Kate Larramendy is the mother of all things sustainable at Toad. In the early 2000s, Kate took over as Director of Design back when we were still called "Horny Toad" and e-commerce wasn't really a thing (so the name wasn't really a problem...but we digress...) For almost two decades, Kate was the force behind our sustainability achievements: our switch to only organic or recycled cotton, ending our use of Angora and using non-mulesed merino wool, pushing suppliers for more recycled options, and even demanding we have an office compost bin (to name just a few). Kate and her teams established a sustainability criteria that we'd measure everything against. First it started as "50% of the line had to be made with eco-friendly materials and practices." Then it was 70%. Then 85%. Now, 100% of our line has to be sustainably made. In the words of Kate, "If it's not worthy of the resources to make it, we won't make it at all."
Kate retired from Toad in 2018, but sustainable stewardship is a habit that never fades. Now, Kate serves as a board member for the Conservation Alliance, and of course, pops in to Toad HQ to drop off a bottle of of signature salad dressing (this stuff is seriously GOOD) and give us the latest sustainability news.
1. What does the Conservation Alliance do?
KL: The Conservation Alliance is the leading coalition of businesses that fund and partner with grassroots conservation groups working to protect North America's wild places. The Conservation Alliance has the ability to bring together voices and actions that support thriving outdoor businesses, thriving outdoor communities and the possibility of a thriving planet into the future by protecting wild places and wildlife.
2. What do you love about the Conservation Alliance?
When I was ready to transition from a career of making clothing and gear (even though it was beautiful, useful and mostly sustainably optimized), I was happy to swap commerce for conservation. I had been active with the Conservation Alliance for many years so joining the Board was exactly what I wanted next.
3. What's the most gratifying part of your work with the CA?
I especially love the advocacy aspect of our work that includes regular trips to Washington, D.C to lobby representatives on behalf of our public lands. Most people do not realize that the outdoor recreation economy generated $887M in revenues, provided 7.6 million jobs and accounted for 2.2% of the national GDP (2017 stats). There is a lot of power in those numbers –– and they're growing. By last stats, the outdoor recreation economy is actually growing faster than the overall U.S. economy!
4. What is your favorite quote regarding conservation?
"I hope the United States of America is not so rich that she can afford to let these wildernesses pass by, or so poor she cannot afford to keep them. Wilderness itself is the basis of all our civilization." – Mardie Murie
5. What’s your #1 sustainability tip?
Don’t buy, take or use anything that is disposable or can’t be reused many times, if not indefinitely.
