The beginnings of Tribe Azul

We are a family business based in California, USA with a passion for the great outdoors, the environment and healthy, sustainable living. As a family of mixed cultural heritage we have lived and worked in 5 different cities, across 4 different countries and 3 different continents. We are always looking for new adventures and discoveries in this journey called life. 

We wanted to start a business that would enable us to do something that we are passionate about; helping support the environment, protecting the future of the planet for our children and advocating the importance of sustainable living. The more we researched the more we were drawn to the devastating impact mainstream fashion is having on the environment as the worlds second largest polluter.  

We were surprised to discover that only 1% of the fashion industry were using organic cotton - a far more sustainable and eco-friendly option to conventional cotton. Organic cotton is grown without using harmful pesticides, chemicals and synthetic fertilizers. It avoids groundwater contamination, preserves biodiversity and produces substantially less greenhouse gases. It is also possible to make recycled polyester (RPET) out of another devastating polluter - plastic waste- of which only 2% is currently being effectively recycled.

We decided as a family to set up Tribe Azul in 2020 selling sustainable, organic apparel. Tribe Azul sells high quality basics that are all made from either 100% organic cotton or a blend of sustainable fabric made from organic cotton, recycled water bottles (RPET) and rayon. We want to promote the importance of sustainable fashion. These quality basic t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts you can wear everyday - they will wash well, go with everything and do not go out of fashion.

We endeavor to run our business in the most environmentally and socially responsible way we can. From the sourcing of our produce to the delivery of our goods in 100% recycled packaging. Our impact on the environment is always at the forefront of our minds. 

We also decided to become a member the 1% for the Planet network so that we could further extend our ability to support the planet. We have pledged to give 1% of our sales to environmental non-profits vetted by the network, regardless of our profits. The 1% for the planet network upholds our vision of the unlimited power we have when we work together. 

“The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems.”

— YVON CHOUINARD, Founder of the 1% for the Planet Network & Founder of Patagonia.

The 1% for the Planet Network members have collectively given more than $265 million to the environment.

None of us can live the perfect sustainable lifestyle but any small change can make an impact. Our mission is to help raise a-wear-ness together - share our knowledge - and bring together like-minded people who are also looking at ways we can live a happy, compassionate, sustainable life, safeguarding the future of the planet for our children.