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On this episode of The Sustainable Business Spotlight, I sit down with Taylor Dubose, founder of SUS, a Massachusetts-based gear company making backpacks, hats, and accessories from recycled plastic and repurposed gear. We talk about rejecting fast fashion, designing for repairability, and the logistics behind collecting waste and turning it into durable products, all without selling on Amazon.

Taylor shares how his background in product development shaped the way he approaches sustainability. From old tents and climbing rope, to water bottles that never got recycled, he’s closing the loop through local sourcing, smart design, and full transparency on material use.

Whether you're building your own eco-friendly small business or trying to improve your sustainable supply chain, this episode offers practical insight into making products that truly last.

In this episode:

• 01:40 – How the pandemic sparked Taylor’s idea for SUS
• 06:49 – The Reality Collection: bags made from used tarps and tents
• 09:12 – Logistics of local collection and manufacturing
• 11:13 – Why SUS lists the number of plastic bottles in each product
• 14:47 – New product line made from retired climbing rope
• 19:53 – What consumers should really know about recycling

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who cares about sustainability.

Links:
https://susmade.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sus_made/

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram