Our Story
Hi, I’m Dante. This is how Rather Green began.
We’re based in Peterborough, Ontario. Every bag we sell is designed and made by our own team, from cutting the fabric to taping the shipping box. Here’s why.
From Brazil to Peterborough
Telling the story of Rather Green is basically telling the story of my life. Here’s the short version.
Where it began · Southern Brazil
Roots in the Atlantic Forest
I’m originally from southern Brazil, from the state of Santa Catarina, located in a biome called the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica). It’s a very special biome that is more diversity-dense than the Amazon and that now has only about 15% of its original coverage left standing.
My 20s · China
Leap to China & insight into production
Following an exchange program, I spent my 20s in China, working as an international sourcing agent for Brazilian companies. That took me to dozens of factories all over the country, and in some of them I saw first-hand the impact fast fashion has on people at the bottom of the supply chain.
Workers live in factory dormitories, work very long hours and are unfairly paid. Many brands we see every day, both cheap and expensive, have their pieces made in places like these. It isn’t a few rare cases. Unfortunately, it seems to be the norm.
2018 · Canada
Starting up Rather Green
In 2018, when my wife and I moved to Canada, I was determined to start a business that could help people live more sustainably.
Bags were the ideal product to bring sustainability into daily life. Everyone uses bags, and a good reusable one is a meaningful way to fight plastic pollution too.
For the good part of five years, I did everything myself in an unfinished basement, from cutting every single piece of fabric to sewing every single bag. It was only at the end of 2024 that I was able to rent a space and then hired my first part-time help.
Today · Peterborough
Made by hand, locally
Today we are a team of 13 people, counting my wife and myself. We design and make every bag in our workshop and storefront at 212 Hunter St West, Peterborough, Ontario. From grocery bags to everything-totes, always made locally from natural fibre textiles. We’re also proud to plant trees through our Tree Planting Initiative.
What’s next
Growing, at our own pace
We have many new products in the pipeline, and some are being tested day in and day out. As a small business we pace ourselves. Our plan is to grow our production capacity while keeping our quality standard, so we can launch more products and reach more people.
Thanks for reading our story
Every bag you order becomes part of it. Questions about us or our bags? We’d love to hear from you at hello@rathergreen.ca.