[vc_row][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_single_image image=”18634″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]According to National Geographic, 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris are currently floating about the world\u2019s oceans. On average, it takes 400 years for each of those pieces to decompose. It\u2019s a global problem. But it\u2019s one that The 30A Company is working hard to address.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s ethos is all part of an emerging movement called \u201csustainable fashion,\u201d which champions a complete rethinking of the textile production supply chain. The fabrics The 30A Company incorporates in its clothing line, for example, consist of equal parts ultra-soft cotton and recycled plastic. It takes nearly eight 16-ounce plastic bottles to create a single 30A Company shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsumers, particularly the younger generation, will soon demand a shift in the design, development and manufacturing to see a real environmental impact,\u201d says JoAnn Ribaudo, COO of the 30A Company.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_column css_animation=”none” width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”18636″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”18637″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ribaudo spent years learning the ins-and-outs of the apparel industry before stepping into her current role. Since she and founder Mike Ragsdale dreamed up an eco-friendly apparel line, the company has been responsible for recycling over 4.7 million plastic bottles retrieved from landfills and the ocean.<\/p>\n
The process begins with the fiber company Repreve, which specializes in turning plastic waste and weaving it into cotton blend yarn\u2014a process called \u201ctrash, shred, weave, wear.\u201d The result is a thinner cotton blend used to make T-shirts, V-necks, blankets, UPF 30 coverups, and sweatshirts. Their clothing is breathable, no-fade, and shrink resistant.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of our employers and partners are vetted to make sure their working conditions are clean, safe, and that their employees are paid a fair living wage,\u201d Ribaudo says.<\/p>\n
The 30A Company is now recognized as a pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly clothing, offering a marine-life-friendly and organic skincare line, bicycles, reusable bags, metal straws, drinkware, and pet products.<\/p>\n