T-shirt retailer creates environmental designs

T-shirt retailer creates environmentally friendly designs for Rainbow Warrior Anniversary

T-shirt retailer Mr Vintage has become more environmentally friendly after teaming up with Greenpeace to release a range of commemorative Rainbow Warrior t-shirts.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace vessel that was used to actively protest seal hunting, whaling and nuclear activities between 1977 and 1985. The ship was bombed by operatives of the French Intelligence service on July 10th, 1985 while docked in Auckland on its way to protest French nuclear activity at Moruroa atoll. Dutch photographer Fernando Pereira, one of twelve crew members, lost his life in the bombings.

Greenpeace Communications Manager Suzette Jackson remembers how hard the attack hit New Zealanders, and how the incident changed New Zealand’s stance on nuclear activity.

“It was an act of terrorism in its own right, but also as an extraordinary assault on the concept of peaceful protest. It was this act that helped to cement New Zealand’s strong stance as a nuclear free advocate for the world.”

On Wednesday the 16th of June Mr Vintage will commemorate the anniversary by releasing two limited edition Rainbow Warrior prints. These prints are designed exclusively by Auckland-based designer Stephen Richardson.

As a result of working with Greenpeace on this project, Mr Vintage has changed many of their printing and manufacturing procedures to become more environmentally friendly. The entire Rainbow Warrior collection will be printed using water based inks on certified organic cotton. In addition, the entire supply chain is ethical and sweat-shop free. Eventually, Mr Vintage hopes to switch all of their screen printing inks to a vege-based alternative.

Jay Govind, Prince of Marketing at Mr Vintage, believes that “making small changes to become more environmentally friendly business is going to be a positive change for us, and is one that our customer base will support 100%”.

Jackson agrees, stating that the move “will give their product an extra edge in its markets”.

In May this year, Greenpeace upgraded the walking tracks surrounding the Matauri Bay memorial, where the ship was scuttled in 1987. They are also planning an Auckland event for the 10th of July, where they will tell the story of the bombing as well as address the climate crisis issue now facing the planet.

The Rainbow Warrior t-shirts will be available for $29.95 from Wednesday the 16th of June until the end of July. These can be purchased online at www.mrvintage.co.nz and in-store at 302b Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

ENDS

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