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Modern, eye-catching, uniquely crafted, BTC Elements combines smart style with sustainability. We hand-select each item in our boutique collection of fashion, gifts, and accessories with an eye to the environment and social justice. The result: Fresh, inspiring designs that are both earth friendly and ethically sourced.
Because we work closely with small designers and artists who share our passion, our online boutique carries many one-of-a-kind items you won't find anywhere else. Our goal is to delight you with our distinctive collection of mindful products while providing value and excellent service.
BTC Elements was founded in 2005 by Summer Bowen, a lifelong environmentalist who worked in the fashion industry while studying environmental education and social justice at UC Berkeley.
 Summer Bowen – Founder and CEO
Summer is a Californian through and through. Born at the top of the state in Trinity County, she’s slowly made her way down the left coast to her final destination and home: Los Angeles. In college summer payed the bills by runway and print modeling in San Francisco. In 1999 she was asked to model in an eco-fashion show… unfortunately all hopes of style were dashed. It turned out to be a hot mess. She sashayed down the runway in a frayed lavender sack that wreaked of patchouli. Ever since she’s been on the quest to find la crème de la crème of eco-friendly, fairly made fashion. When she’s not running BTC Elements, Summer can be found tending to her organic porch garden, politicking with girlfriends, or taking her sweet little baby to the beach. Read more about Summer on her blog.
Store Manager – Hannah Crum
Hannah is a Midwestern gal, born in Des Moines, IA and raised in Skokie, IL. She developed her love of the earth as a youngin’ by visiting her grandparents' farm in Southern Minnesota. In college she majored in Mandarin Chinese & Spanish with the idea that with Chinese, Spanish & English, she'd be able to communicate with the majority of the world's population. She’s a mover and a shaker with a huge heart and a wacky word nerd sense of humor. And her eco-fashion sense? She’s got a funky style all her own which includes a closet full of vintage store finds, clothes she’s swapped with girlfriends, and plenty of pieces from BTC Elements. When Hannah isn’t managing BTC, she’s brewing homemade Kombucha Tea, tending her garden, or performing in theater and independent films.
Frequently Asked Questions
 Is everything you carry environmentally friendly?
 Yes! Each item we select for our boutique is made with materials that are ecologically friendly. Our natural products are either third-party certified organic or made from a plant that does not require the use of pesticides. In addition, many of our designs are created out of recycled or reused materials. Our detailed product descriptions give you information about what the item is made from and where it was manufactured. We also keep the life of the product in mind, selecting well-made items that will last a good long life in your closet or home.
BTC Elements is also a member of 1% For The Planet, an organization of companies that donate 1% of sales to environmental organizations, and a proud "green business" member of Co-op America, a nonprofit organization that is committed to economic action for a just planet.
How do you make sure items are ethically sourced?
Most of the items in the BTC Elements collection are made in the USA under US labor laws, or by small artisans in the USA who create their own asking price. Any products that are not produced domestically are fair trade items that are screened and approved by the Fair Trade Federation.
What does Fair trade mean?
Fair trade is more than just fair wages. It means creating a fair partnership between marketers in North America and Europe and producers in other parts of the world. As defined by the Fair Trade Federation: "By approaching development as a whole process (rather than just a fair price), fair trade organizations cultivate partnerships with their suppliers and contribute to the development of communities. Fair trade is not about charity; it uses a fairer system of exchange to empower producers and to create sustainable, positive change." The full criteria for joining the Fair Trade Federation are below:
- Paying a fair wage in the local context
- Offering employees opportunities for advancement
- Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Being open to public accountability
- Building long-term trade relationships
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
- Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
Where did you get the name BTC Elements?
"BTC" is an acronym for "Be The Change," a reference to Gandhi's famous quote, "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." "Elements" is a nod to the natural world that we aim to preserve and protect.
I'm a designer and I'd like to be included in the BTC Elements collection. Who should I contact?
Please send your info to buyer@btcelements.com. If you'd like to chat about what steps you can take to make your product harmonious with BTC Elements' environmental and ethical policies, please contact us -- we would love to help out.
Love the site. Who designed it?
BTC Elements was very fortunate to partner up with graphic design and web development studio Gillen's Army.
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