logo
Blue Sky Scrubs Celebrates World Environment Day With Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Medical Apparel

Blue Sky Scrubs Celebrates World Environment Day With Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Medical Apparel

Associated Press5 hours ago

Austin, TX - June 9, 2025 - Blue Sky Scrubs, a trailblazer in stylish and functional medical apparel, proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Environment Day 2025, reaffirming its dedication to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and conscious innovation. As a Texas-based company serving healthcare professionals nationwide, Blue Sky Scrubs is using this moment to highlight its eco-friendly initiatives and share its vision for a greener future in the healthcare industry.
World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is celebrated every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year's theme, 'Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,' underscores the urgent need to restore damaged ecosystems, combat desertification, and promote sustainable land management practices. Blue Sky Scrubs embraces this call by focusing on sustainability throughout its supply chain and product lifecycle.
'At Blue Sky Scrubs, we believe that healthcare doesn't stop at the hospital doors—it extends to how we care for the planet we all share,' said David Marquardt, Founder and CEO of Blue Sky Scrubs. 'We are proud to integrate environmentally conscious practices into our products and operations, and World Environment Day is a perfect occasion to reaffirm our commitment.'
Sustainable Fabrics and Manufacturing
From the beginning, Blue Sky Scrubs has prioritized high-quality, long-lasting materials that reduce the need for frequent replacement, ultimately minimizing waste. Over the past year, the company has expanded its eco-fabric collection, featuring blends made from recycled polyester, organic cotton, and sustainably harvested bamboo fibers. These materials are not only soft and breathable but also significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with conventional textile production.
The company has also partnered with low-impact dyeing facilities that use less water and produce less waste. Compared to traditional dyeing processes, this method reduces water consumption by up to 60% and energy usage by 40%, aligning with Blue Sky's goal of reducing its overall carbon emissions.
Eco-Conscious Packaging
As part of its sustainability overhaul, Blue Sky Scrubs recently transitioned to fully recyclable and biodegradable packaging. All online orders now arrive in recycled kraft mailers or compostable bags, sealed with water-based adhesives and printed using soy-based ink. Even the tags attached to Blue Sky products are made from post-consumer paper and are fully recyclable.
This packaging shift has resulted in a 60% reduction in plastic waste from customer orders since 2023—a tangible impact that resonates with the company's environmentally-minded customers.
'It's not just about what we make, but how we deliver it,' said Angela Nguyen, Director of Product Development. 'Our customers care about the planet, and we're proud to support their values through every aspect of our business.'
Green Office and Local Initiatives
Blue Sky Scrubs has implemented a variety of green practices at its Austin headquarters, including a paperless office initiative, a comprehensive recycling program, energy-efficient lighting, and on-site composting. The company also offsets a portion of its energy use through the purchase of renewable energy credits from Texas-based wind farms.
This World Environment Day, Blue Sky employees participated in a community tree planting event in partnership with TreeFolks, an Austin nonprofit dedicated to reforestation and urban greening. Over 100 native trees were planted along a stretch of greenbelt near South Austin, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the city's heat mitigation efforts.
'We are proud to be an Austin-grown brand, and we want to be a good neighbor,' said Marquardt. 'Supporting our local environment is part of how we give back.'
Education and Empowerment
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and education, Blue Sky Scrubs launched a new digital series titled 'Scrubs With a Conscience' earlier this year. The blog and video series explore sustainability topics in the healthcare apparel industry, spotlight eco-conscious materials, and provide tips for healthcare professionals looking to reduce their environmental impact—both at work and at home.
The company also released its first Annual Sustainability Report this month, which outlines progress on key environmental metrics, including reductions in water usage, energy consumption, packaging waste, and emissions. Available online, the report is part of Blue Sky's effort to hold itself accountable while inspiring others in the industry to follow suit.
Looking Ahead: Circular Fashion Goals
Blue Sky Scrubs is already looking to the future with plans to expand its garment recycling program, allowing customers to return used scrubs for responsible recycling or repurposing. The initiative, currently in pilot stage, aims to divert textile waste from landfills and explore opportunities for closed-loop manufacturing.
Additionally, the company is investing in design for durability, creating apparel with modular components and reinforced seams that extend product life. These forward-thinking designs will be a core part of Blue Sky's upcoming 2026 Sustainable Essentials Collection, which is slated for launch later this year.
'Our goal is to be a leader not just in style and comfort, but in environmental responsibility,' said Nguyen. 'Every scrub we create should contribute to a healthier planet as well as a healthier patient.'
A Shared Responsibility
World Environment Day serves as a vital reminder that collective action is key to solving the planet's greatest environmental challenges. Blue Sky Scrubs invites healthcare workers, business leaders, and customers alike to reflect on how everyday choices—from what we wear to how we work—can contribute to a more sustainable future.
'We're proud of the steps we've taken,' Marquardt concluded, 'but there's always more to do. Blue Sky Scrubs is committed to walking this path—thoughtfully, responsibly, and side by side with our community.'
To learn more about Blue Sky Scrubs' sustainability initiatives, visit www.blueskyscrubs.com/sustainability or follow the conversation on social media using #BlueSkyGreen and #GenerationRestoration.
Media Contact
Company Name: Blue Sky Scrubs
Contact Person: Azu Aguilera
Email: Send Email
Phone: 888-302-5837
Address:2209 Donely Dr.
City: Austin
State: Texas
Country: United States
Website: https://blueskyscrubs.com
Press Release Distributed by ABNewswire.com
To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Blue Sky Scrubs Celebrates World Environment Day With Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Medical Apparel

