Local artisan beanie maker collaborates with non-profit to save the planet
The Californer/10131231

PACIFICA, Calif. - Californer -- Bootlegger Beanies has announced a collaboration with Plastic Free Future, a Bay Area non-profit striving to eliminate single-use plastic waste. As part of this collaboration, Bootlegger Beanies is utilizing its resources and expertise to create reusable produce bags out of fabric donated by community members and provided by Plastic Free Future. As Bootlegger founder Jason Cardoso notes, "this effort was just asking us to make bigger dust bags, so it was right down our alley as far as skills go."

These produce bags replace the single use plastic bags found at grocery stores and farmers' markets, removing unrecyclable, single-use plastics from landfills and ecosystems. Cardoso added, "this opportunity seemed like it was the right fit for us and aligned with our mission." Bootlegger Beanies uses 100% Peruvian wool for its beanies and 100% cotton for its beanie bags, allowing all Bootlegger products to be recycled and out of landfills. And in line with Plastic Free Future's mission, Bootlegger's dust bags protect the beanies during shipping, which means no plastic is used. As Plastic Free Future founder, Alejandra Warren notes, "Clothing is one of the most overlooked sources of plastic pollution, and it generates the bulk of microplastics entering our environment."

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Plastic Free Future will be distributing the bags for free at Bay Area farmers' markets, with a specific focus on marginalized communities like East Palo Alto. In addition to distributing these reusable bags to shoppers, Plastic Free Future has also created outreach programs for underserved communities, including bilingual programming for Latinx communities. Bootlegger and Plastic Free Future will be releasing more details soon.

For more information visit www.bootleggerbeanies.com