Image courtesy of Paul Weinstein/Truly Organic Apparel
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Today, we're going to meet Paul Weinstein of Tenfold Organic Textiles. He has recently set up a clothing label, called Truly Organic Apparel, with his sister the designer Leah Weinstein. Paul and Leah's mission is to, "create, market and sell the highest quality clothing made exclusively from organic and natural fibers while using the fewest chemicals possible." How did Paul become a Change Maker?
My name is: Paul Weinstein
I live in: Seattle, Wash.
I work at: Tenfold Organic Textiles, makers of Truly Organic Apparel.
I used to work at: Jones Soda Company.
The reason I changed my business is: for the challenge and opportunity to build a great company that creates products without harming the environment.
With my business I am aiming to: help reduce the impact that textile products have on the environment by facilitating the use of and learning about natural dyes and organic cotton.
The most important eco-aspect of my work is: proving that fashionable, functional and exciting products can be created, without using chemicals.
I am excited by what I am doing now because: we are creating awareness about natural dyes and proving that great products can be made almost entirely without chemicals.
The most challenging part of my work is: juggling the many hats that are required to start a new business and being aware of just how our lifestyle affects the planet. It makes one's simple choices very difficult, because of the extra emphasis we place on our footprint as a company and as citizens.
The most rewarding part of my work is: knowing that we are making a difference in how consumers and businesses look at textiles, and [by] encouraging them to ask questions about the total impact of the product, including processing.
The results I really want to see are: increased number of textile products and brands that utilize natural dyes and reduce their dependence on chemicals. The ultimate goal is a world without chemicals, which is next to impossible but worth striving for.
I work with colleagues and collaborators: Leah Weinstein (sister), Aura Herbal Wear, Purecotz Creations, Frank Waks, Rocket Ranch Design & Advertising, Nektar Designs, Wally Barger, AMG Media, On The Horizon Communications.
I was first made aware of environmental issues: by my sister Leah and through the media. An Inconvenient Truth was the back-breaker for me.
One thing I do everyday is: spend some time responding to customers and shipping out orders, but every day is different when you are starting a business. Since my sister Leah handles most of the design, I spend my time on other parts of the business. I have to regularly take care of accounting, pay bills, plan and monitor production, or work on our plan for next season. We are also working on building our team so that we can grow, so I also spend a fair amount of time developing relationships with people who can help us merchandise and design better products.
One thing I do every week is: Every week I talk to Arun Baid at Aura, our naturally dyed fabric supplier in India. Since India time [has a] 12-to-13-hour [time difference], I end up talking to Arun at about 10 p.m. my time. With all the new items we are working on, and the new applications of the natural dyes that we are trying to use, it is important that we communicate regularly, other than by email. I find that I can only get so much across via e-mail, and many times a short conversation works better than a long e-mail.
I wish I could: rely on my vehicle less. We just sold our second car so now I have to!
I think everyone can: do more.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure, who answer questions about how they are creating a more sustainable world through their work and personal lives. Meet more Change Makers here.
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