Clothing | Eco-Friendly Essentials

Where to Shop for Recycled Fashion

The good news about the environmental debate is that environmentally-friendly and sustainable living has become wildly popular among the fashionable trend-setters in first world countries. Soccer moms love to carry their grocery tote-bags into the store. Young students enjoy wearing shoes made from recycled material and by fair-trade standards, such as the Tom’s Shoes brand. Many people shop at organic health food stores like Whole Foods. Sustainable, eco-conscious living is the hip thing. And eco-friendly clothing is another way that eco-friendly hipsters are expressing their concern about the environment.

There are several ways to wear eco-friendly clothing. One is to shop at consignment stores, thrift stores, or other stores where you can buy used clothing. Consignment stores and thrift stores are just as popular as ever with fashion-conscious hipsters. Consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange have opened a chain that accepts used clothing at discounted prices, and then resells the clothes at a slightly higher price. It’s possible to exchange clothing, or to buy clothing at the discounted price. The chain is very selective about the type and quality of clothing that it accepts for re-sell, as it caters to a picky group of fashion fiends who do not want to waste time searching through stacks of old bathrobes. Consignments stores and clothing resellers are often more fashion-conscious than thrift stores, since they are more selective, and cater to a specific fashion audience.

Another great option for buying recycled clothing is via online shopping in auction sites like Ebay, where individual owners will re-sell their unwanted new or used clothing at discounted prices. These sites allow unwanted clothing to end up with the owners who specifically want them, taking the principle of a thrift store or consignment store and expanding it across the country or even across the world. It is possible for a woman in the MidWest to order a pair of jeans from a woman in Singapore, and to have the jeans mailed to her house within a few days. All of these methods make recycled fashion more readily available and easier to find than ever before.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Charity shop, Clothing, Consignment

The Sewing Machine: The Eco-Friendly Fashion Fiend’s Best Friend

Image by Bekathwia via Flickr

For the eco-friendly clothing fan, one of the best investments you can make for your recycled materials wardrobe – and for your budget – is a quality sewing machine. Sewing can be time consuming and technically challenging, but if you have time to spare, want to pick up a new hobby, or are dedicated to making eco-friendly clothing a part of your wardrobe, then consider making the purchase. You will be able to mend old clothes in a jiffy, transform old clothes into wearable, fashionable outfits, and have fun getting creative with your projects. Best of all, you will be helping to minimize the demand for new clothing, which contributes to the exploitation of labor as well as the environment.

Sewing fanatics can make the old new with a few sewing tools. While it is possible to do your mending with just a needle and threat, it can be even more time consuming, and more technically challenging, than using a sewing machine. A machine can sew quickly and accurately, and all you have to do is know how to operate the machine on a very basic level. First, pick out the right color of threat, make sure it is long enough, then thread the needle, turn on the machine, place the area of the clothing item underneath the foot of the needle apparatus, and then begin sewing.

Besides mending and alterations, you can cut fabrics to add on or subtract from a favorite piece of clothing. You can think as big or as little as you want – perhaps just a fun fabric pattern around your headband would make you more willing to wear it. You might be surprised by how a small sewing job can transform your clothes from mediocre into hip and cute.

Lastly, once you have got the hang of your sewing machine, you can use it to make just about any article of clothing. Think beyond the typical sweater vest or pajama shorts, and try something totally unique, like a Japanese-inspired kimono as your new bathrobe or a matching handbag and coin purse.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Clothing, Sew, Sewing machine

Buying Clothes While Protecting the Environment

If you need new clothes, it’s important to think about where they’re coming from and what’s happening in the lives of the people who make them. You don’t want to encourage sweatshop labor or those kinds of things, and you also want to think about what your clothes-buying habits are doing to the environment. Find out where the clothes you’re buying are made and what they’re made from. If they aren’t made from fibers that are environmentally friendly, you might want to consider switching brands and purchasing clothing that is easier on the planet.

