The Do LaB’s Greenlight

So you want to go eco, but don’t necessarily want to pay the hefty price for an eco label, or maybe you don’t happen to live in one of the three cities nationwide that happen to have eco clothing distributors. There are still some general strategies to support green manufacturing processes, and product qualities to look for to ensure it’s as ‘green’ as possible:

1. Is it produced locally / with the minimum amount of transport possible? Another reason to support your local artist community!

2. Was it produced with organic growing methods? (We hate pesticides, remember?)

3. Is the processing chemical free? (Avoid processes involving petrochemicals)

4. Was it made with rapidly renewable materials (e.g. bamboo, corn)?

5. Is the production process pollution-free / does it emit toxins?

6. What are the manufacturer’s ethical / environmental policies? Does it give back to the community? Does it recycle its waste products? Does it utilize energy-saving systems in its production facilities, or offset greenhouse gases? Does it attempt to reduce pollution through advanced manufacturing processes? (this requires a little research on your part, or download a green shopping guide)

7. What kind of packaging does it come in? Less is more.

8. Is it a durable, long-lasting product? Less replacement = less waste.

9. Is the product energy efficient?

10. Is the product recyclable / reusable?

11. Does the company take responsibility for its disposal?

More specifically with green fashion, there are a growing number of options, with varying levels of environmental impact. Do what you can, that’s all it’s ever about:

1. The “greenest” clothes you can wear are those you already own. To turn these into new clothes, you can get creative and refashion your outfits, or pair your clothes with something new. A great resource for this is the book Reconstructing Clothes for Dummies by Miranda Burns. Another great way to get recycled clothes is to throw a clothing swap. Invite your friends over, have a potluck, some wine, and create a huge pile of new clothes to trade. Everyone goes home with a new wardrobe for free! (Plus it’s a great excuse to get drunk and run around naked.)

2. The second greatest eco-burden from your clothes is the way you clean them. The laundering of clothes uses large amounts of chemicals which go into our water systems, and eventually pollute our water sources. Make sure you purchase non-toxic and chemical free detergents, avoiding ingredients such as phthalates, phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum-based solvents. Definitely avoid purchasing clothes that are dry-clean only! Try hand-washing these, with your grandmother’s organic tried and true stain removal methods. Washers and dryers also use a large amount of energy - make sure your washing machine is GreenStar rated, and line dry your clothes. Watch your water use, and set the washer on a low water level. Only wash full loads.

3. If you’re out to buy new clothes, try a vintage / second-hand store. Second hand clothes are cheaper and have already off-gassed the toxic chemicals they were made with. There are always trendy and unique finds, and you can get low-cost alterations to refashion an outfit to fit your body. Again, you can get crafty and personalize your outfits as well! There are also some high end vintage designers if you’re looking for something to go out on the town.

4. The next level of ‘green’ fashion uses organic fabrics. These include unbleached organic cotton, hemp, silks (there are also hemp silks available for a great organic texture), merino wool from an organic farm, alpaca, linen / flax, and burlap (I’ve seen some great trendy burlap ties). Organic fabrics are eco-friendly because they are easily compostable, pesticide-free, better for your skin, and non-allergenic or asthmatic-inducing.

5. If the fabric isn’t organic, try to at least get something that is compostable. These fabrics include wood pulps, bamboo (which is very light and breathable), soy (a silky fabric), and corn - which although is compostable, can be energy-intensive to produce and is not always organic.

6. There is a rapidly growing number of fashion products being produced from ‘eco-materials’, from underwear to wedding gowns. Eco-materials include recycled rubber tires (for bags or footwear, not for something you would want to put against your skin), recycled newspaper (purses), polyester from recycled PET bottles (sportswear, socks, sweaters, shirts, bags), and more new materials coming out every day.

There are many options out there, just be sure to think before you purchase, and read the labels! And remember, your skin breathes, so your body takes in what you put on it. You are what you wear!