Q. Can you tell us about the moment or event that sparked the idea for Livelihood? What made you decide to focus on urban parks and habitat restoration?
Pablo: The idea for Livelihood ignited from a series of deeply impactful events that highlighted both environmental devastation and a feeling of personal powerlessness. The first catalyst was in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey flooded our neighborhood and family business. Amidst this crisis, exacerbated by the extensive deforestation we had witnessed over the preceding decade, we felt helpless against the sheer force of nature and the cascading societal, health, economic, and personal consequences.
The second pivotal moment occurred in the summer of 2019 when we saw a developer clear fifty-one acres of woodland alongside a local bayou, land that had been inundated during Hurricane Harvey, to construct luxury apartments. Witnessing a family of armadillos displaced by this destruction, crossing a busy road in search of a new home, was particularly heartbreaking. Adding insult to injury, the developer elevated the land by eight feet, offering themselves protection from future flooding while worsening the situation for the surrounding community. By this point, Greta Thunberg’s words, “to act as if our house [was] on fire,” resonated deeply, and we felt an urgent need to take action. Our initial response was to reach out to a local non-profit with the aspiration of donating one hundred trees to our community, hoping to make a tangible difference.
However, the third moment of feeling powerless came when we learned that the cost to simply water those one hundred trees would be $19,000. This figure felt like an insurmountable barrier, suggesting that significant environmental contributions were only accessible to the wealthy. We refused to accept this limitation, believing that many others shared our desire to create positive change, and that by connecting, we could collectively achieve something meaningful. This sequence of events – the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the disheartening development, and the prohibitive cost of traditional environmental action – sparked the vision for Livelihood, with a clear focus on local impact through urban parks and habitat restoration, starting with the simple act of planting trees.
Q. How did the initial tree sponsorship campaign grow into the Livelihood Apparel brand? Was there a specific turning point when you realized there was potential for more than just t-shirts?
Pablo: Our story, detailed at https://projects.livelihood.eco/about-us#our-story, effectively illustrates this evolution. The initial tree sponsorship campaign, born from a desire to directly address the environmental issues we witnessed, naturally led to the creation of Livelihood Apparel. To fund the tree planting, we started by selling t-shirts, offering people a tangible way to contribute to our mission. The turning point wasn’t a singular moment but a gradual realization that the apparel itself could embody our values. We recognized the potential to create clothing that not only funded our environmental work but also promoted sustainability through the materials used. This understanding that we could “wear our impact” by choosing natural and eco-friendly fibers transformed Livelihood from a simple fundraising effort into an apparel brand with a core environmental mission. The t-shirts became more than just a means to an end; they became a statement and an extension of our commitment to a healthier planet.
Q. Livelihood Apparel aims to change the apparel industry. Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in trying to make the industry more sustainable?
Pablo: As a small brand, we encounter significant hurdles in our pursuit of industry-wide sustainability. While sustainable fibers and fabrics exist, their production and sourcing are considerably more expensive. Furthermore, suppliers often impose high minimum order quantities, making it uneconomical for us to produce small batches of custom sustainable fabrics. Consequently, when custom fabric routes are financially out of reach, we are often limited to selecting from standard fabric offerings, which typically include blends of natural and synthetic fibers – a compromise we strive to avoid. The prevalence of synthetic blends in standard options is largely driven by the demands of large clothing brands. Therefore, our primary challenge lies in our size and limited capital, preventing us from easily commissioning custom sustainable fabrics. Fortunately, we have established relationships with family-owned fabric mills and facilities that appreciate our mission and are willing to collaborate with small businesses, enabling us to develop custom sustainable fabrics. However, the costs remain substantial, often requiring us to take financial risks to fulfill orders. Despite these challenges, we are confident that our brand and its underlying mission will resonate with consumers, ultimately leading to increased demand for our products and a positive outcome.
Q. What are some of the most common misconceptions about sustainable fashion, and how does Livelihood work to educate customers on those?
Pablo: A common misconception is that “sustainability” has a singular, universally applicable definition. In reality, sustainability is a multifaceted spectrum. it can be approached from various angles: product durability, the renewability of the fiber source, pesticide-free cultivation, impact on animals, the energy source of manufacturing facilities (coal, oil, gas, renewables), and transportation requirements, to name a few. It is truly complex. Some companies might argue that a nylon and polyester jacket is sustainable due to its longevity, often lasting easily a hundred years with proper care, even though it will not biodegrade. Conversely, a natural-based product might not be as durable but offers biodegradability. However, even natural fibers like cotton can have their drawbacks, requiring significant land and pesticide use.
