eco initiatives

We take sustainability seriously! We funnel most of our profits straight back to the Earth through our eco-initiatives programs. Every shirt purchased helps us bring sustainable living to the forefront. 



Zero Waste Printing & Coral Reef Sculptures

In 2017 our team committed to becoming zero waste and we have not emptied (or filled!) our printshop trash can since December of 2016. We worked to identify our most common waste sources and adjust our processes to eliminate them. Whatever waste we do create is upcycled into coral reef sculptures that we use as in-store and window displays. In June 2023, we donated 3 coral reef sculptures to the Maritime Aquarium in celebration of World's Ocean Day! Thank you to all of our customers for trusting us with your waste.  See how they were created and visit out Facebook page for the final pictures!

 



Clean Waste Collection Bins

Effective April 1 - Our in-store recycling bins will be on hiatus while we redesign the program. Read more about the changes here!

We currently have in-store collection bins for hard to recycle and widely used materials including shipping pouches, food wrappers, plastic bottle caps, corks, CD/DVDs & gift cards. Anyone is welcome to drop off their unrecyclable CLEAN waste too! Each year we responsibly recycle materials we collect, or we turn it into one of our art pieces in the store. You can learn more about how we reuse or recycle each material on our blog.

 

Recycling Guide

Our Recycling Guide outlines the materials we accept/will accept through our in-store recycling program. It also outlines alternate places and ways to recycle different materials you can't traditionally recycle. Many resources are based in or around Middletown, CT. Click here to view the Recycling Guide.



Bottle Cap World Map

If you had been to our OG shop in Middletown per-pandemic, you probably saw out Bottle Cap World Map. Constructed on plywood measuring 14 ft wide x 8ft tall we use the bottle caps YOU drop off at our in-store collection bin to create this masterpiece! The Bottle Cap World Map was started as a response to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the incessant wave of plastics that land in our oceans every day. Learn more here.

 



Free Reusable Tote with $100 Purchase

All day, every day - anytime you spend $100 in store, you get a free, reusable, jumbo, 100% cotton canvas tote. #singleusesucks #reusereducerecycle


Non-Toxic Receipt Paper

Studies have found that individual thermal receipts can contain BPA that is 250 to 1,000 times greater than the amount in a can of food. When you take a thermal receipt you're getting those toxins on your hands, which gets on everything else. We're proud to use EcoChit non-toxic receipt paper. 

- Toxin free - Traditional receipt paper is made with BPA and BPS; 2 chemicals linked to toxicity and detrimental environmental effects.  EcoChit is free from toxins - good for the environment and for us. EcoChit is made from sustainably sourced PEFC and FSC certified paper & can be recycled in any home/business paper recycling program.  Traditional receipt paper is not recyclable.

 


Leave A Bag | Take A Bag

Do you have too many reusable bags in your life? Bring them to cinder + salt and we'll give them to those in need. In October 2019, Middletown passed a "Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance" that made the use of single use plastic bags illegal and requires retailers to charge 10 cents for paper bags. We know many people in our community can't afford this bag fee so we now have a station in store where folks can leave, or take, reusable bags.

 



Beach, Street & Trail Clean-Ups

We're committed to eco-optimism which means we want to help folks in our community forge positive associations in nature. Take some time out of your weekend mornings and join us on a clean-up. These events are free but if you register in advance we'll make you a free volunteer t-shirt. #winning!

 




Fabric Recycling

We work hard to create as little waste as possibe. In fact, we reuse fabrics hundreds of times before we eventually have to scrap them. We use Simple Recycling to turn all of our fiber waste into housing insulation. 



 

Sustainability Social Hour

We believe that the most meaningful and impactful thing anyone can do for the Earth is to surround themselves with eco-minded people. You are who you hang out with! Looking to green your circle? Join our mailing list to stay up to date on upcoming events including the Sustainability Social Hour, hosted ~3 times per year. 

 

 

Eco-Retreats

We know our people love Planet Earth, and probably want to see as much of it as possible. That's why we've started to host eco-retreats, launched mid-pandemic no less. (womp womp). With more exciting trips on the horizon, we have already hosted three retreats in Costa Rica in partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to help protect these righteous beauties.