Learn more about how going green with your fashion routine doesn't have to mean a compromise in style.
Green fashion has long had a stigma as the plain hippie hemp rags that our parents used to wear in the 60's, but in our modern day designer label courture, green wardrobes have become both functional and chic. Everything from organic cotton to wool, cashmere, bamboo, and, our course, hemp are making their way to the forefront of fashionable threads, so doing good for the planet doesn't have to mean sacrificing looking good. To produce just one pair of regular cotton jeans takes three quarters of a pound of fertilizer and pesticide, and each t-shirt takes one third of a pound. Obviously choosing those items made from organically grown fibers is the first step to reducing the footprint associated with your wardrobe. Companies like Nike, Patagonia, Levi's and Wal-mart are spearheading the demand for organic textiles, but to date there is no government sanctioned label for organic clothing like there is for food. Be sure to read those labels and tags carefully before purchasing. Hemp and bamboo are good choices even if they aren't grown organically, as they require little fertilizer to grow successfully. Hemp also happens to be a very high yield crop that grows well without herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides, captures CO2 as it grows, and can be woven into a myriad of sophisticated textiles. Wool, alpaca, and cashmere (especially those of the organic persuasion), are especially favorable because they are "renewable", biodegradable, and much gentler to the environment than oil-based synthetics. Another recyclable and biodegradable textile known as Lyocell or Tencel (it's more infamous brand name), which is made from wood pulp, is now available on the green fashion market. Fibers of this type can be incinerated or digested in sewage without emitting significant amounts of carbon dioxide. If you're finding it difficult to find greener clothing alternatives in your area, not to worry, secondhand and vintage pieces are a great way to lower your impact as well. These previously loved items help cut down on the waste associated with manufacturing, shipping, buying and selling of their brand new counterparts. One company that takes this concept to heart isJunky Styling , a frequent style selection of many celebs like Gwen Stefani, which makes tailored pieces from recycled garments of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Also erring on the trendy side ofgoing green fashion, Plato's Closet going green fashion, Plato's Closet offers a wide variety of second hand name brand jeans, tops, and more for both men and women that rival Salvation Army's price tags while maintaining the favored labels we've come to know and love. Here are a few names to look out for on the green fashion horizon: 1. Prana (organic cotton and spandex tanks) 2. Blue Canoe (organic cotton and Lycra shirt) 3. Global Girlfriend (organic yoga pants) 4. Simple (organic sneakers made with recycled tire soles) 5. aGain NYC (recycled fabric yoga mat) 6. Stewart+Brown (recycled canvas duffle bag) 7. iWood (sunglasses) 8. Green Label Organic (organic cotton shirts with low impact dyes) 9. Loomstate (organic cotton jeans) 10. Voltaic (messenger bag with solar panels) 11. Worn Again (sneakers made from 99% recycled materials) 12. Boll Organic (dress shirts) 13. Nau (organic cotton and spandex pants) 14. Tom Bihn (molded cork laptop case) 15. Patagonia (eco-friendly mountain gear) 16. Linda Loudermilk (bamboo-wool and lyocell dress) 17. Ecoist (clutch made from recycled candy wrappers) 18. The Dancing Yogi Bamboo clothing, handbags, jewelry and more Get these threads added to your closet's repertoire, and start looking your best without being harsh on the environment.
