Meet Donald Weddington | Hazardous Materials Tech & Clothing Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donald Weddington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donald, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The fashion industry is the 2nd largest polluter in the world behind the oil industry. Whether it is the colossal amount of clothing that consumers throw away as waste each year that gets burned or the pollutants added to the atmosphere due to transportation, this industry has become responsible for roughly %8 of the world’s total carbon emissions. Bringing more awareness and supporting an “eco conscious” mindset of consumers and manufactures is crucial. Sharing knowledge on how shopping local and supporting small businesses makes an impact on the planet and your community is also something we take pride in. Along with reminding consumers to consider donating your unwanted garments, and warm up to buying from stores that carry recycled clothing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently work as a Hazardous Materials Specialist for a major Tech Company. On a daily my duties revolve around making sure none of the Hazardous Chemicals used for production on the work site are affecting the environment in any way and that all chemical baths are functioning properly. I call it keeping an “eco-conscious” mindset. Since working in a field where you are surrounded by Chemists and Engineers with an abundance of knowledge around sustainability and chemical processes, I have felt really blessed to retain some valuable information that could actually help me in my personal life running my business and building my clothing brand. As my understanding of my job grew, so did the expansion of my thought process of impacting the environment and the way others think of shopping. The fashion industry is the world’s 2nd largest pollutant and the average consumer may have no idea how their shopping contributes to a big problem for our future. In result to learning this I chose to ensure that all products created from my company are designed & manufactured in California. From idea to finished product. I wanted to guarantee that my brand would not be adding any more carbon emissions into the atmosphere via shipping fabrics over seas and finding a better way to produce clothes using sustainable materials. Having the faith and courage to think outside the box boldy and stand firmly behind my creative ideas has helped me create my own lane and set myself apart from others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you live in Sonoma County, you get the best of many world’s when it comes to views, food, and activities to partake in.

If you’re looking to have some good food and drinks but also enjoy a round of bowling, live music, or even lazer tag and axe throwing, I would have to say that stopping by the Epicenter is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I get my inspiration from my friends and family. Mainly my family. As I have gotten older I started to pay more attention to the family members before me and the sacrifices they made for the future. Legacy comes to mind, and when I think about making a difference in the world it all starts with myself and then my family who I would want to help make their lives easier in every way possible by providing generational wealth and passing down an abundance of knowledge.

Website: https://californiamadeproducts.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiamadeproducts/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-weddington-jr-85b190100/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1686044601

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/new-wave-entertainment-photo-booth-santa-rosa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaufv7HH6DkZqi5AZ48aeFw