Cinder + Salt: Spreading Eco-Optimism

Rachel’s journey of artistic entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship

Rachel DeCavage has a passion for creating—and for sustainability. When she launched cinder + salt in 2014, the mission was clear: spread eco-optimism and inspire people to engage with nature in a meaningful way. With storefronts in Middletown, CT, and Chatham, MA, and a zero-waste printshop in Southington, CT, Rachel and her team of eight design and sell eco-friendly clothing items. Up to 50% of profits are funneled back to the Earth through initiatives including zero waste printing, recycling collection bins, and cleanups.

Rachel became deeply committed to protecting and improving the environment after learning about the detrimental impacts of pollution on health. “I heard someone on the radio talking about how asthma rates are exponentially higher among people living within a quarter-mile of a landfill, compared to people within a half-mile or a mile,” she explains. “I firmly believe that access to breathable air, drinkable water, and healthy ground to stand on are inherent rights of every living creature. At the core of cinder + salt, we are an eco-friendly clothing brand. At our heart, we are here to protect nature.”

During a chance encounter at an art gallery, Rachel met Save the Sound President Leah Lopez Schmalz and the two immediately connected. This sparked Rachel’s involvement in Save the Sound, paving the way for her to organize monthly cleanups. When Save the Sound celebrated 50 years of environmental protection last year, Rachel’s unique artistic style and sustainable printing methods aligned perfectly with Leah’s vision of how to commemorate this milestone. For a limited time, a collection of anniversary t-shirts, hand-drawn and sustainably printed by Rachel and cinder + salt, are available. Don’t miss the chance to purchase one from savethesound.org/anniversaryshirts.

Rachel exemplifies spreading eco-optimism, engaging others in sustainability, and safeguarding the environment. We are immensely grateful for her collaboration!