What does Daily Grommet have to say about these simple, organic cotton socks? A lot.

These socks tell a story about their creator, Gina Locklear, who grew up among sock makers. Gina is following in the footsteps of her parents, who built a sock manufacturing company in Fort Payne, Alabama. Throughout most of the twentieth century, the majority of socks made in the United States were produced in Fort Payne. Today, competition from overseas manufacturers threatens the remaining hosiery businesses in Gina’s hometown. But she’s bringing some life back into the local industry with a fresh approach to sock-making that incorporates Gina’s passion for ecologically sensible living and green business.

Gina founded Zkano in October. She does the designing and her parents’ company, called Emi-G Knitting, makes the socks (available in athletic crew, no show, and heavy weight crew styles). Each pair is made from certified organic ring-spun cotton, grown without pesticides or chemicals, and finished without metal dyes. The name Zkano is derived from a Native American word that describes “a state of being good.” That sentiment perfectly captures Gina’s goal of creating products that are good for the environment and good for the people who wear them. Her socks cost a little more than socks manufactured overseas—because they’re worth it.

You can buy these socks here at Daily Grommet.

Originally published on DailyGrommet