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why We Need Black Voices In Tech
Why We Need Black Voices In Tech

Forbes

time16 minutes ago

  • Forbes

Why We Need Black Voices In Tech

Leon Burns III Photo Credit: Leon Burns III As a young Black executive in tech, Leon Burns III is making it his mission to bridge the gap between underserved communities and opportunities in STEM. In the past year, he has launched and funded 11 STEM initiatives for Black students, created a $100,000 scholarship for HBCU business and management information systems (MIS) majors at his alma mater -- historically Black Hampton University -- and provided laptops to graduating high school girls through nonprofit partnerships. Why is Burns, who is the president and CEO of Open Technology Group (OTG), doing all of this work? According to the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility, whereas Black people make up 14% of the workforce in the U.S., they only account for 8% of employees in tech jobs. And their representation is even smaller among executives. According to Burns, the 'gap stems from a lack of exposure, limited investment in tech programs in our communities, and minimal access to mentors who reflect us.' Burns himself was afforded exposure to tech from an early age, which was unique compared to many of his peers. That early start made a lasting impact on him, and, as he shared, 'I have always felt a responsibility to give back and open doors for others. He added, 'With tech evolving rapidly, especially in areas like AI, there is a real fear that we will be left behind if we do not act now. That sense of urgency is what fuels my commitment to helping others see that they, too, can thrive in this field.' Currently, about ten HBCUs offer formal business analytics programs. From Burns' perspective, 'This is a major gap, especially as analytics increasingly drive decisions in business and across society.' He further explained, 'The problem is that African Americans and other minorities are often left out of the equation when these algorithms and tools are being developed. Without diverse input, the data and the decisions that follow become dangerously skewed.' Diversity in AI getty Organizational behaviorist Karim Ginena confirms Burns' thoughts, noting that both women and people of color are underrepresented in AI output in terms of answers and images. In an interview with Knowledge at Wharton, he stated, "If these issues of bias are left unaddressed, they can perpetuate unfairness in society at a very high rate. We're not just talking about your prototypical kind of bias. We're talking at an exponential rate with these automated decision systems, which is why they can be very dangerous.' According to Burns, 'My scholarship supports 20 students who major in business and minor in MIS, with a focus on those interested in business analytics careers. The goal is to build interest, expand access. This is about sparking long-term change that ensures our voices and perspectives are part of the data shaping the future.' He added, 'At OTG, I have led initiatives to close the pay gap for women in tech, launched a company-wide certification program to help our team overcome societal barriers to advancement, and created a resume revamp program to support employees pursuing internal promotions and government opportunities.' As an HBCU graduate, it was never enough for Burns to simply 'be in the tech space.' It has always been just as important to 'create real pathways for others to grow and lead in it as well.' While a student at Hampton, he learned that people thrive when they feel 'seen, supported, and included in the culture.' That lesson has shaped his leadership. For Burns, 'inclusivity and transparency' are the principles on which he has built his role as CEO. Burns is also focused on the mental health of Black people in tech, which he thinks is often overlooked in the fast-paced corporate and tech environments. I asked him how he makes mental health a priority at OTG, given his commitment. He shared, 'We added a floating holiday to everyone's schedule for a dedicated mental health day, and once a month, I sponsor a company lunch where the team comes together to openly discuss our work environment and share ideas for improvement. We also made updates to our insurance policies to provide easier access to therapy.' He further explained the reason for his commitment: 'I am a huge advocate for therapy myself and began going after my father, Leon Burns Jr., who founded the company, passed in 2011.' Burns also credits his alma mater for his learning how to embrace conversations around vulnerability. He stated that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in recent years have 'created space for students to understand how our unique challenges and insecurities can be exploited in professional environments, and why prioritizing wellness over discomfort or financial gain is an essential part of leadership.' Burns' vision is focused on transformation and access. For him, being a leader means creating environments where others can imagine more for their futures. He is focused on reshaping the tech space to be a place where equity is engineered rather than assumed. His ultimate goal: To make sure that Black students don't get left behind.