At Livelihood, we educate our customers that the most sustainable practice is to invest in high-quality, timeless clothing that can be worn frequently and in diverse settings. While we prioritize natural and organic fibers, believing them to be the most environmentally sound approach, we emphasize that sustainability exists on a spectrum. Ultimately, a truly sustainable world or product is one that minimizes unnecessary consumption.
Q. You focus on creating premium natural, recycled, and biodegradable apparel. Could you walk us through the process of how these materials are sourced and what makes them a better choice for the environment?
Pablo: We firmly believe that natural or bio-based fibers, while not perfect, represent a better choice for both the environment and our health. They do not release microplastics, a leading cause of ocean microplastic pollution, they are biodegradable, and they generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex. We source these materials through our partnerships with fabric mills, who facilitate direct purchases from cotton gins or yarn manufacturers. Some of these yarns or fibers carry certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard), which help us make more informed and environmentally responsible sourcing decisions.
Q. Your recent campaign has highlighted the importance of wearing natural fibers, as opposed to synthetic materials. Can you tell us why this is so important?
Pablo: Wearing synthetic fibers has detrimental effects on both our bodies and the planet. I elaborate on these issues in our blog post.
Q. I’ve seen you mention the impact of fast fashion on the planet. What do you think needs to change within the industry as a whole to create a more sustainable future for fashion?
Pablo: This might be controversial, but meaningful change in the fashion industry must begin at the consumer level. The reason for the rise of synthetic fibers was the want for high-performance/technical fabrics, which although are an engineering marvel, hurt our planet. I’ve had many men and women not shop with us because our fabrics aren’t “stretchy” or “moisture-wicking”, which are only achieved with synthetics, and the great mission isn’t enough of an incentive to get them to support. As a society, we need to prioritize natural fibers and make conscious purchasing decisions based on necessity rather than fleeting trends or to “hide a little bit of sweat”. Cultivating a smaller wardrobe of high-quality, timeless garments designed for everyday wear and versatility is crucial. The current issue stems from our collective habituation to extremely low clothing prices, which are achieved in harsh working conditions and the use of unsustainable fibers and chemicals. The unfortunate reality is that people no longer value apparel as they once did and expect rock-bottom prices. In fact, the relative cost of clothing as a percentage of income has decreased over time. Historically, people had a greater appreciation for their clothes and the craftsmanship involved in their creation by local artisans. These handmade, high-quality garments were more expensive, but they were also more durable and often passed down through generations. For the industry to truly transform, our purchasing habits must evolve. Brands will continue to produce cheap clothing to meet consumer demand and maintain market share. Sadly, sustainability comes at a higher cost, often making it a luxury that only those with greater financial means can readily afford. It’s a very small percentage of the population that are willing to pay $60 for a t-shirt over a $15 one, regardless of the superior construction, fibers, and ethical production.
Q. Restoring native habitats and fighting against fast fashion are both central to your brand. How do you balance these two aspects of your mission? How do they tie into each other?
Pablo: We don’t view these as separate aspects to be balanced; rather, we see them as intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing. Our mission cannot be fulfilled if we produce apparel using unsustainable fibers that contribute to environmental harm. For us, they are inseparable. Selling our apparel provides the necessary resources to fund our tree planting and habitat restoration initiatives. The clothing is the vehicle through which we drive our environmental impact.
Q. How do you choose areas for your tree transplanting projects?
Pablo: We collaborate closely with local governments, municipalities, and parks departments. These entities manage the land and identify areas within their jurisdictions that are in need of tree planting and where planting is feasible. Our process typically involves informing them of the number of trees we have available for donation, and they then direct us to the specific locations where they are most needed.
Q. How do you measure the success of your habitat restoration projects, and how do you share that impact with your community of supporters?
Pablo: For us, every tree planted represents success. Moreover, any day spent connecting with the community in nature through these projects is inherently valuable and a measure of success in itself. While we do track metrics such as the number of trees planted, the estimated amount of CO2 captured, and the acreage restored, our primary focus is on the positive impact we have on the individuals and communities we engage with through our environmental mission. We share our progress and stories of community involvement to keep our supporters connected to the tangible outcomes of their support.
