Icebreaker - Pure Merino

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Icebreaker learned of a plea for underwear for displaced residents. “What we do need right now … is underwear. Undergarments for children and adults,” Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro told a local TV program. “That’s what we need. That’s what we’re in desperate need of.”

Icebreaker has answered the call with a donation of 500 pairs of underwear. Pictured here is Our NYC Regional Manager Autumn Joyce and John Fletcher of Grand Central Neighboorhood Social Services

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/06/14971831-underwear-not-shirts-or-pants-needed-on-staten-island-official-pleads?lite

“Sometimes a gift as simple as a fresh pair of underwear can make someone’s day and their outlook on tomorrow a bit brighter,” said Autumn.

Melbourne Outlet team member Aleisha Leonard competed in the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday 14 October with her fiancée Harriet. The girls were decked out in Icebreaker from head-to-toe to complete the race in comfort! (that’s 11 pieces of Icebreaker worn between them)

After months of hard training they crossed the line in a time of 4hrs7min, under their goal of 4hrs15mins (and a 45min PB from Aleisha’s 1st marathon last year.) Aleisha was happy to be up and moving at work the next day, a much quicker recovery compared to the week of pain after completing her first marathon last year! She reported back that they used the 4+hrs to count 25 runners wearing Icebreaker tops (and one beanie) as they passed them!

“Anyone who says Icebreaker can’t be worn for exercise needs to try it.

To train for the marathon we ran 6 nights a week through the freezing Melbourne winter, through wind rain and hail! The same outfit would be worn for days before washing. I can’t imagine having to do all that training AND having to wash stinky synthetic gear every day. We did 3hr+ runs on weekends starting in the dark, sometimes runs in the midday sun… always keeping warm or cool whatever the temperature, and never stinky!

I think I’ll become a spartan (10+ Melbourne marathons) and will of course be wearing head to toe Icebreaker merino in all of them!”

Shardonnay Bliss - Melbourne Outlet Store Manager

We recently asked you for ideas on how to recycle your Icebreaker once it’s worn out. A few of you were convinced that yours would never wear out – “Which old Icebreaker – it just won’t die!” – but we still managed to get some great input. We’ve added everyone’s suggestions to our own to share with you here, so if your Icebreaker does come to the end of its natural life, you’ll have plenty of ideas for what to do.

1.     Reuse

Don’t be afraid to cut up and reuse your Icebreaker. Icebreaker merino is great for dust cloths, patches, pet bedding, baby blankets, cushion covers, headbands or bandanas. Or if you’re into craft, try turning it into dolls, dolls clothing or stuffed brooches.

Other suggestions include:

“Cut the arms off to make a warm vest for the dog.”

“I use my old IB shirts as pillowcases.”

“Long sleeves can be made into leg warmers with a little sewing magic.”

“Worn out garments are lovely to felt with baby booties and mittens.”

“Cut them up to make hottie covers.”

“I’ve seen a kids’ one with holes in the elbows get modified into SUPER CUTE beanies for little ones. A little nip and tucking − using the body, cut off the arms and top part of the top, sew across top and knot the 2 corners.”

“I figure the best alternative when it does die that it could be used as thermal insulation (for my house)!

2.     Give away

Give your Icebreaker away to charity or hand it on to friends/family. At Icebreaker, we donate merino off cuts to the Neo Natal Unit at Wellington Hospital and give samples to Spinning Top’s Little Lotus Project.

Some other thoughts are:

“[Give to] poor inner city children or missionaries working overseas, etc.”

“Make some of the older and used shirts into quilts and donate them to organisations such as Goodwill or the American Red Cross.”

“Mine haven’t worn out, they get inherited.”

“Shredded pieces could be used for stuffing in comforters for disadvantaged families which is a great upcycle for garments that are irrevocably damaged.”

3.     Sell

Sell your Icebreaker through a second hand clothing store or on Trade Me/eBay.

“What’s wrong with what happens now? They get sold on trade me!”

4.     Swap

Host a clothes swap party with your friends and swap your old Icebreaker for something else.

5.     Bury

If your Icebreaker is completely worn out, and you really can’t find a use for it, simply bury it in the garden or throw it on the compost – it’ll biodegrade!

“If it does bite the dust….cut it up and throw it in the compost.”

Alternatively, if you’ve really loved your Icebreaker and can’t bear to part with the memories, you could do what some people have done: frame it and hang it on your wall.

Thanks to everyone who shared their tips, and happy recycling!