Innovation

Good American’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact is working towards United Nations Sustainability Goal #12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) to ensure it adheres to sustainable consumption and production patterns. By implementing sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and reducing waste, the company contributes to its environmental efforts toward decreasing its footprint. An example is the sourcing of organic cotton which. Good American’s sweatpants line collaborates with The Fabric of Our Lives and is 100% organic cotton. Additionally, the company is focused on combating fast fashion; they are constantly striving to promote slower, more sustainable consumption habits that will help reduce overproduction and pollution. As of today, Good American currently uses 85% less water in its denim production and is currently working towards 99%. They have also created a “Good Wash,” which addresses the harmful chemicals used in the dyeing process, with 89% of their denim washes being a “Good Wash.” In addition to United Nations Sustainability Goal #12, outsourcing to suppliers worldwide can help create more jobs for various communities. In turn, an increase in economic growth is found in the United Nations Sustainability Goal #8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Moreover, as a company open to employee insights, Good American has created a workplace where everyone is encouraged to contribute. This strategy directly impacts productivity and makes the employees feel they are contributing to the company's greater good, further instilling Good American's mission for equality and diversity. On the same token, as advocates and practitioners of gender equality, they work with female-owned factories and support organizations such as Baby2Baby, which is a non-profit organization that provides essential items to mothers and babies nationwide. In doing this, Good American demonstrates its dedication to supporting communities and empowering women everywhere. Additionally, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are highly prevalent within the company, and they have internal task forces to ensure that they are operating at a certain standard at all times. Their efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Goal #5, which strives to create gender equality. Through this support, the community is positively impacted, as it improves the lives of individuals and families in need, sets a positive example for other businesses, and helps create opportunities for different groups within the community.

Inspiration

This innovation, which Good American uses today in producing and manufacturing its jeans, emerged five years ago when It was only a couple of years old. At its conception, co-founder and CEO Emma Grede raised concerns over how denim was made and manufactured and believed that much more sustainable methods could be used and improved. After all, Good American was founded with one goal: to create a fashionable, inclusive denim line for all sizes that was sustainable for the environment. So they took on the challenge and did just that! According to Leticia Ramirez, the Marketing Director at Good American, after concern about the production process was raised, head designer Kristen Vander Ark set out on a mission to find the solution. After months of testing and working with various departments, she created a new production method that significantly reduced the amount of water being used. Equally as important, Grede stated that another driving factor behind Good American was that it wanted to create an environment where its manufacturing workers were paid a living wage, and no one was discriminated against. Marketing Director Leticia Rameriez stated, "Good American is more than just clothes; it's about the workers (factory workers) and ensuring they have living wages and equal benefits. It's also about hiring people with disabilities and treating them equally. It's about supporting female-owned factories, lessening the gender equality gap." These are the values Good American was founded on.

Overall impact

Advocacy for sustainable consumption habits and environmental practices aligns with broader goals for environmental advancement. Good American reduces overproduction and pollution and educates consumers about the importance of mindful consumption. This also extends beyond their immediate customer base, which influences industry norms and consumer behaviors around responsible shopping habits. Ultimately, Good American's societal benefits encapsulate improvements in sustainability, social equity, and community development, contributing to a moral and sustainable future for all.

Business benefit

This innovation has greatly impacted business, society, and the environment. Good American’s focus on being a sustainable brand has helped create and foster an amazing company culture for its employees. Employees are allowed to voice their opinions and come up with creative ways to reduce environmental impact. In doing so, it encourages all departments within Good American to recognize the brand’s social responsibility, thus giving the employees a source of purpose and business for good in their everyday work.

Good American’s innovation and sustainability in denim production have yielded significant business benefits. Their reputation as a sustainable fashion brand has set them apart in a very crowded market. This attracts environmentally-conscious consumers who value the companies, which has created strong brand loyalty among their customer base. Because of this, they have seen an increase in sales and impressions, demonstrating that their values of sustainability and equality can be a competitive advantage in the fashion industry.

Their focus on employee engagement and empowerment has led to a positive environment in the workplace and company culture. They actively encourage involvement and engagement from all levels and departments of the company. This has then translated into improved productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. The alignment of employees' values with the company's mission creates a sense of purpose and pride in their work, which also helps with retention rates and costs associated with finding replacements.

Social and environmental benefit

Moving into societal and environmental benefits, Good American’s sustainable practices extend outside of their corporation, leading to positive impacts on society as a whole. Firstly, their partnerships with ethical factories that prioritize high labor standards and opportunity for marginalized groups, contributes to social equity and empowerment. Supporting organizations such as Baby2Baby,which is a charitable organization that supplies essential items such as diapers and clothing to children experiencing poverty throughout the nation, ensuring they have access to the basic needs every child should have.They also emphasize on working with female-owned factories, demonstrates their commitment to gender equality and community development. Also, the materials that Good American utilizes for their clothing is also eco friendly, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL lyocell, which is sourced from natural raw material wood. Last, Good American uses its privilege to make a positive impact on society through its charitable and dedicated efforts. During the Black Lives Matter Movement, Good American pledged donations to two organizations that help fight racial injustices, Color of Change and Black Lives Matter. This donation was not a one-off contribution, and the brand continues to contribute to long term plans of actions in bettering society.

Interview

Leticia Ramirez, Director of Marketing