Okay, so maybe it’s not fair to call myself a couch potato. As my many hiking posts show, I enjoy being active and love to be outside exploring Maine, but I’m not comfortable with the word athlete. I once tried with little success to play at that level. I ran track for one year in High School. My strongest memory from that season is consistently coming in last place for my event.
The reality is that I could never be a true athlete. I don’t have the physical aptitude and in all honesty no desire to commit to that level of training. However, I do understand the importance of living an active life and, when I’m not trapped at my keyboard, I am always looking for ways to move my body.
Since I’m trying to stay active, I might as well do it while wearing stylish, fun athletic gear. My first Maine based company is Atayne. While they are headquartered in Brunswick, Maine their manufacturing currently takes place out of state but is all US based.
Atayne markets themselves not only to people who like to be active and get outside but are also passionate about the environment and progressive causes. Atayne is a certified B Corporation. According to the B-Corporation Website [“B Corporation.” What are B Corps? | B Corporation. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.]
“B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, there is a growing community of more than 1,600 Certified B Corps from 42 countries and over 120 industries working together toward 1 unifying goal: to redefine success in business.”
I love supporting a local business that has such a strong focus on their social and environmental impact. I had no idea this corporate classification existed until I found Atayne but will make a point to search out other B corporations in the future too.
My introduction to Atayne was at a warehouse sale hosted at OxBow Brewing in Portland so not only did I get to shop for some eco-conscious active wear, but I also got to do it while enjoying great Maine craft beer. We got our first stamp on our Maine Beer Trail map too which is one of my bucket list items for this year. How awesome is that?
For the warehouse sale, Atayne brought three racks of clothing which was a great initial first pass at their products. They have a large, more extensive product line on their online store. They utilize just in time manufacturing so it makes sense that a warehouse sale would have limited items.
Fortunately, there were plenty of choices for me and I bought two tops: a gray t-shirt and another long sleeve bright blue athletic top. The t-shirt has a fun Maine graphic which is perfect for someone with a blog called Weekends in Maine. Both tops are made from 100% recycled polyester.
I’ve been wearing the long sleeve top out on my winter hikes layered over long underwear. Layers are key in Maine winters. I’m looking forward to breaking in my short sleeve one soon. Although it’s snowing again in Maine today, so it might be a little while before I get the chance.
Do you know of any other B-Corps? Do you search out companies that are environmentally and socially responsible?
| things to know | |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Atayne |
| Location | 135 Maine St, Suite A #131 Brunswick, ME 04011 |
| Phone | (888) 456-0470 |
| Website | Atayne |
| Favorite ♥ | B-Corp Registration |
Weekends in Maine 
I’ve never heard of B corporations before. Those shirts look great. For some reason, I can’t stand long sleeve t-shirts. I always have to wear short-sleeves plus jacket.
A is for Apollo 11 moon landing: Was it real?
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I don’t mind long sleeves, but turtlenecks are a little too much for me.
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I’d never heard of B corps before, but they sound right up my alley! I do actively seek out green, sustainable and local goods when possible.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with for the rest of your posts. Happy A to Z! 🙂
Tui
My A to Z posts are here: TuiSnider.com
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There are so many wonderful options for green, sustainable local goods these days. It makes me happy.
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I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of a B-Corp, so this was a revelation. A good start to the Challenge!
John Holton
A to Z Challenge Co-Host
The Sound Of One Hand Typing
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Yes, it was new to me too and I enjoyed learning more about the designation. Thanks for visiting.
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That sounds like a great company. Nice looking shirts.
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I especially like the one with the Maine graphic. I’ll have fun wearing it this summer.
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I’ve never heard of a B Corp before. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get outdoors in Maine this summer.
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I hope you are able to enjoy the Maine outdoors this summer. There’s so many fun things to do up this way.
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I am wearing a shirt made from recycled plastic bottles. It is super light weight and cool. First I’ve heard of a B corp.
