University of Rhode Island  
Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design

TMD 402N  Seminar: Sustainability

NAU

Podcast from Parsons the New School for Design

Summary by Michelle Stewart

Does the world really need another outdoor clothing company? This was the question designers Ian Yolles and Mark Galbraith pondered before establishing NAU, a company that is based upon sustainability and environmentally friendly apparel. Their short answer—“no”—enabled them to establish their innovative design philosophy and ultimately start up in January 2005. Their purpose is simple yet honorable: “To balance beauty, performance, and sustainability from developing better, more environmentally friendly fabrics and raise the bar for functional, elegant designs.” In order to do so they have developed several expectations and standards for their company. Their goals are to maximize responsibilities in product creation, production, labor practices, environmental practices, and philanthropy. NAU has one belief: that companies have a broader responsibility than just generating profit. 

The production and overall design of a product is quite a task in itself, but creating one that is appealing and eco friendly at the same time is much more challenging. Choosing fabrics like recycled polyester, organic cotton, PLA and wool fabrics allow for comfort, technical performance and sustainability. Once the design is developed and proper fabric selected, NAU validates appropriate production practices. They consider only suppliers who comply with applicable environmental laws, have written environmental policies, and implement systems that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Other matters like child labor, involuntary employment, freedom of association, fair and equal treatment, discrimination, compensation, overtime, and health and safety are all regulated in their very own Code of Conduct.

NAU considers product placement, promotion, and exchange vital to their brand image. They are currently operating four stores: Chicago, Portland Oregon, Bellevue Washington, and Boulder Colorado. Each contains timber doors, recycled materials, and energy efficient lighting. Their clothing is hung along with scan cards which explain features and functions of NAU garments and products. There are self-serve ship-to-you stations which offer free home delivery with a 10% savings. This option allows for smaller store inventory which in turn means a smaller physical and environmental footprint. At the end of the shopping experience, during the actual purchase, 5% of every sale is donated to an environmental, social, or humanitarian partner. These partner organizations work to create lasting, positive solutions to some of our planet’s most compelling environmental problems. 

NAU is the first outdoor company who has redefined what it means to be successful. They have taken the incentive to launch a brand that is positive, lasting and substantive. Their mission is unlike others which is to obtain maximum profits; rather it is to blend profitability and philanthropy—a new measure of success.