New Tech Accepters design T-shirts for change

By JENNIFER HUFFMAN
Register Business Writer

If enthusiasm could sell shirts, these young entrepreneurs would make a mint.

Napa’s newest small businessmen and women can be found at New Technology High School, where they’ve created a fledgling clothing line called the Accepters.

The group of environmental science students decided to create environmentally-friendly products after forming an Accepters community, based on the concept of accepting the future and change.

“We wanted to do this because we wanted to inspire global awareness and education in our community,” said organizer Maya Weir.

“We want to make a change in the whole concept of the way people think of the environment,” added Anna Holder.

“This whole class has changed our mind set about the environment and our world,” said Weir. “We’re trying to make a difference.”

The Accepters’ philosophy, according to the official Web site, “was influenced heavily by the books ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and ‘Ishmael,’ specifically referring to the question of how humans ought to live. We believe that change is a constant of life, and with that knowledge we hope to change the way beings think and act to promote universal health and unity.”

The image on the Accepters first piece of clothing, a T-shirt, was selected by the group with input from visitors to La Strada dell’Arte, an arts event and New Tech fundraiser held last month.

The winning design features an illustration of the globe and reads, “10 out of 10 people live in the environment. Protect it.”

Festival feedback on the design was positive. “An outstanding design for an outstanding effort!” wrote Monica Tipton, the school’s new principal.

“Great slogan,” wrote one responder.

“This is the one,” wrote another.

The students took more than 20 T-shirt pre-orders during the two-day event.

With donations and a loan from their student body group, the Accepters group has ordered 150 T-shirts to sell at school functions or events for $18 each.

Jessie Williamson explained why the group chose T-shirts to begin their clothing line. “They’re for all ages — so many people wear T-shirts,” she said.

Printing the shirts on organic cotton with plant-based inks is a must, decided the group.

“If we were making T-shirts on inorganic cotton with chemical inks, it would contradict the message entirely,” said Williamson.

The shirt can be recycled or even composted. “We want our shirts to go full circle, right back into the environment,” said Accepter Matt Coleman.

In true start-up spirit, and with her parents’ permission, Weir will use her credit card to place the first order. Acknowledging their nonprofit business model, the group members said any profits would be used to buy more T-shirts or donate to environmental causes. They may also branch into other products, including a canvas bag and bumper sticker.

Michael McDowell has taught this group of students for two years at New Tech.

McDowell said he was impressed with the students’ plan. The clothing line “represents the nurture, safety and group development in this class,” he wrote in an e-mail. “This is not simply a shirt business. This is an environmental advocacy program that is starting with the development of a shirt (or two).”

“These students truly want to make a contribution to the betterment of all species,” wrote the teacher.

“My hope is that they are successful in the implementation of their shared vision. I also hope that they enjoy the process.”

The students wanted to take action, wrote McDowell. “And the shirt is what they are going to start with. So, buy the shirt and then ask them ‘What’s going on out there? How can I help?’”

The motivated students aren’t afraid to ask for help. Letters to local businesses have generated donations and assistance. The group has also invited Greenpeace, Al Gore and Bill Clinton to participate.

“We’re trying to think big,” said Weir.

To contact the Accepters or find out about their clothing line visit www.accepters.net.

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