negative environmental impact. Less waste ends up in the landfills and no pesticides/fertilizers are used.
Performance: RPET is a high-performance fabric. They last forever so you do not need to replace them as much as natural fiber shirts. They are extremely soft and flexible making them very comfortable to wear.
 
Although we offer RPET shirt options, we are aware of the issue with microplastics when these materials are washed that leak into our water systems. One solution we have found is to start using The Guppyfriend Washing Bag for the most effective hands-on solution against microplastic pollution from washing. It reduces fiber shedding and protects your clothes, filters the few fibers that do break, and is a daily reminder to change our buying habits and washing rituals. 

You can shop our Eco-Friendly clothing line here.

It’s desert hiking season! We love hiking in the desert this time of year as the weather is much cooler. Here are our top 5 tips for winter desert hiking to enjoy your time and stay safe.

1. Check the weather. If there is any rain in the forecast anywhere near where you are hiking avoid hiking any washes, canyons, or low laying areas prone to flash floods.

2. Bring sun protection. Even when the temps are cooler, you will still need to be covered up as most desert hikes have no shade.

3. Layer your clothes. It can be very cold starting your hike and then warm up later in the day. Consider wearing desert gaiters to help keep sand out of your hiking shoes + protect your lower legs from harsh plants. Bring wind protection as it can get very windy as well.

4. Always bring your ten essentials including a multi tool. Multi tools are handy for any accidental “cactus encounters”. Make sure you bring plenty of water as even in the cooler seasons reliable sources for water to filter are very rare.
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5. Know how to navigate with a map and compass. It is very easy to get disoriented in the desert as much of the terrain looks the same. Do not go off trail unless you have very good navigation skills.

Enjoy!

MMIW- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a movement that was started to bring attention to the widely disproportionate disappearance and murders of Native women and girls across the US and Canada. The numbers are astonishing as these communities are experiencing thousands of their women, girls, and LGBTQ2S individuals missing and murdered each year. Sadly, because of federal law, policies, lack of communication between state, local, and tribal law enforcement, it's almost impossible to investigate each case. Most of the cases go unnoticed outside tribal communities and there has been little justice for the victims and their family members and loved ones.

According to Lisa Brunner, executive director of Sacred Spirits First National Coalition states, "What's happened through US Federal law and policy is they created lands of impunity where this is like a playground for serial rapists, batterers, killers, whoever and our children aren't protected at all." It has been discovered that Native American women are more than twice as likely to experience violence than any other demographic and one in three Native women is sexually assaulted during her life, with 67% of these assaults perpetrated by non-Natives.

In homage to an ongoing issue close to their hearts, the women of Eighth Generation, a Native-owned and operated company based in Seattle, Washington collaborated to bring forth the “Sacred Sisters” Special Edition Silk Scarf created by Navajo artist and former staff member, Starr Warner (Diné).

Eighth Generation supports the work of ending violence against Native womxn and children. To do their part, 100% of the proceeds from the “Sacred Sisters” Silk Scarf will be donated to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, (NIWRC). The NIWRC is a Native-led nonprofit organization that provides national leadership in ending gender-based violence in tribal communities. NIWRC has also graciously offered a one-year and two-year subscription to their Restoration magazine in partnership with Eighth Generation. Learn more about the NIWRC and their vital work by visiting their website here.

About Eighth Generation's “Sacred Sisters” Special Edition Silk Scarf

Artist Starr Warner (Diné) is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) and Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan) of the Navajo Nation.
“I wanted this design for the 'Sacred Sisters' scarf to encapsulate the strength and beauty of Native women,” Star says. “In my culture, Lightning represents a powerful force of nature, and there would be no better way to describe our fellow Native Women.”
Star also incorporated the Navajo snowflake design to symbolize the dreary winters and dismal time for the MMIW and their loved ones. The design is intended to encompass the community’s sorrow, bless all future generations with teachings and bring forth happiness and beauty.

You can purchase your scarf and support NIWRC here:
https://eighthgeneration.com/collections/scarves-1/products/sacred-sisters-mmiw-silk-scarf