Stories

This month, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Public Thread's Industrial Commercial Sewing Certificate Program cohort graduates. 

The 16-week course certifies students as skilled industrial sewers, a career with wages starting from $17 to $23 per hour. The program costs $100 for Grand Rapids residents and $500 for non-residents.

 A circular economy prevents the creation of waste in the first place: products are made with pre-existing materials, which are then eventually repurposed into new products for consumers.

Today, race remains the primary indicator of proximity to toxic materials. The Environmental Justice movement seeks to address the inequities of environmental protection with all people's fair treatment and meaningful involvement. 

At Public Thread, we support environmental justice by creatively disrupting systems. 

Made from a heavy duty vinyl, billboard canvas is designed to withstand the elements, making it ideal for everyday tote bags. They are waterproof and durable, so whether you are grabbing groceries, hauling sports equipment or going to the beach, they hold up to whatever you throw at them and in them. 

The holiday season produces a staggering amount of waste. According to Standford University, more than 1 million additional tons of waste is produced each week from Thanksgiving to New Year. 

Upcycling is the practice of transforming existing materials as they are into new products and high-quality goods. Today, upcycled, sustainable textile production is more important than ever. To understand why, we first need to examine fast fashion, its rise and its impact.

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Public Thread have partnered to launch GRCC's Industrial Sewing Certificate Program.