Environment
Environment
Reducing Single-Use Plastic Isn’t Cutting It Anymore
To make real measurable change we need to dig deeper. That’s why we’ve started assessing the environmental impacts of our business operations to determine keyways to cut emissions and reduce resource consumption.
We’ve got a long way to go but check out where our initiatives have landed us so far!
Starting from The Inside
Corporate Culture
We’re united by a single, shared mission. Our ability to work together makes our dreams fully attainable. As we grow, we’ll continue to build on these values, welcoming new ideas and innovative schools of thought that not only make us the team we are but evolve into who we want to be.
Professional Development
At S&S, we strive to create a path of opportunity for all our employees. Here, you can build a career from scratch, collaborating cross functionally every day to create a more diverse tomorrow.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity is the foundation of progress. Our values reflect that very notion, and every customer, vendor, and employee should feel surrounded by warm welcomes, the utmost appreciation and respect all because they are simply themselves.
Corporate Philanthropy
Corporate Philanthropy is rooted in our history, and we're proud to support people in the communities we serve.
Occupational Health & Safety
We aim to build a culture where all employees contribute to and take ownership of maintaining a safe work environment.
S&S Activewear’s goal is not only to minimize operational accidents, but to have zero incidents year-round. To reach this goal, we will continue to pursue Health and Safety improvements through various initiatives.
S&S Activewear’s goal is not only to minimize operational accidents, but to have zero incidents year-round. To reach this goal, we will continue to pursue Health and Safety improvements through various initiatives.
How to Qualify
If you’re a nonprofit charity or organization (with a 501(c)(3) designation), religious organization or accredited school, you’re eligible to apply for a grant. How to Apply? Applications are open year-round! Grants are awarded monthly; if your application is approved you will be notified via email during the first two weeks of the month after which you applied. Recipients are eligible again after 1 calendar year.
Application Period
Recipients Notified
January 1st-31st
February 8th
February 1st - 28th
March 8th
March 1st - 31st
April 10th
April 1st - 30th
May 8th
May 1st - 31st
June 8th
June 1st - 30th
July 10th
July 1st - 31st
August 8th
August 1st - 31st
September 8th
September 1st - 30th
October 9th
October 1st - 31st
November 8th
November 1st - 30th
December 8th
December 1st - 31st
January 8th (2024)
Energy Management
Solar Panels
We’ve outfitted several of our warehouses with solar panels—giving us the ability to generate clean, renewable power and help reduce greenhouse gases in our communities.
It is estimated that by 2050, solar will account for 20% of the nation’s energy needs.
It is estimated that by 2050, solar will account for 20% of the nation’s energy needs.
High-Efficiency Lighting
We use LED lighting in all of our facilities. That’s because LEDs are up to 80% more efficient than CFLs and incandescent bulbs. In addition, our warehouse lighting is activated by motion sensors. When the aisles aren’t occupied, we’re not wasting energy
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Freight Optimizer
Designed to create efficiency and cutout excess carbon emissions, our freight optimizer tool allows customers to choose the shipping option best for their needs and for the planet.
Zone Skipping
In an effort to cut gas emissions and lessen shipment travel, we’ve implemented zone skipping, or otherwise known as freight consolidation.
This means our shipment freights are presorted at the point of origin based on its final destination before the carrier takes possession.
This means our shipment freights are presorted at the point of origin based on its final destination before the carrier takes possession.
Waste & Water Management
Recycling
Boxes: We make a huge effort to reuse boxes still in good condition for shipping our orders. We’re proud that we only ship a small percentage of our orders using brand-new boxes, greatly reducing our cardboard waste.
Paper Recycling Baskets: Each ton (2,000 pounds) of recycled paper can save an impressive 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy and 7,000 gallons of water. We’ve also chosen to place paper-recycling bins throughout our offices, so it's a cinch for employees to recycle their paper waste.
Recycling Stations: Our office lunchrooms include individual receptacles, so our employees and guests proactively recycle their paper, aluminum, and plastic.
Textiles: We want to provide a more sustainable solution to landfills, so we partnered with Give Back Box to launch a donation program.
Paper Recycling Baskets: Each ton (2,000 pounds) of recycled paper can save an impressive 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy and 7,000 gallons of water. We’ve also chosen to place paper-recycling bins throughout our offices, so it's a cinch for employees to recycle their paper waste.
Recycling Stations: Our office lunchrooms include individual receptacles, so our employees and guests proactively recycle their paper, aluminum, and plastic.
Textiles: We want to provide a more sustainable solution to landfills, so we partnered with Give Back Box to launch a donation program.
Reduction of Single Use Plastics
Water Refilling Stations: More than 60 million plastic bottles get tossed every day. That adds up to a staggering 22 billion bottles a year in landfills and water sources.
That's why we decided to install water refilling stations at all our facilities and provided employees with reusable bottles.
We’re happy to say that we’ve greatly reduced our plastic bottle waste, plus our employees are happily hydrated.
That's why we decided to install water refilling stations at all our facilities and provided employees with reusable bottles.
We’re happy to say that we’ve greatly reduced our plastic bottle waste, plus our employees are happily hydrated.
What You Need to Know
What Is Give Back Box?
Give Back Box operates as the logistical muscle behind many large retailer donation programs by connecting businesses with charities across the US and abroad. They provide consumers with an easy way to donate old clothing and household items (or in our case extra samples or damaged inventory), therefore extending the life of donations and alleviating landfill overflow.
Give Back Box works with charities that support causes like domestic violence, mental health, and economic growth.
Give Back Box works with charities that support causes like domestic violence, mental health, and economic growth.
What Can I Donate?
This program is designed to provide a solution for textile waste in our industry. Therefore, you can donate things like sample overflow, old or damaged inventory, displays, and everything in between. In addition, if you have old clothes to get rid of at home those donations are always welcome.
When Can I Donate?
This program will live as a year-round effort under the Make an Imprint umbrella. There is no limit to how many labels you can download. This means you can continuously send in as many boxes as you need to, as often as you need.
How Do I Send My Donation?
For US based donators, please visit this site to download your pre-paid shipping label. Once you’ve packed your recycled box to the brim, attach your label and drop off your box at a UPS location.
Pack It Up
Print Label
Ship It Out
Other Questions You Might Ask?
Where is my donation going and what happens to it?
The boxes are routed directly to the nearest participating local charity organization. Donated items are sorted and sold by the participating charity, and revenues are used to help fund community-based programs, including job training, employment placement services and support services.
What is the weight limit and box size requirement for my donation?
The maximum weight is 70 pounds. The combined length and girth of a piece (the length of its longest side plus the distance around its thickest part) may not exceed 108 inches. Please do not send large electronics, any liquids, fragile, hazardous, or volatile items, or ammunition in boxes.
Can I choose the charity that gets my donation?
Yes! If you choose to select which charity receives your donation, you will be asked to cover the $15 shipping cost. You can select a charity by visiting this site.
Where is my donation going and what happens to it?
The boxes are routed directly to the nearest participating local charity organization. Donated items are sorted and sold by the participating charity, and revenues are used to help fund community-based programs, including job training, employment placement services and support services.
Is there a fee for donating?
There is no cost to participate, however if you select one of Give Back Box’s partner charities to receive your donation rather than sending it straight to Give Back Box, there is a $15 shipping fee.
But what about carbon emissions?
Give Back Box operates using reverse logistic solutions, meaning your donation will only get to the charity if there is already a truck going that way. This prevents extra driving, which means less carbon emissions, and promotes cleaner air.