Founded by Jessica Nordhaus in 1991 in a Colorado garage, Toad&Co has evolved from crafting fleece hats (initially under the name “Horny Toad”) to becoming a comprehensive sustainable apparel brand with a unique dual focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Their 2015 rebranding from Horny Toad to Toad&Co marked a strategic recommitment to these core values as they expanded their mission.
What distinguishes Toad&Co is their holistic approach to sustainability—combining rigorous material standards, comprehensive certification frameworks, circular initiatives, and pioneering social enterprise models. While many sustainable brands have emerged in recent years, Toad&Co’s decades-long commitment and integrated approach to both environmental and social impact create a distinctive position in the market.
Toad&Co: Pioneering Sustainable Outdoor Apparel Since 1996
Founded: 1991 by Jessica Nordhaus, who began by crafting fleece hats in a Colorado garage
Key Milestones:
- 1991: Founded in Colorado as “Horny Toad”
- 1995: First retail store opened in Telluride, Colorado
- 1997: Co-founded Planet Access Company with Search, Inc. to provide employment for adults with developmental disabilities
- 2010: Recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the best places to work
- 2015: Rebranded from Horny Toad to Toad&Co, emphasizing commitment to sustainability
Sustainability Highlights:
- 100% of clothing made with minimum 80% sustainable fibers/fabrics
- Multiple sustainability certifications including bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, GRS, and RWS
- ToadAgain resale platform implementing circular economy principles
- Goal to eliminate plastic-based product packaging by 2026
- B Corp Certification targeted for 2024
- Co-founded Planet Access Company, providing employment for adults with developmental disabilities
Materials & Sourcing: Toad&Co maintains rigorous material standards with 100% of their clothing made with a minimum of 80% sustainable fibers. Their sustainable material portfolio includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and various recycled materials. This commitment significantly exceeds the industry average of 57% sustainable materials usage.
Production Ethics: Toad&Co maintains strong ethical manufacturing standards through strategic partnerships with facilities committed to sustainability:
- Egedeniz Textile (Turkey): Specializes in organic textile production with solar energy implementation
- Hemp Fortex (China): Hemp clothing production with solar-powered operations and employee welfare programs
Their production practices include:
- 75% of garments produced with locally sourced fabrics
- Annual vendor facility audits
- Strict Workplace Code of Conduct enforcement
Social Enterprise Integration: A defining aspect of Toad&Co’s approach is their commitment to social enterprise, demonstrated through their co-founding of Planet Access Company (PAC) in 1997. This logistics warehouse provides employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, processing 100% of Toad&Co’s inventory. Additionally, they launched the “Search for Adventure” program offering first-time outdoor experiences. By 2015, these initiatives had employed approximately 400 adults with disabilities and facilitated 500 adventure trips.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Toad&Co has implemented several circular economy practices:
- ToadAgain: Dedicated resale platform for pre-owned Toad&Co products
- Textile Waste Reduction: Participation in recycling workshops and advocacy for extended producer responsibility
- Product Longevity: Design focus on durable, timeless pieces that resist obsolescence
Where to Shop: Toad&Co products are available through:
- Their e-commerce platform: Toad&Co
- Retail locations in various cities
- The ToadAgain resale platform for pre-owned items
Environmental Conservation & Educational Initiatives
Beyond their product sustainability, Toad&Co actively engages in broader environmental and educational efforts:
- Conservation Partnerships: Work with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and World Cetacean Alliance
- Consumer Education: “Wear for Good” program implementation and sustainable living resources
- Employee Engagement: Volunteer efforts for cleaning public lands and disability awareness
- Renewable Energy: Adoption of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset energy use
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Fashion Pioneers
What makes Toad&Co different from newer sustainable fashion brands?
Toad&Co stands out through their pioneering sustainability commitment dating back to 1996, well before sustainability became a mainstream fashion concern. While many brands have recently adopted sustainable practices, Toad&Co’s 25+ years of experience has allowed them to develop comprehensive approaches to both environmental and social sustainability. Their distinctive integration of social enterprise through the Planet Access Company partnership further differentiates them from competitors who may focus solely on environmental aspects.
How does Toad&Co verify their sustainability claims?
Toad&Co validates their environmental claims through multiple third-party certifications including bluesign®, OEKO-TEX Standard 100®, Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Each certification addresses specific aspects of sustainability—from harmful substances testing to recycled content verification and ethical wool sourcing. Additionally, they conduct annual vendor facility audits and maintain a strict Workplace Code of Conduct. Their pursuit of B Corp Certification for 2024 further demonstrates their commitment to verified sustainability practices.
What sustainable materials does Toad&Co use?
Toad&Co ensures that 100% of their clothing contains a minimum of 80% sustainable fibers/fabrics. Their material portfolio includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and recycled materials. They partner with specialized sustainable facilities like Egedeniz Textile for organic production and Hemp Fortex for innovative hemp clothing manufacturing. This 80% minimum commitment significantly exceeds the industry average of 57% sustainable materials usage.
How does Toad&Co approach circular fashion?
Toad&Co implements circular economy principles through their ToadAgain resale platform, which extends product lifecycles by facilitating the resale of pre-owned items. They also participate in textile recycling workshops and advocate for extended producer responsibility. Their design philosophy emphasizes durable, timeless pieces that resist trend-based obsolescence, further supporting product longevity and reducing fashion waste.
What social impact initiatives does Toad&Co support?
Toad&Co’s social impact is centered around their co-founding of the Planet Access Company in 1997, a logistics warehouse providing employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. This pioneering social enterprise processes 100% of Toad&Co’s inventory. They also launched the “Search for Adventure” program offering first-time outdoor experiences. By 2015, these initiatives had employed approximately 400 adults with disabilities and facilitated 500 adventure trips. Additionally, they’ve funded 120 environmental protection organizations, demonstrating their commitment to both social and environmental causes.