Dagny McKinley found our blog and contacted us about the great work that we were doing, and we jumped at the chance to feature her company, Onno Textiles. We LOVE to hear about people, business and KIDS that are doing good things for our environment. Here’s what she had to say:

Bonobo Kids: Tell us about your company?
Dagny McKinley: Onno was founded about 2 years ago, and it was set up to be an environmentally friendly company. Previously, the president had a t-shirt company, and he was upset by the amount of chemicals and the amount of water usage involved with the growing and production of non-organic, or conventional, cotton. Water usage is a big deal right now with droughts happening and a general need to preserve clean water. So Onno started working with organic cotton, hemp and bamboo.

And, while organic cotton uses less water for growing than conventional cotton, it still uses quite a bit, so we use organic cotton that has been grown as a rainfed crop. Hemp is basically a weed, so it is completely rainfed and never needs to be watered by a farmer; it’s the same with bamboo.

BK: Why does organic cotton use less water than conventional cotton?
DM: Because with organic cotton, farmers usually rotate crops and use natural fertilizers and beneficial insects to keep the damaging insects away - this makes the soil healthier and therefore, it requires less water.

BK: Tell us what is special about bamboo?
DM: Here are some cool bamboo facts:

• Bamboo cloth feels silky.
• Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world - it can grow up to 3 feet in one day!
• You can actually sit and watch it grow!
• It can grow in almost any climate.
• Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial which means when you wear it, it wicks away sweat and smell just like many human-made fabrics available today.

BK: How about Hemp? DM: Here are some cool hemp facts:

• Hemp is a nubbier, soft material.
• You used to be able to pay your taxes with hemp in the United States.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were hemp farmers.
• Hemp acts like wool by keeping you warmer in cool weather and cooler in warm weather.
• Hemp naturally filters harmful UV rays.
• Hemp and marijuana plants are completely different - we’re talking apples and oranges, maybe apples and pears.

BK: What are the goals of Onno Textiles?
DM: There are three:

1. To make organic and sustainable more hip and easily accessible for people.
2. To offer our clothes at similar prices to conventional clothing.
3. To do something good for the environment.

Check out Onno Textiles for organic cotton, bamboo and hemp t-shirts and tote bags. Shirts come in mens, womens and kids sizes and a variety of beautiful colors! BUY GREEN TODAY.

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