Waymo suspends car service in downtown Los Angeles after 5 vehicles set ablaze during ICE protests
Waymo suspends car service in downtown Los Angeles after 5 vehicles set ablaze during ICE protests

CBS News

time19 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Waymo suspends car service in downtown Los Angeles after 5 vehicles set ablaze during ICE protests

Multiple Waymo cars were vandalized and set on fire in Los Angeles on Sunday, as anti-ICE protests escalated across the city. Aerial footage shows the electric, self-driving cars engulfed in flames with sparks shooting out from one vehicle. Another video shows the aftermath, with the charred metal remains of five Waymo vehicles splayed across a Los Angeles street. A Waymo car burns in the street as smoke billows during protests in Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025. David Pashaee/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images The charred remains of a Waymo vehicle litters the street following a night of violent protests in response to federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, on June 9, 2025. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images Waymo has removed its vehicles from downtown Los Angeles and is suspending service in the area where the incidents occurred, out of an abundance of caution, a spokesperson for the ride-hailing service told CBS MoneyWatch. The company is still operating in other parts of Los Angeles. "We do not believe our vehicles were intentionally targeted, but rather happened to be present during the protests," the spokesperson said in an email. Waymo is owned by Google parent Alphabet. In addition to Los Angeles, the autonomous car company also offers it ride-hailing service in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay, according to its website. Ricky Montanez, who covered the incident for CBS Los Angeles, said it took a while for the Los Angeles Police Department to arrive on the chaotic scene on Sunday. The LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment by CBS News. Protests in California's capital began Saturday after ICE raids in the Los Angeles Fashion District, and escalated on Sunday following President Trump's decision to deploy at least 300 U.S. National Guard troops to the city — a move California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called illegal. In addition to setting Waymo cars on fire, protestors also damaged and looted several businesses on Sunday including Jordan Studio 23, a sporting goods store in downtown L.A., as well as a T-Mobile and an Adidas store, according to CBS Los Angeles. LAPD has advised businesses in the area to report any damage to the police. "Please photograph all vandalism and damage prior to clean up," the department posted on its X account.

Iowa hires former NFL GM Scott Pioli as consultant following House settlement
Iowa hires former NFL GM Scott Pioli as consultant following House settlement

New York Times

time24 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Iowa hires former NFL GM Scott Pioli as consultant following House settlement

Iowa's athletics department has hired former Kansas City Chiefs general manager and New England Patriots executive Scott Pioli as a consultant to help the football program transition into a new financial model. The move comes as universities prepare to pay athletes directly in response to the landmark House settlement approved last week. Advertisement Pioli, 60, worked alongside Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz with the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens from 1992-96, and the two have fostered a close relationship over the last three decades. Pioli has attended Iowa football practices and was retained last fall in preparation for the athletic department sharing revenue with Iowa athletes. Pioli will continue to work with all of Iowa's programs, but his expertise lies with football. At New England, Pioli was the Patriots' vice president of player personnel when the team won three Super Bowls and was named the Pro Football Writers Association's executive of the year three times. Pioli was the Chiefs' general manager from 2009-12, and then served as Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager from 2014-19. He has since worked as an NFL analyst for SiriusXM, NBC Sports and NFL Network. Iowa will share the maximum allowable amount of money under the House settlement, which is $20.5 million, with as much as 75 percent going toward the football program. In addition to bringing on Pioli, Iowa has established a cap management structure that includes general managers for each sport. Marcus Wilson will serve as executive senior associate athletics director for cap management and administration, while Scott Brickman, the department's general manager for NIL and strategy through a partnership with Altius Sports Partners, will review and approve all agreements. Financial parameters related to the $2.8 billion House settlement, which was approved on Friday night by Judge Claudia Wilken, go into effect on July 1.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store