Bootlegger Beanies and a Plastic Free Future

The harmful effects of plastics on the environment and on human health have dominated headlines recently. Take, for instance, a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, in which host John Oliver highlights the ineffectiveness of recycling programs and the prevalence of so-called “microplastics” in the oceans and food chain. Similarly, the United Nations notes that these “microplastics” can also be found in the soil and drinking water, and while the health impacts on humans aren’t fully understood, they have been found to negatively impact the physiology of fish. This onslaught of information can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing, but one thing is abundantly clear - plastics are threatening the health of the Earth and its inhabitants, including us. 

Knowing this, Bootlegger Beanies founder Jason Cardoso decided from the start each Bootlegger Beanie would be shipped using a reusable, 100% cotton dust bag instead of plastic bags or filling, which are often discarded and sent to landfills. In addition to the dust bags, Bootlegger Beanies has strived to limit its carbon footprint. Bootlegger Beanies are made with 100% Peruvian wool, which means that the beanies (and dust bags) can be upcycled and turned into other garments. This keeps discarded beanies and dust bags from ever reaching the landfill. And in addition to the cotton dust bag, Bootlegger recently switched to Kraft paper tape in its packaging, replacing the traditional packing tape, which releases polyvinyl chloride toxins into the air when burned. 

Nonetheless, Jason is always exploring ways to make the boutique business more eco-friendly and looking for partners to collaborate with towards this end. As chance would have it, Jason came across the Instagram page of a local non-profit organization called Plastic Free Future that was looking for partners to create reusable produce bags from donated fabric. For Bootlegger, the collaboration was a no brainer. As Jason said, “this opportunity seemed like it was the right fit for us and aligned with our mission.” Plastic Free Future is dedicated to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution, and it was founded in response to the monumental threat that plastic poses to the environment. 

Founded in Pacifica (where Bootlegger is based), Plastic Free Future’s origins are in collaborating with local businesses to eradicate single use plastic “from their supply chains, packaging, and products.” This includes the garment industry. Plastic Free Future founder Alejandra Warren notes that this made the collaboration with Bootlegger “a natural fit.” She continues, “Clothing is one of the most overlooked sources of plastic pollution, and it generates the bulk of microplastics entering our environment via wastewater from washing synthetic fibers.” 

Using Bootlegger’s physical resources to repurpose the donated and recycled fabrics into reusable produce bags was an easy decision. Cardoso noted, “this effort was just asking us to make bigger dust bags, so it was right down our alley as far as skills go.” So the collaboration looks something like this: Plastic Free Future collects fabrics from its partners, which are then transferred to Bootlegger Beanies; the Bootlegger team then sews that donated material into produce bags at its Pacifica location; finally, Plastic Free Future takes the completed produce bags to farmers’ markets around the Bay Area to be given to shoppers. 

Ultimately, the shoppers who use these reusable bags are having a tremendous and positive impact on the environment. It is estimated, for instance, that one reusable bag can replace hundreds of plastic bags a year, most of which, according to Waste Management, end up in landfills, and unfortunately, in nature (consider the giant swirling plastic trash heap in the Pacific). Plastic Free Future is particularly focused on marginalized communities, and their efforts have been concentrated in communities like East Palo Alto. Warren emphasizes “social equity and inclusion,” adding that “underserved communities have often been left behind in sustainability programs and initiatives, and the costs of sustainable solutions, even a small donation, can be beyond the reach of low-income households.” As a result, Plastic Free Future has prioritized Latinx and other minoritized communities, including bilingual outreach programs. According to the non-profit, reception has been “phenomenal!”

Bootlegger Beanies is committed to creating high-quality, eco-friendly garments and to reducing its overall carbon footprint. This commitment to the health of the environment and its inhabitants is engrained in the brand’s mission. From its source materials to its packaging to its non-profit partners, Bootlegger will continue to identify ways to be better environmental citizens. 

And of course, you can get involved! Plastic Free Future is looking for more volunteers to sew reusable produce bags, to donate fabric scraps, or to simply donate to its programs. You can visit their Instagram (@plasticfreefuture_california).