Happy Holidays
From our Timberland family to yours — best wishes for a happy, healthy, joyous, peaceful, very merry holiday.
Here’s hoping there’s something special waiting for you under the tree.
(Thank you Instagram fan @giozinna for sharing this great pic with us!)
We’re Dreaming of a ‘Green’ Christmas?
The last thing many of us consider when planning our holiday celebrations is the impact of those festivities on the environment … but a new survey commissioned by our Timberland team in the UK shows that eco-habits are far more engrained in British Christmas traditions than we might expect.
A surprising 100% of Brits surveyed say they do take steps to minimize their carbon footprint and help the environment during this festive season. These include replanting Christmas trees, buying organic ingredients for their Christmas day feast and wrapping gifts in recycled paper. Over 60% turn off their Christmas lights when they’re not at home, with 80% doing so to promote eco-values to their children.
And of course, holiday eco-consciousness starts at the top: 81% believe Father Christmas is the ultimate eco-hero for flying around the world on sustainable transportation.
At Timberland, protecting the environment is second nature to us. Because we make and sell gear for the outdoors, our business has a stake in seeing it thrive. We’re thrilled to see that Brits share the same passion and have made so many green behaviors part of their family Christmas.
Anabel Drese, European CSR Manager
What do you do to lighten the environmental impact of your holiday season? Tell us here.
Making a Difference in Brazil: Alpargatas Institute
Alpargatas S.A. is one of the largest shoe manufacturing companies in Latin America, and has been Timberland’s distributor in Brazil since 1998. The company has 13 factories in Brazil and Argentina, and employs more than 17,000 employees worldwide.
In 2003, Alpargatas founded the Alpargatas Institute with the mission of contributing to the improvement and quality of education for children, teenagers and young people through sports and culture in the communities in which the company operates.
The institute has partnered with the government and local NGOs to develop various programs for students, both during and after school. The institute’s programs focus on education via sport, education through culture, volunteering activities, as well as donations.
The actions of the Alpargatas Institute reflect the strong social concern that is embedded in the DNA of Alpargatas. Sport and culture are directly linked to the promotion of quality of life, welfare, integration, overcoming barriers as well as for the understanding of individuals and teams. Therefore, we believe that by supporting sports, educational and cultural activities Alpargatas is adding elements to the school curriculum of these communities that are part of the everyday life of our business and our way of being and living.
- Alpargatas’ President, Mr. Marcio Utsch
The Alpargatas Institute currently has programs in 13 cities in 4 states, and to date, these programs have benefitted over 348,000 children, helping them to gain a wealth of knowledge, experience, confidence and hope for a better future. In addition, these programs have helped to contribute to the improvement of the Basic Education Development Index – an indicator created by Brazilian Federal Government to evaluate the quality of education in the country – in the cities in where it operates.
We are proud of the positive impact that Alpargatas is having in its communities, and pleased to call them a long-time Timberland partner.
Kicking Off the Holidays with the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
Timberland volunteers with Mark and Jim Wahlberg
A group of Timberland volunteers gave up a Sunday morning during this busy holiday season to share some joy with kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Boston. Each year, the directors of the various clubs identify the kids with the highest needs, and they receive an invitation to attend a very special holiday party hosted by the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation (MWYF). Timberland has been a part of this event for the past three years, providing our iconic yellow boots to the children that attend.
Timberland boots are just one of many gifts given at the party. This year, the kids let out a raucous scream of excitement when they learned that they would all be going home with a brand new Play Station Vita.
As Jimmy Wahlberg, director of the MWYF told the Timberland volunteers, the party is held in the spirit of the Wahlberg family’s Christmas and the notion of ‘paying it forward.’ While theirs was a family of limited means, Jimmy says that his parents always made sure that their nine kids had presents under the tree on Christmas morning.
A special treat for the kids and volunteers alike this year was that Mark Wahlberg himself attended the party. While carrying one of his own children, he reminded the young group of party-goers, “when all you guys grow up and become successful, make sure you give back to the kids that need it, ok? Don’t forget about the kids in the community.”
The video below showcases some of the highlights from the day. Our thanks to Anchor Line Web & Screen Works for capturing the experience in video and photos, and to the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this memorable holiday tradition.
8 Great Gift Ideas for Guys
I’ve had a few people reach out to me via iMessage or Facebook asking what to get “their guy” for the holidays. With the gift-giving season upon us, here’s a guy gift-giving guide from the perspective of someone who spends a lot of time on the go, for business and pleasure, in both the outdoors and the big city.
1. Timberland Boot Company Tackhead 8-Inch Boot
In full disclosure, I’m a bit biased as the Boot Company Brand Manager – but I can say with confidence that the Boot Company Tackhead 8-Inch Boot fits in whether you’re in a swanky restored whiskey distillery or on an authentic Yukon Territory ranch. With a mix of organic cotton canvas and premium full-grain leather with a wool liner, it’ll keep you on the cutting edge — and warm. It also features a Vibram® outsole, so you know it’s ready for anything.
2. Timberland Chocorua Alpine Waterproof Raincoat
When you can only pack one jacket, you need something that’s dependable, waterproof, warm and makes a statement. The Chocorua Alpine Waterproof Raincoat is seam-sealed waterproof and features Primaloft® ECO insulation (made from 50% PET, recycled plastic bottles). The aesthetic mixes classic mountaineering alpinist with mixed media elements in the form of leather in high wear locations normally reserved for Cordura® or Ripstop.
If orange is too bright for you, check out the Earthkeepers Front Country Hiker Jacket in Forest Night (Green), Black or Rust. You can layer it with a Lightweight Quilted Jacket and achieve a similar effect.
