Socially Responsible and Eco-Friendly Fashion

How to be socially responsible and eco-friendly and fashionable.

Gap and Nike have come under criticism for their workplace conditions in developing countries. But, they are the big names and probably not that unique when you look at the fashion industry at large. And, creating fabric is not always ecologically friendly. The solution seems so far out of reach but there are a few small steps that you can take to be socially responsible, eco-friendly and fashionable.

1. Sew your own clothes. You create your conditions and get to design it yourself.

Ok, I know that was unreasonable. I hate sewing. Fabric is often more expensive than just buying a shirt at Target. And, who has the time?

I will start over.

1. Buy recycled clothing. Check out Anvil Knitwear. Their clothes are super cute.




2. Buy organic clothing. I see organic cotton clothing at Whole foods and there are a plethora of online retailers selling organic. Organic content means that less pesticides and chemicals are seeping into the ground and water.

3. Alpaca. They are cute. The fiber is warm and soft. I love wearing alpaca sweaters in the winter. Pair it with turquoise and you have a sexy Santa Fe look. Check this out from http://www.purelyalpaca.com/

Why Alpaca?

Alpaca clothing is an Earth Friendly renewable resource... Soft padded feet, not hooves reduces soil erosion. Efficient digestion allows for lower feed levels and great compost. Alpacas are camelids (in the camel family), consuming less water. Renewable elegant hypoallergenic fiber provides natural clothing for all.

4. Vintage. The harm is already done. You are reusing :)

5. Boutiques. Boutiques often boast locally created goods which means that your product did not have to travel from across the world to get there. And, you aren't giving money to a large corporation because boutiques are more often than not, locally owned and operated.

6. Buy at art and music festivals. One of my favorite designers, Autumn Teneyl started out in local shows. Little to no overhead, no lights, no big building to heat and air condition. Plus, you get something really unique, probably hand made, and local.

7. The jury is out on this one for me but I have been tossing around the benefits of buying clothing from MLM sales companies like Cabi. At least I am helping to support a (most-likely) woman and the storage of clothing is in her home. However, it still has a large transport and a large company so who knows how their clothes are made.

Any other ideas?