Tomi Otee brings sustainable practices to golf game

As the premier eco-friendly golf apparel brand, TOMI OTEE is a pioneer and leader in the full supply chain integration of sustainable and ethical practices in the golf industry. TOMI OTEE’s goal is to influence consumers to think sustainably in their practice of golf and in their consuming habits while looking good in fashionable clothing.

This exclusive partnership with The First Tee of Metropolitan New York (TFTMNY) focuses on providing golf facilities the ability to receive used textiles from their members and participants. Recycling bins from USAgain will be placed at area golf clubs and courses to collect textile donations from golfers in the community. 

Collections will be separated and sorted into categories depending on their type, condition and quality and will then be sold at bulk prices domestically or exported in developing countries.  TOMI OTEE will donate all of the profits to local charities. Each year, TOMI OTEE will provide the bin hosts with a certificate of their impact on CO2 savings and on saved landfill usage.

We’re very excited about this partnership and we couldn’t think of a better charity in New York to partner with,” said TOMI OTEE president, Thomas Ferre. “The First Tee team works hard and focuses on values that align with ours, such as respect and responsibility, to help at-risk youth become future leaders.”

TFTMNY positively impacts the lives of more than 5,000 young people at six Facilities and fourteen Affiliates throughout New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and Fairfield County, CT. The First Tee provides educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  Programs include group golf instruction, mentoring, community outreach, SAT tutoring, college workshops and girls only opportunities.

“The First Tee of Metropolitan New York is thrilled to partner with TOMI OTEE to promote environmental awareness and sustainability,” said TFTMNY Executive Director, Barry McLaughlin.  “The program is a great benefit to all involved, and we are confident that it will be successful in the Met New York golf community.  This program also gives our participants a great opportunity to give back to their surroundings and learn about the importance of helping the environment.”

The First Tee participants will help coordinate collection of the textiles and will promote environmental awareness amongst their peers.

“TOMI OTEE’s goal is to contribute our green and community centric values to the children, and support them financially by giving back all our profits from textile recycling and reuse,” said Ferre. “This is the perfect program for our relationship – everybody involved wins. We’re very proud of it, and are eager to see all the events the children will be planning around the collection at participating clubs, it’s going to be an exciting year.”