3. Timberland Front Country Chronograph Watch
It’s a sad reality that whether I’m on the go for work or play, keeping track of time is usually a necessity. The Front Country watch is water-resistant (so go ahead and play in the snow) and durable enough to stand up to your daily workout or simply daily wear, thanks to materials like stainless steel and leather. If classic black isn’t your thing, it also comes in olive green.
I’ve become obsessed with documenting my life. I blame my kids. I’m a huge proponent of the aggregation of devices (aka iPhone), but there are times when you need to have some specialized gear for the task. The new GoPro offers you the ability to capture all of life’s little adventures wherever they may take you. No need to worry about dropping the iPhone in the ocean with this one.
When I’m not working, I try to spend a bunch of time on the bike. When it got a bit chilly, I always wore this layering piece. Eventually I started wearing this off the bike, under button-downs when it was chilly or even on its own in place of a t-shirt. Merino wool keeps you warm, but also naturally wicks sweat and water. This makes it a perfect piece when you need to travel. I usually wear these on the plane, where the temperature changes more frequently than my 3-year old’s mood.
Here at Timberland, we’re a pretty crafty bunch. We like sleek stuff that is hand-made from natural materials, so it’s only natural (get it?) to have an iPhone case made of 100% wool felt.
7. Men’s SmartWool Diamond Jim Sock
Remember what I said about Merino Wool and its awesome abilities to wick sweat and keep you comfy? The same goes for socks. These little guys keep you warm, dry and also sport an argyle, diamond pattern for your inner hipster. Rock these socks in an office meeting or on the trail.
8. The North Face Base Camp Duffle
We’ve all been there. Your luggage arrives in baggage claim, and it looks like someone packed a honey badger in your bag. It’s that exact moment that you want to avoid when you’re traveling for work or for fun. This duffle comes as small as XS and as large as XL. It’s made out of a crazy, waterproof ballistic nylon, is tested at Mt. Everest (no joke) and can be carried like a backpack too.
Deep breaths. You’ll be ok. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
No Naff: Max Pearmain on Timberland
We’ve invited some of the most influential stylists, menswear designers and editors to share their thoughts about our brand here on the Bootmakers Blog. Below, editor / stylist Max Pearmain tells us why he’s a fan.
I’m a big fan of Timberland because the brand has a core product that has a genuine street-led respect and foundation. The original designs are inspiring and actually quite aspirational in an alternative un-orthadox sense; i.e. they have a luxury streetwear element to them without feeling naff or too elitist.
Max Pearmain is the Menswear Editor of POP and is the Editor and Creative Director of Arena Homme +. He has worked with London designers including Martine Rose and Christopher Raeburn, and is a well-respected menswear stylist in his own right.
Thanks a Million!
It’s an exciting day here at Timberland: Not only is it Friday (in and of itself worth celebrating), but we’ve also hit the major modern milestone of having one million fans on our Timberland Facebook page! That’s a whole lot of love.
We couldn’t be happier with our Facebook fans – they’re always sending us great pics of their Timberland gear, commenting on our new products and styles and generally providing a positive Timberland vibe. We wouldn’t be the brand we are without the support of other people who love Timberland as much as we do – so thank you, Facebook fans. Thanks a million.
If you’re not already a Timberland fan on Facebook, we’d love to add you to our one-million-and-growing community. Check us out!
Clean Energy in Action
Timberland’s passion for preserving the environment drives us to constantly develop new practices for generating clean energy sources. Turns out, we’re in good company. In November 2012, we were recognized as the Corporate Citizen of the Year at the New England Clean Energy Council’s 5th Annual Green Tie Gala. Timberland was the only non-energy company to receive an award.
Factoring in to our selection was our efforts to purchase renewable energy for our European facilities and to source renewable energy for all of our distribution centers—including an on-site solar array at our distribution center in Ontario, California. We’ve developed partnerships to bring clean energy to our Danville, Kentucky distribution center in the heart of coal country and we found a way to purchase 100% renewable energy in Holland. In 2011, 15% of the energy we purchased globally came from renewable energy sources, putting us even closer to our 2015 target of 30%.
Another factor that contributed to Timberland’s selection was achieving an industry-leading 38% greenhouse gas emissions reduction between 2006 and 2011 for the facilities that we own and operate and for our employees’ air travel. At year end, we’ll finalize our 2012 Greenhouse Gas inventory and report our progress.
Other companies recognized at the 2012 Gala included New England leaders in the energy sector such as Joule Unlimited and Ocean Renewable Power Company (co-winners of Emerging Company of the Year), EnerNOC (Employer of the Year), and Harvest Power (Breakout Company of the Year).
We’re honored to be among these forward-thinking companies, and excited that the energy industry recognizes that a footwear company can be a part of the solution for developing clean power sources and creating a cleaner future.
Chainsaw Resistant. Who Knew?
A good reminder for all of us from Cathy in Connecticut … footwear is replaceable, feet are not.
Timberland boots saved my husband’s toes! He slipped with a chainsaw while cutting up a tree after Hurricane Sandy. Thanks god he had on his new Timberland boots or his toes would have been … well, you know. He’ll need a new pair of boots, but better than a new set of toes!
- Cathy B.
‘Tis the season for crummy winter weather … as you fire up those snowblowers, chainsaws and generators, be safe (and make sure you’re wearing the right boots for the job!).
1 Piece, 3 Ways: Lovely Layers
It’s a coat, it’s a sweater, it’s as cozy as that snuggie we bought a few years ago as a gag and really don’t wear. Really.
Introducing the Chunky Long Cardigan — featuring super soft merino wool and a super stylish cable knit pattern. In a classic charcoal color that compliments everything from colorful tights to animal prints, the cardigan is a great choice for those days when you want winter warmth without heavy jacket bulk. See?
For more ideas on how to style the season’s best boots and jackets, check out our entire 1 piece, 3 ways gallery.
