Our Story
Where we are and what we do
We're based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Every single product in our product line is designed and made by ourselves, from cutting the fabrics to closing boxes for shipping.
We operate under a holistic approach to sustainability, meaning that it includes not only the environmental impact of a product, but also how it affects human wellbeing in its production process. This is the reason why we only use fabrics derived from natural fibers and produce every single bag in Canada.
Who's Behind
I'm Dante, founder and “do-everythinger” of Rather Green. Telling the story of Rather Green is basically telling the story of my life, so here is a brief about it.
I’m originally from southern Brazil, the state of Santa Catarina, located in a biome called Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica). I spent my 20's in China, where I became an entrepreneur working as an international sourcing agent helping Brazilian companies procure goods manufactured in China.
The Unfortunate Inspiration for Rather Green
That endeavour took me to dozens of factories all over China, and in some of them I saw first-hand the impact fast fashion has on people's lives at the bottom of the supply chain.
I took this photo in a garment factory in Henan province, Northern China.
Workers in these facilities live in dormitories that belong to the factory, work very long hours and are unfairly compensated for their labour. Many of the brands we see everyday, regardless of being cheap or expensive, have their designs manufactured in these factories. It's a dirty underground world that is not limited to a few cases, but rather that seems to be the norm for most brands.
Starting Up
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 product I saw as ideal for bringing sustainability to people's daily lives. After all, everyone uses bags, and it is also a meaningful way to fight against plastic pollution.
How It's Going
Five years in, we've already made thousands of bags in multiple designs. From grocery shopping to everything-totes, always made locally and using natural low-impact textiles. We're proud to have also planted over 6,000 trees so far through our Tree Planting Initiative.
I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to get to know Rather Green. I hope our products can help you live more sustainably.