Ten Tree T-shirts
When I saw this company, my first reaction was remembering a blog that I read yesterday, “When you consume, consumer the best there is!” Indeed, when I buy a shirt, I should buy the best there is. Buying something as necessary as a t-shirt or clothing, why not buy the best option? A company called Ten Tree pledges to plant 10 trees for each item you buy. I think this strategy is very clever! The three entrepreneurs of the company certainly saw the potential and future growth in sustainability and used it to their advantage. Some other green efforts that Ten Tree show include only working with manufacturers that have safe labour practices and working conditions, sourcing locally in manufacturing locations to reduce environmental footprint, and partnering with non-profits to participate in more environmental initiatives.
However, when I saw the prices, I was a little bit taken back. I personally don’t spend a whole lot on my clothes – the most I would pay for a casual sleeve top, like the one shown above “desert,” would be $20. However, as you can see from the Ten Tree website screenshot, a sleeveless top is $29.99 and a mid-sleeve shirt is at $39.99. Although these prices are not extremely high compared to other retail brands, such as Aritzia or Zara, it is relatively high compared to brands that design similar casual wear. Knowing that the company will plan 10 trees as soon as I buy something, I can’t help but know that the shirt costs a fraction of the price and the rest goes to the cost of planting trees.
As a 486F student, I understand that I am paying more for a socially responsible company that is contributing to a more sustainable planet; but as an average consumer, I might not be completely convinced to make a purchase. Two main reasons that would lead me to a purchase would be: 1) knowing that my purchase is doing something good for the environment; and 2) wearing the shirts will start conversations with my friends and show my own commitment to sustainability. That said, I will probably stop at 1 or 2 purchases. After all, Ten Tree isn’t a luxury brand nor are the designs outstanding among the crowd of many other retailers. The bottom line is: at the same price, do you prefer sustainability over trendiness? In the long run, I think I would still choose trendiness, or fashion-oriented, retailers over a sustainable company such as Ten Tree.
I think Ten Tree would be able to do better if their designs are improved and stray away from “template” clothing. What I mean by “template” clothes is that the shirt or sweatshirt shape, fit, and general design is something you would find in a customization clothing store that prints your own designs. As a young adult, I would prefer more fashionable clothes.
Tell me what you think! Would you buy Ten Tree clothes? If so, do you think you will be a regular, or just a one-time customer?
I would be willing to buy Ten Tree clothing, provided that it was good quality and fit properly, but I also probably wouldn’t be a repeat customer. I understand that the “buy a shirt, plant ten trees” angle is catchy and a simple concept for consumers to understand. However, it is still promoting a “consume more” mentality. Essentially, the more people want to save the planet, the more clothing they should buy. Personally, I am more interested in Ten Tree’s claims that they are committed to “fair labour practices” and “environmental stewardship”. Those are the factors that might make me a repeat customer.