When you look at a tree what do you see? You see this beautiful living thing that has been through many seasons. You notice  the trees strong trunk which has held it up during its many ups and downs. What started out as one branch with just a few leaves has become fuller over the years.  In many ways Ten Tree which is an eco-friendly sportswear company is a lot like the trees they plant. The company’s  roots are strong and deeply embedded in their passion to give back to the environment as well as  promoting a healthy active lifestyle. Ten Tree clothes are comfortable and are meant to be worn.  More importantly with every piece of clothing purchased ten trees are planted.

“We want people to feel great about wearing Ten Tree as they are making an impact on the environment and everyone around them by raising awareness,” says Kalen Emsley who is one founders of Ten Tree.

The Green Stylist recently had the pleasure to ask Kalen Emsley few questions about his company.

What aspect of your company most excites you?

The fact that we can (along with everyone who purchases Ten Tree) have a positive impact on the world is what excites us the most! It will give every person on this earth cleaner air, more nutritious soil for future vegetation, new eco-systems, and food for families.

We love the fact that every person wearing the brand is raising awareness about the environment. This has the potential to be real game changer.

What is Ten Tree not? 

Ten Tree is not promoting purchasing new clothing, rather replacing old. We want people to use this as an alternative to regular clothing but not a style addition.

 

While other companies might choose to employ people to plant the trees, why do you want to be more hands on?  

By going out an planting trees ourselves, we can verify that it is being done properly and we can also show people that we are no different than anyone else wearing Ten Tree – we just want to participate in creating a cleaner environment.

How may trees have you planted so far?

So far we have allocated funding for 20,000 trees to be planted in season (for instance, it is June in the northern US).

Added fact: Ten Tree’s management however has together planted over 150,000 trees to date (as planters).

What happens to the trees once they are planted? 

Depending on the location and species of tree, they will either be left to grow naturally in the forest or they will be treated and maintained (this includes pruning and mowing) if the trees are being used to create more plugs or grow food. We have chosen to plant in areas that have shown the best survival rates.

 Why should people care? 

Ten Tree is for people who love being outdoors, breathing clean air and want to see new trees growing all over and current forests being preserved. We don’t want to push the concept on anyone, this is for people who want to make a difference to team up with other likeminded individuals!

How important is it to you that your clothing is produced in an ethical matter?

This is extremely important to us. We are still a new company and learning about the different ethics codes for oversees suppliers but we will not go anywhere without seeing the proper certifications and touring the plant ourselves.

How important is for you and your company to adhere to a sustainable life style?

We want everyone involved with Ten Tree live the healthy and positive lifestyle that the brand is trying to promote. Helping the environment is positive thing but then going out and enjoying what your paying to protect is the essence of Ten Tree. We want people to be proud of the fact that they are socially and environmentally conscious. The more sustainable the better, but we are realistic in our approach and want to be a supplement, not a detriment!

 

Courtesy Images: Ten Tree