Sustainability at Pingree Detroit

Our mission: Maximize Well-being

Reimagining Sustainability

In our Detroit workshop, Michiganders and Veterans handcraft products and work to achieve our purpose of maximizing well-being for our customers, the people who make them, our surrounding community, and the environment. Here are some of the ways we do that:
Together we have the power to reimagine and create the sustainable future we want to see. We design, engineer, and handmake our goods in Detroit with circularity and restorative principles in mind. It is our collective responsibility to make decisions that benefit and protect life 7 generations from now. We improve our watersheds by eliminating all harmful chemicals from the entire life-cycle of our process and invite competitors and partners to do the same. We choose materials and processes that heal the surrounding environment, reduce climate change causing emissions, and align with our commitment to localization. We upcycle leather and other materials otherwise destined for the landfill. The majority of our equipment and materials are sourced from the USA. All shipping materials we use are 100% recycled and compostable.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTIONS

People + Planet > Profit

77% of profits are reinvested into our workers, neighborhoods, free skilled-trades training, and restoration of the Great Lakes watershed. We are a worker owned- cooperative. We have community impact investors, and are majority worker-owned, and our stakeholders include the life giving systems around us(land, air, water, surrounding ecosystems) when making decisions.

THE PINGREE STORY

ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACHES

WASTE FREE

25,000 lbs of automotive leather diverted from the landfill since 2015 and on the way to completely eliminating all waste from our entire supply chain by 2030.

CARBON FREE FOOTPRINT

Pingree has net zero emissions and offsets our in-bound and outbound carbon and GHG emissions from shipping and energy usage with forestry projects and investing in renewable energy. We hope to one day work with all our materials and hardware suppliers to measure their carbon footprint and partner with them to offset those emissions as well.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Working towards having a completely closed loop (circular) supply chain and to eliminate any of our products going to the landfill after they can’t be repaired anymore. We want each design to have its own QR code to be easily scanned for lifelong repairs and if it gets to a point where you want a refresh or we can’t fix it anymore, we can shred and recycle 100% of the product - where we transform it into fill for products like punching bags and dog beds, alongside our partners like NextTiles in Detroit or shredding the rubber to become playground surfaces. We also leverage reconstituted leather waste and transform it into eco leather with our automotive partners with greater resources than we have. We want to transform our collective relationship with “waste” and reimagine a world where everything we use can become an input for something else.

TOXIC FREE

No harsh chemicals are used and our glue is water based.

MATERIALS LIBRARY

Invest in some remnants by ordering some here or schedule a visit in-person on Thursdays from 11am-12pm or 1pm-4pm to come to our Detroit workshop and take advantage of our free materials library. Larger pieces are available on a first come first serve basis and when available, full hides are available for purchase at a wholesale price.

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OUR HERITAGE

Legacy of Hazen S. Pingree

Over a hundred years ago, Hazen S. Pingree changed the destiny of Detroit. As the owner of the second largest footwear company in the US, he created jobs for hundreds, including his fellow veterans. As a progressive mayor of Detroit during times of great adversity, he started urban farms, ended corporate and political corruption and restored the utility companies to public control. He worked hard to maximize the well-being of the people he was elected to serve.

In that spirit, our Pingree company is teaching Detroiters, especially US veterans, new skills in industrial sewing, shoemaking, and leather crafting. We’re also teaching entrepreneurship, creating pathways for every maker on our team to become co-owners. Employing Detroiters. Creating something beautiful and useful. We think Mayor Pingree would be proud.

Inspiration Behind the Name

Pingree Detroit honors Hazen S. Pingree, a shoemaker, Civil War Veteran, four-term Mayor of Detroit, and 24th Governor of Michigan. His legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community empowerment inspires our mission to create sustainable products while supporting Veterans and Detroiters.

Handmade in Detroit in 1894. Handmade in Detroit Now.

Milestones

2015 – Founding of Pingree Detroit

Pingree Detroit was established as a worker-owned cooperative with a mission to provide living-wage jobs to U.S. veterans and Detroiters while creating sustainable, handcrafted products.

2017 – First Product Launch

The team introduced their first line of sustainable leather goods including a tote bag, key chain, and workfolio made from upcycled automotive materials.

2018 – Launch of "The Mayor" Sneaker

Detroit’s first locally-made sneaker, "The Mayor," was launched, symbolizing innovation and commitment to sustainable footwear design.

