They’re finally here! After about a year of buying back our customer's synthetic, gently used yoga leggings, we've collected enough to begin making our recycled yoga leggings yoga mat bags! (Crotch not included LOL!) See if you spot your leggings!
We decided the best way to make better use of unwanted plastic leggings, rather than them going to a landfill, was to create something useful and beautiful, and also not something to be washed or worn often to prevent further spreading of microplastics. A yoga mat bag just made perfect sense :)
This beautiful bag is two of a kind, and made from four pairs of polyester yoga leggings. The inside is 100% organic black hemp canvas, to make the bag extra sturdy and of course, totally natural. It features a heavy duty metal zipper pocket, and an external pocket. The bag is hand sewn by Nadya in her home in Twentynine Palms, California. (The last image is not the bag you are buying, it is to show the size and shape.)
You might think the price tag is high for materials that are recycled, but the organic hemp inside, buying back leggings, a quality metal zipper, and paying Nadya a living wage does NOT come cheap, as it shouldn't. Thank you SO MUCH for supporting us as we try to keep plastic off our bodies and out of landfills! XOXO
Q - Why is it so expensive?
A - Things can only be made cheaply when either someone is underpaid or it's completely automated. Unfortunately, machines haven't taken over all labor yet. So in the meantime we pay a premium for high quality fabrics and labor. While an average top may cost $5 for Forever 21 to make, we pay anywhere from $30-$50. That means on a $68 dollar top, profit may be $30-40 which then must cover operating expenses (website fees, shipping containers, freight charges), taxes, and payroll. Our end of the day profit is closer to $3-6. If we did this for the money, we'd be in the wrong industry. We do this to make an amazing garment you'll love for years.
Q - When are sold out items restocked?
A - Never. Nothing gold can stay. Each piece is specially designed for the vibe and spirit of the season. Once it's gone, it's gone!
Q - Where is it made and who makes it?
A - We only work with small family owned shops employing 8-10 people paying well above minimum wage in Los Angeles, CA.
Q - Is it sustainable and organic?
A - Anyone who claims sustainability while producing a product is greenwashing, intentional or not. We are responsible. To be truly sustainable we should all be wearing undyed, unisex, 100% recycled fabric scraps, government issued uniforms for 5-10 years at a time. While we are not that, we are much, much better than most of the alternatives out there. Our fabric is 99% closed loop, low plastic, made with fair wages, GOTS certified dyed, water based inked, and we donate money to a new charity every month. We will never stop seeking more ways to be make a cleaner and more beautiful piece of clothing!
