Where does the fabric come from?

The bags and pouches are made from a blend of 80% Ecotec™ - a blended cotton yarn produced from the excess fabric of newly made clothing. This unique manufacturing process saves land, energy and water. In addition, 20% of this bag contains 100% post-consumer recycled soda bottle material.

According to the Council for Textile Recycling, 25,000 tons of new textile fiber is disposed of by North American spinning mills, weavers and fabric manufacturers each year. Recycled cotton is recovered cotton that would be wasted during the spinning, weaving and cutting processes.

Up to 40% of cotton grown is wasted between the harvest and the manufacture of garments.
In the past, this waste went directly into landfills. 

What about the new black bottle bag?  is it really made out of plastic bottles? YES!

Did you know: 10 plastic bottles = 1 pound of polyester fiber

1 ton (2000) lbs of plastic bottles recycled saves 3.8 barrels of oil

1 million plastic bottles recycled saves 250 barrels of oil

1 million plastic bottles recycled eliminates 180 metric tons of CO2 emissions from being released into the atmosphere

10% of all US oil consumed (2 million barrels per day) is used to make plastics

Recycling plastic bottles takes 8 times less energy than to produce an equivalent amount of new ones

Supplying the plastic bottles that Americans consume each year requires 47 million barrels of oil and releases 1.0 billion pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.

What about the inks used?

The inks used in the silk screening process are non-phthalate, compliant with CPSIA 2008 (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) and Eco-Passport Certified. 

Can I wash it?

It is recommended to spot clean the bags but you can also wash inside out using a delicate cold water wash.  Hang to dry please!  And if you must iron (clearly you have too much time on your hands) do so inside out!  

Where can I recycle it?

Great question!  There is a wonderful organization called Wearable Collections, a NYC based company focused on keeping clothing, textiles and shoes out of landfills while generating funds for charities. We offer a discount on a new bag to those who send their "old" bags to them but only if you truly have worn it to bits!  ha.  

Why isn't it made in Brooklyn?

I of course would love to be completely "local" but I have not found anyone here that has the capabilities that the company I found in New Hampshire has!  They are a women-owned company that does small batches all in one place. From sourcing the recycled cotton (see above) to screen printing across the street! I think supporting USA making is what is important!  

Wait! I have another question?

Always up for a chat: hello@shoplittlespoons.com