Article: Why It Matters: The Science (and Soul) of Sustainable Tees
Why It Matters: The Science (and Soul) of Sustainable Tees
At Really Into Dogs, we know the joy of a wagging tail, a perfect paw print, and yes—the perfect dog tee. But our mission goes beyond laughter and loyalty. We're serious about sustainability. Here's a closer look at how our tees are helping protect the planet (and why that matters).
Cotton With a Conscience
We source our shirts from Bella + Canvas and Gildan, two of the most transparent and progressive manufacturers in the apparel industry. When it comes to sustainable t-shirts, their commitment is unmatched.
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Bella + Canvas uses solar-powered facilities, limits water use through eco-friendly dyeing, and produces almost zero landfill waste. In fact, they recycle nearly 100% of their cutting scraps.
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Gildan is a leader in ethical fashion and sustainable cotton sourcing. According to their 2022 ESG report, over 80% of their cotton comes from the U.S., which has some of the most stringent environmental farming regulations in the world.
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Gildan also owns most of its supply chain, allowing them to reduce emissions, conserve energy, and ensure ethical labor conditions.
The science backs it up: Sustainable cotton farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 46%, compared to conventional methods (WWF, 2022).
Printing Without the Pollution
Every shirt is printed using direct-to-garment (DTG) technology at Monster Digital, a state-of-the-art print-on-demand facility in the USA.
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DTG printing uses water-based inks, which are free of plastics, phthalates, and toxic chemicals.
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Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG avoids excess ink waste, chemical runoff, and excess water usage.
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On-demand printing = no overproduction, no inventory waste, and no shirts sitting in landfill because of overstock.
According to a 2023 Fashion Revolution report, up to 30% of garments in traditional retail go unsold. Our eco-friendly printing model eliminates that waste entirely.
Small Footprint, Big Impact
When you choose Really Into Dogs, you’re not just buying a cute dog-themed tee. You’re supporting:
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Ethical production and labor practices
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Reduced energy and water usage
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Lower carbon emissions
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Sustainable dog apparel that lasts longer than fast fashion fads
And because your shirt is printed fresh, just for you, we’re keeping things slow, mindful, and meaningful.
Why It Matters
The fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions (UNEP, 2023). But it doesn’t have to be this way. With thoughtful sourcing, advanced print-on-demand USA technology, and partners who give a damn, we’re proud to make dog-loving tees that don’t cost the Earth.
So next time you pull on your Really Into Dogs tee, just know: it’s more than a conversation starter at the dog park. It’s part of a kinder, smarter, more sustainable future.
