sustainability at Salt

190,000 tons of microplastics end up in our oceans each year (source), many of which come from washing our clothes made from plastic fibres. We choose a large majority of natural fabrics for our clothing to drastically reduce the creation and release of microplastics to help keep our oceans clean. We choose natural base fabrics that have limited impacts on the environment during their creation including Organic Cotton, Tencel, Linen and Bamboo. For more information on our fabrics check out our fabrics page including detailed descriptions of each major fibre!

We work only with Canadian garment manufacturers to ensure a minimal amount of waste is created during construction. We pattern our garments, and produce on a schedule that creates minimal waste. Then, we transform what fabric is left into our coveted underwear and scrunchies.

All Our facilities are located in Vancouver, BC, making us a completely local production. Having our factories so close to home gives us the benefit of knowing the character of our factory owners and how they run their business, creating deeper transparency within our supply chain.

This close proximity significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions that typically result from the transportation of fashion in overseas production. We also choose to eliminate waste in transport by eliminating all plastic wrap typically used to protect each individual clothing item during transport. This means our clothing arrives at our shops completely plastic free with minimal paper used for protection of our products.  

Manufacturing in Canada also results in highly rigorous labour laws and regulations. The garment worker's rights are protected more closely than the typical garment worker overseas. They are also provided with living wages along with greater opportunities for career growth due to higher skilled labour positions within each factory. 

In our stores we strive to reduce the amount of retail waste that we produce by cutting out unnecessary products or finding more sustainable alternative solutions. These include: No garbage bags, Composting, Cleaning all plastic waste for proper recycling, and offering digital receipts only and post-consumer recyclable bags and packaging.

We ensure our products are never shipped in unnecessary plastic. This includes distribution from our manufacturing facilities to our stores. Our sustainable alternatives include: Tissue wrap made from 100% post consumer waste, All promotional material and packaging is printed locally with neighbourhood print shops to minimize emissions from shipping and keep our dollar moving through our economy.

We strongly encourage the use of reusables over single use items at our stores for all our staff. The 'no cup, no coffee" policy is strong here! We provide local coffee grounds and a coffee maker to encourage our team to eliminate the need for single use cups, especially with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Our shipping packaging mailers are made by Ecoenclose. Made from 100% post-consumer waste and are 100% recyclable. All additional packaging we use is 100% recyclable and when possible, we re-use cardboard boxes from our suppliers as shipping boxes for our customer orders.

We use plastic tape currently, but are looking into investing in a paper tape machine to eliminate this last piece of waste.

Washing your clothing in cold water to conserve energy also helps your clothes last as long as they can. Keeping your clothes out of the dryer if at all possible is great for conserving energy. Instead, hang your clothes, or lay them flat to dry. Not only will this prevent any shrinkage from happening to your clothes, but it will also help the item last longer by removing the added damaging effect of high heat from your dryer. You can also cut down on washing overall. Instead of washing after 1 wear, try to leave them for 2-3 wears to cut down on unnecessary water usage from washing. You can gage cleanliness by smell and proximity to the skin. For example, a tank top would accumulate sweat and dirt from the skin more readily than a sweater worn over other clothing layers. 

If your clothes happen to get holes in them or seams are coming apart after heavy usage, try stitching them back up yourself, or taking them to a seamstress to be mended for you. Some fixes are easier than you think and can add character to your clothes.

When you have decided your clothing item has no use in your closet any more, explore different options for the items disposal before throwing it in the trash! Clothing swaps are a great way to give your gently used clothing items a new life in a new closet! Try donating your clothes to local charities in need of lightly used clothing!

Before dropping items off at a larger charity shop, try finding organizations in need of donations in your area. This will help clothe those in your community while ensuring the item stays within the country. Many larger donation facilities sell the majority of the clothes donated in bulk to developing countries for profit, creating large waste and industry issues within those countries. 

If your clothes have stains or holes not worth mending, try turning the fabric into something new! Cut the sleeves off a jersey knit top to make a new tank for working in the garden, or make snack bags out of your worn out tank tops! There are so many fun projects waiting to be completed with your worn out pieces!

See if your city has a textile recycling facility. This is especially good to do with items that are 100% polyester or nylon, as they can be broken down and respun into new materials. If the garment is made from 100% natural materials, it can be composted in a composting facility to return to the earth at the end of its life.