Q. Other companies claim to plant trees with the sale of their products. How are you different?
Pablo: Our key differentiator is that our trees are planted in local areas where our customers reside, fostering a direct connection to the environmental benefits. Unlike many other brands that plant trees in distant locations that customers are unlikely to ever see or visit, we offer our customers the unique opportunity to actively participate in planting their own trees. This local focus and the opportunity for direct involvement are what set us apart.
Q. You go beyond just planting trees. Tell us about your other initiatives/ opportunities to give back and support the environment.
Pablo: We are deeply involved in the development of parks, particularly Goal Park here in Houston. Our long-term vision is to utilize the funds generated from our apparel sales to build new parks and trails in communities that currently lack such green spaces, further enhancing local environments and providing recreational opportunities.
Q. As an eco-friendly brand, how do you ensure your own operations, from design to shipping, align with your values? Are there any practices you’re especially proud of?
Pablo: We adhere to a simple principle: we do not create products that we ourselves would be unwilling to purchase. My personal commitment as the owner is to buy high-quality apparel made from natural materials, and this philosophy guides every aspect of our design and production. I am particularly proud of our use of Supima cotton, which is renowned as the world’s finest cotton. It offers superior durability, softness, and breathability compared to conventional cotton, and importantly, it is grown right here in the United States.
Q. Livelihood’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond just products—can you share some examples of how you’ve worked with your local communities or other businesses to amplify your mission?
Pablo: We actively collaborate with numerous parks and “friends-of” organizations to facilitate tree planting initiatives within local communities. This allows us to connect with new individuals who are already passionate about their parks and introduce them to our brand. By engaging with these park enthusiasts, who are likely to value environmental stewardship, we can expand our reach and encourage them to support our mission through purchasing our apparel and participating in our tree planting events.
Q. What’s been one of the most rewarding moments for you since launching Livelihood Apparel? Has there been a specific milestone that made you realize the significant change you’re helping to create?
Pablo: Without a doubt, the most rewarding moment since launching Livelihood was planting our first 100 trees. When I started, my sole aim was to achieve this modest goal within my community, and I never envisioned the impact extending much further. Now, five years later, we have planted nearly 10,000 trees. The tangible feeling of planting those initial 100 trees was the foundation upon which everything else has been built; without that experience, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Q. How do you get others involved? And what advice would you give to others who may be interested in getting involved in/starting similar projects within their own communities?
Pablo: We ensure that all of our tree planting events are open to the public and actively encourage our registered volunteers to invite their friends and family. Planting trees is inherently more enjoyable when shared with loved ones.
My advice to those interested in starting similar projects is to not overthink the initial stages and to simply act on their passion and desire to contribute. You don’t need to have every detail meticulously planned; your genuine commitment will guide you. When I began, I had only $500 and a strong desire to plant 100 trees in my community. With that limited capital, I printed some inexpensive shirts and started asking my neighbors if they would like to donate a tree in exchange for a free shirt.
Q. As Livelihood grows, how do you plan to scale your impact—whether it’s expanding your product line, furthering your environmental restoration efforts, or partnering with other like-minded brands?
Pablo: Our intention is to maintain a focused and simple product line, concentrating on everyday basics that everyone uses. We do plan on introducing sweatpants and crewnecks this coming winter! Recognizing that our environmental efforts are directly supported by our apparel sales, we are actively working to promote our products and brand through collaborations with influencers and other like-minded brands to broaden our message and reach a wider audience.
Q. Looking ahead, what’s the next big project or initiative for Livelihood that you’re most excited about?
Pablo: What consistently excites me is the prospect of bringing our tree planting initiatives to new cities and communities. Witnessing our brand and mission enter a new market is always invigorating and serves as a primary motivator for our work. While we operate in the apparel industry, our true passion lies in making a tangible environmental impact through tree planting. Our apparel is simply the means to achieve that end, and fortunately, we have become good at making apparel as well.
Livelihood reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t require perfection—it starts with intention, community, and a willingness to act. Through thoughtfully made apparel and a mission deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, Pablo and his team are planting more than just trees—they’re planting hope. Whether it’s creating garments that avoid synthetic fibers or building parks in underserved neighborhoods, Livelihood is proof that fashion can do more than look good—it can do good. So next time you get dressed, consider what your clothes say about the future you’re helping to shape.