Finding out the impact of your clothing choices can be just a click away, too. You can research your Apple Bottoms and determine where they come from. Sure, they’re great for women with curves, but you can look further to find out if they’re environmentally friendly. That way, you can see what kind of impact you’re making on the planet. Over time, people are becoming more interested in that, and they’re getting more informed about who’s making their products and where those products are coming from.

The future of the clothing industry will be impacted by that, too, because people aren’t going to keep buying clothes that are hurting the environment. Some people will, but not all of them will continue to do so. For the people who don’t want clothing that’s harmful to the planet, clothing companies that don’t want to lose business will have to make a lot of changes. They’ll be willing to do it if they want to keep their market share. They can actually make more money in the long run if they cater to their customers early and often, and show that what their customers want matters to them. That might be stressful for the company at first, because it will be used to doing things a certain way, but making changes can really help to improve business for the future.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Apple Bottoms, Clothing, Environmentally friendly

Eco-friendly Clothing Stores in Canada

If you like keeping up with fashion trends, but are also concerned about the environment; you can have the best of both worlds by shopping at eco-friendly clothing stores in Canada. Even better news is that the resources on Canada 411 can help you a store near you.

Eco-friendly clothing has many advantages, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. For example, eco-friendly clothing is almost always made from natural fibers. This allows clothing manufacturers to use materials of which the production did not add to pollution or did not require the mixing of artificial materials or even chemicals to produce the material.

Eco-friendly clothing is generally easy to clean. The wearer doesn’t have to worry about using a lot of detergent, bleach, or anything else containing harsh chemicals that can harm the environment as well as break down fabric, thus necessitating the constant replacing of clothing.

Again, wearing eco-friendly clothing does not mean one has to dress as though he or she is stranded on a desert island. Many clothing stores specialize in eco-friendly clothing, while others may carry select items along with their regular clothing line. The resources that you will find on Canada 411 will give you the names and locations of these stores, so that you find one close to you.

If the store has a website, you may even be able to view some of the eco-friendly selections they have as well as see the prices. In this way, you will be able to comparison-shop for the best values, as well as the best selection.

When you use Canada 411, you are also helping the environment in another way besides. When you know exactly where you are going, you don’t waste gas (or petrol, as it is sometimes referred to.) In fact, you may be able to find a store that is within walking distance, which saves gas/petrol as well as providing you with exercise.

Filed Under: Business, Environment Tagged With: Clothing, Environmentally friendly

“Recycle” Your Clothing

Giving back to the community can help make life easier for other people and help reduce wasteful spending and production. One way of doing this may be surprising to some, but it revolves around clothing.

A lot of people will look in their closet in the morning and almost subconsciously narrow down the options of what they are going to wear to two or three choices. Additionally, even more people will look into their closet and see a plethora of items that they immediately know they will never wear. This may be because they’ve outgrown it, because they hate the way it looks, or because it is a pair of shorts and they live in Minnesota. And too many of us will just ignore those items and let them keep taking up space that could be used for storage for our messy rooms.

One of the most helpful things to do with these outcast pieces of clothing is give them to Goodwill. By giving away clothing that you will never wear, you are helping keep someone warm who would have to spend their last dollar to do so otherwise. They can now use that dollar to provide dinner for their family; the same dollar that could not be spent if you decided to keep the ugly sweater you got for Christmas back in sixth grade.

It was really nice watching a documentary where they showed how championship t-shirts made in advance for losing teams were shipped to poverty-ravaged areas. Most of the companies who produce these shirts make substantial profits, and it is a good, heartfelt deed to take a small loss and give back to others.

By theoretically recycling clothing, you are reducing the need to waste precious materials and resources to produce them. In poverty-ravaged countries, donated clothing can help them allocate their other resources for a multitude of more dire situations.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Recycling Tagged With: Christmas, Clothing, Minnesota

Avoid Deception: Finding Eco-Clothing

: Image via Wikipedia

It’s a promise of protection, a label offering all of the wanted words — you examine fabric, marveling at what it is meant to offer. A shop swears it is environmentally conscious, made to adhere to the sudden call for good sense and better fibers. Clothes are no longer merely to be worn; they are instead to ensure the safety of the future. And the garment you’re now holding is supposed to follow this rule, deems itself eco-friendly.

