Politics of Division

Deep in the heart of chaos lies opportunity. But first, let’s take a moment to lick our wounds and check in with those directly affected by the election outcome. Now is a time where we must lean on our democratic institutions to maintain the checks and balances that are inherent to the US. Let’s rely on them to do their job, and we’ll do ours - make our voices heard. 

We often forget how powerful we are in numbers. Humans evolved through mutualism and reciprocity with one another, with the Earth. Alongside the rise of technology and social media, we’ve become more connected and yet - even more disconnected. Our divisions are fueled through Facebook posts and holiday meals with family. Within all this, we’ve forgotten we have more in common than what we’ve been led to believe. It’s generally true we all want equity for all, higher pay, more vacation and sick time, better access to resources for the historically disenfranchised, and access to reproductive sovereignty & healthcare. Despite this, we’ve become blind to our commonalities because we look at the world through a blue or red lens. We immediately separate ourselves from one another when we place our world into binaries. The two party system (whether intentional or not) inherently divides us and stokes hateful rhetoric toward each other. 

Let’s give ourselves some time and space to heal and accept the events from the past few months. Recharge your voices, your friends and family, and your spirit. Let’s find the power to coalesce around topics that bind us, not separate us. This is how we can begin building a coalition of affective constituents - a coalition rooted in reciprocity, compassion, and progress. In the meantime, be gentle with yourselves and others. 

-ST

Welcome!

If you came to our page to read this, you’re probably arriving with some questions. Likely some along the lines of “What's Sans Terre Clothing?” “How is ST fundamentally any different than other ethical clothing brands?” The very real truth is - we aren’t entirely different from some of our companions in the industry. Like many out there, the foundation of Sans Terre Clothing is rooted in ethical sourcing, transparency, and good quality. The name of our company is derived from Henry David Thoreau’s “Walking” which initially was an address to a Harvard class, but was quickly adopted and taught throughout classrooms. 

“I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life

who understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks--who

had a genius, so to speak, for SAUNTERING, which word is

beautifully derived "from idle people who roved about the

country, in the Middle Ages, and asked charity, under pretense of

going a la Sainte Terre," to the Holy Land, till the children

exclaimed, "There goes a Sainte-Terrer," a Saunterer, a

Holy-Lander. They who never go to the Holy Land in their walks,

as they pretend, are indeed mere idlers and vagabonds; but they

who do go there are saunterers in the good sense, such as I mean.

Some, however, would derive the word from sans terre without land

or a home, which, therefore, in the good sense, will mean, having

no particular home, but equally at home everywhere.” 

Employing Thoreau’s notion of Sans Terre into our business model, we’re acutely aware that humans, despite how indestructible we try to make ourselves, are just passing through. Yeah, we have deeds, titles, and other paperwork that proves ownership. But do we really own anything? Can you take your fortunes and assets with you when you go? The objective truth about life is like everything, it’s transitory. If nothing is permanent, why do we condone destruction and exploitation? This philosophical conundrum is where Sans Terre was born. Our primary goal is to use sales funded by our wonderful customers to help repair the Earth. 

Now time for some transparency: Sans Terre Threads is currently owned and operated by one person. Ideally, over time this team will grow along with you and the brand. Until then, we are still in the process of securing a trusted and ethical sourcing partner. Due to this, you may notice our materials and packaging change as we continue to evolve. Please know this is not due to compromised values, but due to continuous improvement and new opportunities that limit emissions, waste, and quality issues.