2021 Sustainability Report
A Message from our Co-Founders
As humans, everything we do has an environmental & social impact—from growing the food we eat to making the clothes we wear. We also know that our business has an environmental & social impact, which is why we are striving to measure and improve our sustainability performance.
We care deeply about conserving and restoring the places we fish, doing our part to be part of the climate solution, and ensuring that the people who make our products are treated fairly and equitably. We understand that we are not perfect and there’s always room for improvement, but we focus on key environmental areas like waste, energy, and the carbon footprint of our operations and products, alongside social measures such as giving back, volunteering, and understanding our supply chain.
We are proud of how far we’ve come since launching RepYourWater in 2011, and we are especially grateful for your support over the years. Thank you—we look forward to seeing you out on the water!
Who We Are
MISSION: RepYourWater is an apparel brand dedicated to providing uniquely designed, top quality gear for anglers and hunters while increasing support of local conservation and inspiring exploration.
RepYourWater is a Colorado company co-founded by Corinne and Garrison Doctor in 2011. Over the last 10 years, we’ve grown from a single hat design donating to Trout Unlimited into a brand that donates a minimum of 3% of sales to 17 nonprofit conservation partners, operates as Zero Waste, and is Climate Neutral Certified.
We are now focused on improving the environmental and social impact of our products and supply chain—by incorporating recycled polyester from plastic bottles into select products, using organic cotton in some products, and expanding ethically sourced offerings.
Memberships, Certifications & Labels
Memberships
- American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA): Supporting the sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry through stewardship and trade development.
- Fly Fishing Climate Alliance (FFCA): Founding member working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim reductions for Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030.
- Trout Unlimited Business (Gold Level): Proud partner supporting conservation and restoration of coldwater fisheries and watersheds.
Certifications
- Climate Neutral Certified: Measuring Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, reducing emissions, and purchasing offsets for 100% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Labels
- Zero Waste: Diverting over 90% of operational waste from landfill through recycling, composting, and product donations.
3% for Conservation
We donate 3% of every purchase to our conservation partners—whether bought from us directly or through one of our retailers. To date (April 2022), we have donated more than $381,000 to conservation partners supporting fisheries and outdoor recreation conservation.
10 Years of Positive Impact
- 2011: RepYourWater is founded and begins donating a percentage of sales to Trout Unlimited.
- 2016: Established baselines and 2020 goals (Carbon Neutral, Zero Waste, Donate $250K, Volunteer 200 hours).
- 2017: Zero Waste operations begin; started purchasing RECs; $54K donated and 65 volunteer hours.
- 2018: Maintained Zero Waste; continued RECs; $53.7K donated and 52 volunteer hours.
- 2019: Continued Zero Waste + RECs; introduced organic cotton and ethically-sourced flannels; $55.8K donated and 41.5 volunteer hours.
- 2020: Surpassed 2020 goals; founding member of FFCA; calculated full carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2, 3) and became Carbon Neutral.
- 2021: Maintained Zero Waste; achieved Climate Neutral Certification; expanding focus to products and supply chain.
2021 Environmental & Social Impact
We’ve tracked our environmental and social impact since 2017. As we’ve evolved, we’ve expanded from operational impacts to include product and supply chain impact. Highlights include maintaining Zero Waste operations, achieving Climate Neutral Certification, volunteering locally, and donating 3% of sales to our 17 conservation partners.
2021 Sustainability Facts
- 50% Women-Owned (ownership by equity-seeking population)
- 50% equity-seeking population represented in senior management
- 100% sustainability considerations embedded in policies, practices, processes, and systems
- 100% of public reports include environmental and social performance results
- Carbon footprint: 1,173 mtCO2e total (Scope 1: 0; Scope 2: 8; Scope 3: 1,165)
- 100% of carbon footprint offset with carbon offsets
- Energy: 8,043 kWh purchased electricity
- Waste: 96.67% diverted (Landfill: 190.66 lbs; Recycled: 5,489.6 lbs; Composted: 52.7 lbs)
- Wages: 100% of employees paid a living wage
- Health & Safety: 0 workplace issues
- Community: 80 volunteer hours
- Giving back: $41,689 donated (3% of revenue)
How We Measure Impact
Governance
We embed sustainability considerations into governance and management systems, including representation in senior management and prioritizing sustainability-related innovation.
Carbon Footprint
We achieved Climate Neutral Certification by measuring Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions and purchasing offsets for 100% of emissions. In 2021, our footprint was 1,173 mtCO2e, and we invested in verified carbon credits related to reforestation, wind, solar, and improved forest management.
Energy
We measure and purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) for our electricity usage and continue to explore options for on-site renewables and net-zero suppliers.
Waste
We are proud to maintain Zero Waste operations. In 2021, we diverted 96.67% of waste from landfill through recycling, composting, and donations.
Water
While we operate in a water-stressed area, our water use is not material. We conserve water through aerators in bathrooms and the kitchen.
Wages
We pay at least a living wage to ensure employees can afford a decent standard of living. 100% of employees are paid a living wage.
Health & Safety
We believe responsible organizations should provide a safe and healthy workplace. We had zero health and safety issues in 2021.
Community Impact & Giving Back
We measure community impact through volunteer hours donated to nonprofits, including our local chapter of Trout Unlimited, AFFTA Fisheries Fund, and additional design work donated by Garrison. In 2021, we volunteered 80 hours.
We donate 3% of every purchase to conservation partners (direct or retail). To date (April 2022), we have donated more than $381,000.
Sustainability Goals
Looking ahead, we will continue our carbon neutral and zero waste path while improving the social and environmental performance of our products. Below are our mid-term and long-term goals.
Mid- & Long-Term Goals
- 2022: Use hangtags or product bands with recycled content in 25% of product categories by working with packaging suppliers to find recycled/recyclable options.
- 2023: 15% of headwear will contain recycled or organic materials.
- 2025: 25% of headwear will contain recycled or organic materials.
- 2025: 50% of apparel will contain recycled or organic materials.