When you hear the company name “English Retreads” you may imagine getting your tyres upgraded in England. But actually, the company makes its home in the American state of Colorado, and the name comes from the founder, Heather English, the subject of Garments Without Guilt’s continuing spotlight on individuals who have made a positive impact on the environment.

Heather English
(photo from English Retreads)

It all started with an inner tube. That’s what Heather was using at the time to float down Colorado’s Boulder Creek, when a spark of inspiration set her creative ingenuity alight. Being a dedicated vegan, Heather was in need of a non-leather handbag that was not only durable, but fashionable as well. Her inner voice pointed her to her inner tube.

Quoted in the company’s media kit, Heather explains how it all got started:

“I needed a new handbag but I was a hardcore vegetarian. I wanted something that was fashionable and invincible—but not made from leather…I didn’t find what I was looking for, so I went to McGuckin’s, [a favorite local hardware store] bought some tools and started my own personal sweatshop—with me doing the sweating.”

And so English Retreads was born in 2002, with local truck stops and bike shops supplying the inner tubes from used tires. The company now has stores all over the United States, offering eco-conscious customers a stylish range of handbags, wallets, bentleys, belts, clutches and other accessories, all made from recycled inner tubes.

Yes, these handbags are made from recycled inner tubes!
(photo from English Retreads)

To Heather, the fact that these tubes have a “history” makes the final product all the more special. “Just think of all the places these tubes have been…Now it’s your turn to add to their miles and adventures.”

As are these, for men.
(photo from English Retreads)

Through it all, Heather has made sure the mission of English Retreads remains true to her own ideals as it continues to be an eco friendly, people friendly and animal friendly venture. As quoted on the company website she points out in the company’s mission that, “Each new design begins with the idea of striving to keep more waste out of the landfill by creating fashionable, yet sturdy items out of recycled materials…And by turning recycling into a bold fashion statement, we at English Retreads can empower consumers with an ecologically sound alternative to animal products without compromising style or durability. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

Who knew recycled inner tubes could be so stylish?
(photo from English Retreads)

Perusing the English Retreads mission page also brought into light two other facts worth mentioning. The company is working in partnership with Native Energy in order to minimize their carbon footprint and is also committed to the fair and ethical treatment of employees and workers along with promoting healthy communities where it does business.

Vested in achieving a balance as a Triple Bottom Line company (people, planet, profit), English Retreads bears testament to the ingenuity of the human mind and in particular, one Heather English who reminds us that fashion can be eco-friendly, stylishly simple and fun at the same time!

We at Garments Without Guilt are continuing to highlight individuals who have set the world ablaze (pun intended!) with their dogged determination in helping to uplift the lives of those in need. (A quick apology to all you budding arsonists who might have come to this post having been misled by the title.)

In today’s spotlight are Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson, the founders of FEED Projects, who we mentioned in our earlier post Fashion Labels With a Conscience - Part 2.

Lauren Bush & Ellen Gustafson
(photo from Feedprojects)

It all started with a bag. In 2006, Lauren Bush (a well-known model at the time) designed the FEED 1 bag in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). From its humble beginnings, the bag soon became an inspirational symbol of how a simple idea can help change the world.

Writing for Ecouterre, Lauren explains how FEED Projects got started:

“I helped start FEED Projects in 2006 as an “accidental” business. FEED’s true mission was to sell the FEED 1 bag, which feeds one child in school for one year through the United Nations World Food Program. Once it became obvious that the UN could not sell the bag itself to raise money and awareness, my business partner, Ellen Gustafson, and I decided the best route would be to start our own company.”

Lauren & Friends
(photo from Ecouterre)

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Don’t worry, we at Garments Without Guilt are not advocating arson, but rather giving a shout-out to those individual “sparks” who have tirelessly taken up the cause of those left out in the cold.

Today we take a look at Annie Oakley Waterman, founder of the annie O. boutique.

(photo from annieoboutique)

It all started with a trip to Peru. It was here that Annie came across a women’s cooperative with around 80 members who were engaged in producing traditional embroidered textiles, but were still trapped in poverty.

Writing on her company’s website on what got her started, Annie says, “I traveled down to Peru about three years ago, where I made the connection. I was drawn to their work because it is women run and supports women who are often victims of domestic violence. These women are living in impoverished conditions, and I saw such a chance to help, seeing they produce vibrant and irresistible embroidered textiles.”

…And so the spark was lit!

She saw an opportunity to help these women find sustainable livelihoods by incorporating modern designs with the hand woven creations they were producing. The result of this collaboration is a flamboyant range of embroidered belts, clutch bags, handbags, scarves and other accessories that blend contemporary style with the vibrant colors of Peru.

…And the spark became a flame!

(photo from annieoboutique)

The end result was more than just an exchange of ideas or monetary transactions, but rather a start of a close partnership that brought financial stability to these women and their families, while helping them sustain a better way of life.

The annie O. boutique has branched out from its humble beginnings and apart from supporting “fair trade practices which promote healthy lifestyles and financial independence” for the women’s collective in Peru, it now works with female artisan cooperatives in other parts of the world as well.

…And so the flame became a fire!

Through it all, Annie is quite clear on what the company’s objectives should be:

“The goal is to create beautiful accessories, with a conscious and a story. To help these artists create financial stability and a sustainable income. To empower these women and support traditional artisan craftsmanship…It’s a collaboration and these women are my inspiration.”

And you are one of ours. Thank you Annie for showing us yet another example of ethical, eco-friendly, sustainable Garments Without Guilt that make the world a better place.