In 2022, TS Designs and Solid State Clothing embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by harnessing the potential of black walnut dye. Inspired by the sight of countless black walnuts going to waste on their grounds, Courtney Lockemer took action. Through experimentation, she discovered that soaking the husks in water produced a stunning brown dye.

This innovation has spurred Know Your Clothing's mission to commercialize black walnut dye. Each year, billions of pounds of black walnuts drop in the United States, with only a fraction being utilized. Know Your Clothing aims to maximize every part of the walnut: husks for dyeing, the gritty middle for hand exfoliation, and the nuts for consumption.

In collaboration with the University of Vermont, we are developing methods to transform these overlooked walnuts into valuable products. Emphasizing natural materials over synthetic alternatives is crucial for sustainability and environmental stewardship.