Not long ago, most people’s impression of environmental champions had more to do with Birkenstock-clad hippies than fashion forward thinkers.  This is no longer the case as sustainable living gains a foothold in the mainstream.  In 2007 sustainable fashion crept on to runways everywhere.  In fact ‘green’ has started cropping up in the pages of nearly every major fashion magazine. According to Vogue magazine, the hottest ticket during this year’s Fashion Week was the Edun show. If you are not familiar with Edun, it is a socially responsible clothing company, founded by Rogan Gregory, Ali Hewson and U2’s Bono, that uses primarily organically grown natural fibers.  A new addition to the fashion circuit this year was Limited Edition New York (L.E.N.Y.) featuring items made with minimal harm to the environment, and no chemical dyes.  Some of the proceeds from their show benefited Al Gore’s Climate Project. New York clothier SANS has some great lines with Japanese Denim, which is created from blending organic cotton and wool. Their knitwear is made from vegetable cashmere and other organic materials.  Habitual introduced bamboo/ cotton blends this spring.  Even Levi’s has a red tab eco-jean from 100% organic cotton and recycled finishing's.

Keeping up with fickle fashion trends while staying true to an environmental mission doesn’t have to be difficult. When shopping for new clothing stick to classic shapes and patterns that span the seasons instead of trendy items that will be dated before your credit card bill arrives.  Purchasing Vintage is another eco-chic alternative.  There are several good options in Dallas , from Ahab Bolen in Uptown to Zola’s Everyday Vintage in the Bishop’s Arts District.  Shopping in your own closet is even better.  I am handy with a sewing machine so I am forever altering and reinventing my wardrobe to keep it current.  If you don’t find inspiration by recombining your separates or you aren’t skilled with a needle, a good tailor is your best friend for getting more life out of pieces you already own.

It is even becoming easier to find organic choices at the cosmetic counter. When you think about how important our skin is in protecting our internal organs, regulating body temperature and helping us eliminate waste, why would you expose it to so many external toxins?  Some experts believe that 60% of what goes on our skin is absorbed.  The average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to her skin when she uses conventional cosmetics and toiletries.  Organic skin care products do not utilize toxic chemicals, unnatural preservatives or parabens (directly linked to breast cancer), and typically are not tested on animals.  So when you can’t go for bare, opt for organics or cosmetics made with minerals from names you may already have in your makeup bag like Almay, Dermalogica, Revlon, Neutrogena, Origins, and Physician’s Formula.

Some salons and cosmetic retailers have begun making sustainable changes to more than just their product lines.  They are introducing more natural light into their storefronts, turning up thermostats, and using energy efficient bulbs. They are even advising clients towards lower maintenance hair styles that require less blow-drying and manipulation of curling irons or flat irons.  Cosmetic giant Lancôme has begun offsetting carbon emissions in their boutiques through purchase of carbon credits.

How do you get your earth-friendly fashion finds home?  Passing on the plastic bags is an easy way to shop with the environment in mind.  The United States disposes of 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. In a landfill, plastic can take up to 1000 years to degrade, releasing toxic chemicals as it breaks down.  Fashion designers from Stella McCartney to British handbag designer Anya Hindmarch have begun introducing canvas and nylon shopping bags.  But, you don’t have to drop a dime to be ahead of the curve on this. Who hasn’t come home from a trade show without at least one canvas tote?

 

~ Don’t let them collect dust- take them grocery shopping

A year ago, the only place my canvas bags weren’t met with confusion from a cashier was Central Market or Whole Foods.  Now they are even becoming accustomed to canvas at Target. Local Kroger stores are starting to catch on too, offering reusable totes with purchase.   Big box retailer Ikea has adopted a practice of charging for plastic bags.   Perhaps Dallas will join Austin in considering a plastic bag ban altogether. San Francisco is currently the only city in the US with a plastic bag ban.

Sustainable choices in fashion have not yet taken over the marketplace, but they are becoming easier to find.  You can be sustainable and fashionable by looking for organic fibers from socially responsible design houses, making more natural choices in your cosmetics and hairstyle, and supporting re-useable bags over plastic or paper.

Help make sustainability timeless.