You are, of course, thrilled and purchase the product immediately. It fits so well that you even decide later to research a company, to discover their other styles.

What you see online shocks you.

Because the supposed social awareness of their fabrics are marred by accusations of child labor, heavy carbon emissions and synthetic dyes. You have not found an environmental prize. You have instead been deceived.

The desire to aid nature has become a global movement. Individuals across the world are seeking to change the way we all use materials. But this good intention has been ruined by trickery — many manufacturers are trying to meet the demand for sustainable products by slapping on an organic name and continuing with their past practices. Consumers can be led to believe they’re making a wise decision when they are instead perpetuating a vicious cycle.

It is essential therefore that all individuals recognize the importance of research. Try to glean as much as you can about companies and their products. Discover what steps are being taken to become more environmentally safe and avoid groups that are too vague with their descriptions. Look at all materials that are used (ensuring that they aren’t tested on animals or formed of synthetic threads). And be certain all fabrics are indeed sustainable.

It is an unfortunate truth that you can’t simply trust a company’s vow of eco-protection. You must instead seek the facts.

Don’t allow yourself to be deceived. Learn all you can.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly Tagged With: Clothing, Environmentally friendly, Textile

Environment Protection: Clothing

: Image by _thebest_ via Flickr

It is the sudden cause, a desire shared across the world — the environment is now to be protected. While there was once a casual disregard for the future (with no concern offered for the bursts of smoke, the towers of slick plastic), there is now an understanding that Earth is to be spared the effects of poor choices. All impulses are to be controlled. All practices are to be tamed. The intention is to save the planet and great efforts have been offered toward this goal; even in unlikely ways.

The concept of helping the environment through clothing is one many don’t believe in. They think it is an impossibility, the fashion industry trying to take advantage of the sudden public awareness. But such cynicism — while understandable — is not needed. There are indeed ways for fabric to assist with this campaign; and they have proven themselves to be invaluable.

Eco-friendly clothing is defined most simply as a choice of materials and productions that does not harm the environment. Specific cloths are used (organic fibers like cotton and linen, which are sustainable and can be used again and again); recycled elements are chosen (such as zippers and buttons); natural dyes are selected instead of synthetic ones; and manufacturers refuse to use more energy than is absolutely necessary, reducing their carbon imprints.

These methods — when combined — yield an unexpected reward: the world is not forced to endure wasted fabrics and leaking dyes. And this helps to ensure a better tomorrow.

Environmentally conscious clothing is a new trend but one that shouldn’t be discounted. It offers obvious advantages (while still maintaining the looks all individuals crave. Social awareness does not translate into unflattering designs. Beauty is still considered). Find brands that suit your life; find fibers that appeal; and discover the difference that can be made through cloth.

It’s protection for the planet. It’s style for you. It’s the right choice for all.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Clothing, Natural dye, Textile

The Chemical Reactions: Choosing Eco-Clothing

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It’s happened yet again — you were too bold with your menu selection, too enthusiastic with your fork; and your blouse is now covered in a generous splattering of sauce and noodles. A favored meal is suddenly an accessory and you wince, knowing what must come next: the dreaded dry cleaning. A fabric is too delicate to trust to your washing machine (you’ve learned this in all the terrible ways, have been greeted by ruined threads and faded colors). It seems too great of a hassle to trudge to the cleaners, to maneuver through the lines and explanations; but you know it to be necessary.

What you didn’t know, however, is that it will also leave a trace of carbon for the the future.

Clothing that must be dry cleaned is far more than a mere aggravation. It’s instead unsafe for the environment. The chemicals involved with the process (specifically the carcinogenic Perchlorethylene) are hazardous to both air and earth, damaging whatever they may come in contact with. When they are improperly disposed of, they can generate devastating consequences — all of which you add to whenever you bring in your clothing.