2020 – Commitment to Carbon Offset

Pingree Detroit began offsetting 110% of its carbon footprint, further solidifying its dedication to sustainability and eco-conscious practices.

2022 - 2023 - National Recognition and Growth in Worker-Ownership

Pingree Detroit received national recognition and expanded its worker-ownership, welcoming more veterans and Detroiters to the cooperative.

2024 - Achieved Zero Waste and Landmark Sustainability

Pingree Detroit became waste free and hit their 48,000th pound of leather diverted from landfill.

Handcrafted Excellence

Every Pingree Detroit product is a reflection of our dedication to quality, innovation, and purpose. Combining traditional techniques with modern design, our skilled artisans—including U.S. Veterans and Detroiters—meticulously craft each item with care. From durable footwear to timeless accessories, every piece showcases the spirit of Detroit’s rich manufacturing legacy and the resilience of those who make them.

Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is at the heart of Pingree Detroit. We upcycle premium automotive materials—leather, seatbelts, and other durable textiles—diverting waste from landfills to create eco-friendly products. By reimagining these resources, we not only reduce environmental impact but also offer unique designs that embody our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Every material tells a story of transformation, resilience, and care for the planet.

Social Impact

Environment Friendly

Pingree Detroit is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By diverting thousands of pounds of automotive materials from landfills and offsetting 110% of our carbon footprint, we’re creating products that not only look good but also do good. Every item we craft contributes to a more sustainable, circular economy and reflects our vision of a greener, more equitable future.

Empowering Veterans and Detroiters

As a worker-owned cooperative, we’re redefining what it means to build community wealth and opportunity. Pingree Detroit provides living-wage jobs and hands-on training in shoemaking, leather crafting, and entrepreneurship, empowering U.S. Veterans and Detroiters to thrive. By providing stable employment and a platform for creativity, we aim to uplift those who have served our country and strengthen Detroit’s local economy. Together we are building a legacy of resilience, craftsmanship, and positive social change.

Recognition & Certifications

Pingree has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social impact. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024, the company received the Social Impact Award for Sustainability and Standards from Gingras Global. Additionally, we have been featured in various media outlets including ABC World New Tonight, highlighting our innovative approach to upcycling automotive materials and providing employment opportunities for veterans and Detroit residents.

Our Co-founder Jarret Schlaff was named the 20/20 Detroit Person of the week in November 2017, in 2020 was awarded the Oakland University, “10 Under 10 Alumni” for outstanding achievements and impact within 10 years of graduation, and most recently was given the 2024 Michigan Recycling Coalition Award of Excellence.

Buy Our Products

Support our mission by purchasing our handcrafted footwear, bags, and accessories. Each item is sustainably made using upcycled materials and helps create meaningful employment for U.S. veterans and Detroiters. Explore our collection and make a difference with every purchase.

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Share Your Story

Join our community by sharing your Pingree Detroit experience. Whether it’s your favorite product, a visit to our workshop, or how our mission inspires you, we’d love to hear from you! Tag us on social media and help spread the word about our work.

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Participate in Community

Become part of the Pingree Detroit family by engaging with our events, workshops, and initiatives. From leatherworking demonstrations to community collaborations, there are plenty of ways to connect and contribute to our mission of sustainability and empowerment. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.

Career Opportunities

Join the us and be part of a mission-driven cooperative dedicated to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community empowerment. We offer meaningful, living-wage opportunities for U.S. veterans and Detroiters, with a focus on skill development and shared ownership. Explore career opportunities and help us craft a better future—one product at a time.

APPLY NOW

Have questions or want to learn more about Pingree Detroit? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at team@pingreedetroit.com or call us at 313-922-2322.

Our Address: 15707 Livernois Ave Detroit, MI 48238 (Workshop only open for curbside pickup).

WHERE TO FIND US

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I visit the Pingree Detroit workshop?
A: Currently, our workshop is not open to the public, but we offer tours on occasion. Signing up for our newsletter will get you the most up to date information about when we host open houses and tours.

Q: Where can I purchase Pingree Detroit goods?
A: Here on our website, at Eastern Market on weekends, and we have partnered with dozens of small stores across Detroit, Chicago, and the Midwest to carry all our handmade goods. Check out our retail locations page for the most up to date listing of stores, pop-up locations, to get Pingree Detroit products in-person.

CONTACT US