The president of T.S. Designs, Inc., Eric Henry, spoke to Elon students about the importance of running a sustainable company while simultaneously looking out for the needs of the community.

Henry also spoke about his passion for living an environmentally friendly lifestyle, though he admits that it can be both impractical and difficult.

Nevertheless, he is pleased with the goals and accomplishments of his company. Henry explained how he is driven by demonstrating that the “triple bottom line business model,” which looks after people, the planet and profits.

T.S. Designs is a domestic manufacturing and screen-printing company that is interested in doing its part to remain environmentally friendly.

The company’s main focus is the production of “the highest quality, most sustainable t-shirt on the market,” Henry said.

In fact, 90 percent of the T.S. Designs t-shirts are organically made. The shirts are sewn in the United States in an effort to ensure that they are produced in a sweatshop-free environment. The print on the t-shirts is actually part of the fabric and is breathable. Biodegradable detergents are used rather than optical brighteners or chlorine bleach, Henry said.

But t-shirt production is only one segment of Henry’s multi-dimensional business. In an effort to help preserve the environment, T.S. Designs finds various ways to work toward a more sustainable community and a more sustainable world.

Henry believes that cars have the greatest impact on the environment, so he began to research biodiesel and other alternative fuel sources. T.S. Designs is currently developing plans for an on-site biodiesel station for the local community. Henry anticipates the station to be completed by the beginning of October 2007.

T.S. Designs also does work with Company Shops Market, a walk-in grocery store in Alamance County with locally grown produce. Henry feels very optimistic about the benefits of reconnecting to the local community and local agriculture. He believes in establishing relationships with local farmers, which ensures that the customer knows under what conditions their products are grown.

T.S. Designs works with Triad Electric Vehicle Association, a company specializing in electric vehicle promotion. Together they have raised over $8,000.

Henry spoke of the importance of personal responsibility in the sustainability movement.

“The American lifestyle has to change,” Henry said. “5,000 square foot houses and three cars? We have to make a change, because this just does not cut it. Unfortunately, the longer we wait, the worse the situation will be. At the end of the day, that’s where we will be—working together as a community.”

Reporter: Ashley Dishinger - 09/19/07