It’s essential therefore that individuals refuse to purchase fabrics that can only be dry cleaned. All outfits are instead to be eco-friendly and should be able to be washed in machines or by hand. This can drastically eliminate the amounts of chemicals that leak into the ground and reduce the carbon footprints they will eventually form. By simply choosing natural fibers (such as cotton or hemp), you can avoid harming the environment.

It’s often assumed that this is impossible. Too many clothes rely on dry cleaning, after all; and these are typically the elegant choices, the work appropriate styles. These can still be found in more efficient selections, though. You must simply search for what is available and see what will be suited to your life.

The choice can (and should) be made.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly Tagged With: Clothing, Dry cleaning, Washing machine

Retaining Style: Environmental Clothing

: Image by Jasper Gregory via Flickr

It’s an unflattering assumption, an assurance misled by cliches: you see the promises of organic clothing, the environmentally safe styles; and you think them all to be without shape or design. To be so helpful to the world means they must also be plain — this is the logic that guides you. No fabric could be both pleasing and protective. It is a statistical impossibility, you’re certain. All threads must instead be clumsily sewn, providing none of the textures you crave, the colors that are so vital. The patterns must instead be dull things, unwanted by any fan of fashion.

But then you enter a store and your entire opinion is quickly changed.

Eco-friendly clothing is not — despite the common belief — an offense against style. It will not force you to wear awkwardly fitting shirts and comically patched pants. To be organic is not to be bland. It is instead to merely be aware of the environment, offering a small assistance to it. There is no difference in cuts or silhouettes. There is no refusal of design. It’s merely contained within alternative fabrics.

The materials used to craft these clothes are sustainable (or at least renewable). Cotton, hemp, bamboo and similar items are used. These do not defy all sensibilities, however. They will not make you suffer the burden of being poorly dressed. Instead they will merely offer the looks you want without the typical trail of carbon footprints.

And this is a compromise worth making.

Too often do individuals think that these fashions will be inadequate. They are certain there can be nothing to gain beyond the knowledge of doing the right thing (which is always welcomed, but never at the cost of tragic threads). Environmental clothing is instead a far easier idea, however. There is no sacrifice needed. All styles can instead be created.

They will simply offer a better alternative for you and the future.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Carbon footprint, Clothing, Organic clothing

Swapping Out, Gaining All: The Eco-Friendly Choice

: Image by Evive via Flickr

You have come to a decision — your wardrobe is no longer adequate. The styles you once favored do not impress. The brands you once loved are dull. You despise every outfit you’re forced to wear, think them all too tedious to even consider. You need a change. New clothes must be sought, replacing these ragged threads. And it would be so easy to simply throw all fabrics out, to then search through the little shops and boutiques.

You hesitate with this, however — if only because you’ve recently become aware of the environment and tossing all of your clothes away seems suddenly irresponsible. You think of dyes seeping into the ground, buttons being snatched up by unsuspecting animals. You imagine piles of trash being shoved into yet another landfill, forced higher because of your singular efforts.

That… is not good.

And suddenly the notion of losing your wardrobe seems impossible.

It doesn’t have to be.

You can have new outfits, new styles, without simply flinging everything away: have a swapping party.

Individuals wishing to spare themselves the guilt of impulse buys and non-sustainable fibers can choose a happier alternative. Through swapping parties, friends can gather and trade their clothes. Shirts, skirts and pants can all be passed between the group. That blouse you admired? Those jeans you could never find? They can now be yours. Switch your fabrics with your friends’ and discover an entirely new wardrobe.

The purpose is not to deny you the chance to purchase outfits. It is instead to inspire better planning. These parties enable you to avoid simply throwing your clothes away and allow you also to learn what you prefer to wear (which will enable you to make smart choices, rather than buying pieces you won’t use and disregarding them later). It’s a quick way to ease the environmental strain — and will also offer you a thrill.

Give your clothes new uses. Spare the landfills more trash.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly Tagged With: Clothing, Landfill, Wardrobe