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It’s nice to see so many things being made with recycled materials these days.
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I won’t be able to shop in Maine but will look out for something similar in Australia.
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I am sure there are similar companies in Australia with a focus on sustainability and giving back. I think it has become much more common in businesses today which is a nice trend to see.
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What a brilliant theme for the A to Z!! Love supporting talented artisans!
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It really is amazing to see all the creative things being made.
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Never heard of B corps but good to know about them through your post. All the best for A to Z 🙂
Kreativemommy
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They were new to me to! Thank you for visiting. Have fun with the challenge.
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The shirts look great. I like buying green and recyclable wherever possible. Buying local isn’t always possible in my situation 🙂 except when I am travelling
All the best for a successful Challenge,
Nilanjana.
Madly-in-Verse
Theme : Arabiana
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Yes, buying local is not an option for everyone. We’re lucky here in Maine as the buy local movement has really grown. I love exploring what is available locally. I also love to travel and to find “local” products from my trips.
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What an informative post! I’ve never heard of a B Corporation before, nor Atayne, but I am trying to lead a more fit, active lifestyle and need a new wardrobe that is more conducive to that.
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Me to! I was excited to find active gear with a local connection.
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Now that I know about B-corporations, I’ll be sure to look out for them. Like you, I don’t consider myself an athlete, but I do make a point to exercise and stay healthy. It’s funny how having the right kind of clothes really does make that easier.
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It does help! It’s so important to stay active.
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Your comments about being active but not an athlete – definitely me!
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I’m okay with it. I think the important thing is staying active. Hiking has been a good fit for me.
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My dog walks are definitely my speed! (Or lack thereof.)
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I like the idea of B-Corps – so thank you for that education. I have seen some good examples of companies focussed on social and environmental justice though – so I love reading about other ways this is manifesting.
The clothes look great! Three cheers for active living and all the best with the challenge.
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Thank you! Yes, there are so many great companies out there focused on socially and environmentally responsible practices. It’s wonderful to see.
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I have a home gym so luckily when I work out I can just chuck on some old leggings and a vest top!
Debbie
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That works too!
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My daughter is at university now studying Fashion design with a minor in sustainability. This is right up here alley. She has just started an internship today with a company that is known for its sustainability practices. I wonder if they have the same b-corp rating here in NZ.
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What a fun career path! I think sustainability is becoming more of a focus across many industries.
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I love really comfortable outdoor wear. Theirs looks really great.
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Their clothes are really comfortable and I’m glad I finally have a few good pieces to wear on my hikes.
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Nothing feels better than clothes that are well made and made to high standards. You are lucky to be able to access such great workout gear (I can’t believe it’s snowing in Maine – it’s sunshiny and hot in Australia!)
Leanne | cresting the hill
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The best part about snow this late in the season is that it never lasts for long.
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What a great theme! I enjoy hiking, too, and need to get back to doing it. Hoping you inspire me! 🙂
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We’ve been crazy busy the last few weeks and haven’t had a chance to do our normal weekend hikes. I really miss it. I feel so much better when we get outside and move.
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You also described my level of “athleticism”. I love to go out for walks & sightseeing but if you see me running, you better run too because something scary is after me!
It’s so fun to wear clothes with your state on it (I live in Michigan) – makes you feel sorry for those who like in boring square states – it just doesn’t work for them!
Lisa / Tales from the Love Shaque
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Yes, Maine has a distinctive outline which makes it nice and easy to spot on clothes. Michigan has a fun outline too!
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I have never heard of a B-corp and looks like I’m not alone in that. I can’t say I always seek out environmentally friendly stores, but when I happen to discover a store I shop at is that way I get really excited about it and will choose to shop there over other places. So like a step in the right direction??
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It really does look like it’s a new thing for most people. I know it was for me. Sometimes it’s hard to search out eco-friendly items/stores because there’s so much information overload. It can be overwhelming. But, it’s great that you revisit them once you stumble on them.
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