A RETOLD RECYCLING SERIES

The Retold 10: With Chris Marchini

Welcome back to the Retold 10 series! Thanks for joining us as we explore the minds of leaders dedicated to shaping a more sustainable globe. What is the Retold 10? In each segment, we ask individuals across fashion, business, and lifestyle the same 10 questions about sustainable living, eco-conscious choices, and small but meaningful changes. Our goal is to spark fresh ideas and offer actionable insights to help everyone take a step toward a more sustainable life.

We're excited to say that in honor of National Quilting Month, Chris Marchini is featured in this Retold 10 segment! From making heartfelt gifts for family to designing his own patterns, Chris is inspiring a growing community with his unique approach.

1. Who are you? Share you name, title, and relevant info!

Hi there, I'm Chris Marchini, Owner/Designer for Rose City Originals based in Portland OR

2. On a personal or professional level, what significance does sustainability hold for you?

We only have one planet, so I feel strongly that we all need to do our part to help it live as long as possible.

Where did you start your sustainability journey?

Growing up in the Pacific NW, I feel this has always been a part of who I am. In every business venture I've had I think about sustainability. Whether it's upcycling t-shirts into kids' clothes, recycling fabrics into quilts, or even just using recyclable shipping materials.

4. Have you set any specific sustainability goals this year? If so, what are they?

My most recent goal was to switch to fully (and easily) recyclable shipping materials. I have ditched poly mailers for paper and even switched to paper packing tape vs. cellophane.

5. Who are your favorite eco-friendly brandS?

We've switched to BlueLand for our household cleaning supplies.

6. What would you like to see more of in the sustainability sector?

I would love to see sustainability become the norm, less flashy plastic and more natural packing alternatives like cardboard or compostable products.

7. What was the last podcast, newsletter, or book that motivated you to adopt more sustainable practices or deepened your understanding of an eco-related topic?

I'm actually not sure. It seems to just be a part of who I am. I am constantly listening for signs of "greenwashing" thought (like how Bamboo quilt batting isn't really an eco-friendly option due to the amount of chemicals used to process it)!

8. How did you come across Retold?

I've actually been following Retold for a while, I heard about you with your original clothing recycling program (as I used to have a brand that recycled shirts into kids clothes, so it caught my attention pretty quick)!

9. How would you describe your Retold persona (e.g., slow and steady = annual, big declutter = 10 packs)?

Constant... I can fill a bag with all my quilting scraps relatively quickly, and then send them back to get it out of my house and start on a new bag.

10. If someone was going to gift you an item from Retold’s sustainable store, what would it be??

Being from Portland myself, I love that you offer Portland Soda Works syrups! I love supporting my local PNW companies :)

Retold's Sustainable Store

FOLLOW CHRIS ON INSTAGRAM

@ROSECITYORIGINALS

As we celebrate National Quilting Month, we hope these ideas inspire you to start incorporating fabric scrap recycling into your quilting and crafting projects! Stay tuned as we continue to gather creative tips and tricks from fellow makers. A more sustainable crafting world starts with each of us—one scrap, one project, and one thoughtful choice at a time!

Start Your Recycling Journey

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