Ok, I have to admit this post is completely outside of my comfort zone. Certainly not because of the content or the product, but because the topic of ethical fashion is brand new to me. In fact writing about fashion in any capacity is new to me and I’ve never written about a company or a product with a mission such as this. So I think it’s understandable that I’m a little nervous about it. I want very badly to do Threading Water justice and to, unofficially, represent them in the absolute best way possible. To do anything other than that would be, in my eyes, a failure. So here I go down this personal rabbit hole and I hope you’re ready.

According to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 1 out of every 5 deaths of children under the age of 5 are due to water related diseases. This cannot be characterized as anything other than appalling. No mother or father should have to worry about whether or not the water their child is drinking is going to be the cause of their death. And certainly no child should be dying from poor drinking water. Yet the facts don’t stop there. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF estimate that 1 of 9 people worldwide don’t have access to safe and clean drinking water. Another terrible statistic, and more facts like this can be found on The Water Project’s website.

Here in the U.S. we take clean water for granted, and it shouldn’t be considered a fault of ours. You certainly shouldn’t be upset, no in fact in some ways it’s the opposite. We’re fortunate to live in a country that is developed and where clean water is in such abundance that we actually use it to get rid of human waste. Think about it! Each and every one of us flushes a toilet multiple times a day. That’s clean water in, waste water out when we’re done, more clean water right back in. It’s crazy to think about it that way, but it’s true. I consider myself very blessed to live in the U.S. and I love this country very much. So much, that when I was 18 years old I decided to fight for it when I joined the military. However you feel about our privilege of having access to clean water, be it proud, badly or indifferent, instead of saying “I just take it for granted” you can help. And the best part is it’s so easy.

Enter Threading Water, now you’ll start to understand how easy it is to make a difference. Threading Water’s mission is a simple one. “To provide clean water to as many people as possible”. As you may have guessed, this is easier said than done. However, Threading Water has partnered with an organization called Lifewater. Lifewater is a non-profit organization committed to ending the global water crisis, another monumental task. But, together organizations and companies that partner for the same causes are more likely to make lasting change. These conglomerations can pool resources and bring many more people together for this cause.

Here’s yet another reason why this post is difficult for me, because I’m asking something of you. In a world where we get asked almost daily to "give give give" it’s easy to become numb to the asking. And even worse it becomes so easy to say “no”. But this feels different, I promise! It’s different because you’re not just giving through Threading Water, you’re also receiving. We all need clothing so why not buy a shirt, for men or women, that will inspire others to help too? By purchasing an article of clothing from Threading Water you’re helping make a difference in places like Uganda, where farming and herding animals is the way of life. Yet these people don’t have access to the water they need for drinking or sanitation. However, by simply purchasing a shirt, you are able to provide 1 year of clean water for someone in need.

It’s hard for one person to feel like they’ve made a difference. It’s hard to think that these countries around the globe who don’t have access to clean water will one day all receive that access. Yes, it will certainly be a tough road ahead but we shouldn’t be allergic to hard work. Life itself is hard and no one said it would be easy, but certainly for those of us fortunate enough to live in American and other developed countries it’s not as hard. No, the fact remains that one person making all this change isn’t possible, but getting behind a project and company like Threading Water is. Buy a shirt for yourself, your spouse, your son, daughter, mother or father. Your purchase can make a difference. And by encouraging others to make a purchase they can too.

So I’m not just asking you to give blindly, you wont be disappointed in the product you receive from Threading Water. The shirts are amazingly comfortable, they’re stylish and they fit anyones wardrobe. If we just allow our everyday purchases, like clothing, to speak for what we believe in we really and truly would see a difference in this world. Please don’t let “fast-fashion” take you by the reigns. With a little research you can find so many companies, to include Threading Water, that turn your clothing needs into life changing gifts.

- Phil

Threading Water: Fashion for Good