Fashion and Culture

With more and more “Green” products entering the mainstream, it seems as if everyone is looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly. But what about fashion? Is it possible to be environmentally sensitive and still maintain your personal style? The answer is unequivocally “yes,” but it does take a little scouting around to find the right retailer for your needs.

1. Locally Sourced
Purchasing items that are locally sourced is sometimes the most environmentally-sound decision you can make, because the products are not traveling a distance to get to you, and are therefore not contributing to the massive byproducts of shipping products around the world.

2. Fairly Traded
This is really about the moral background of your wardrobe. Was it made by people paid a living wage in reasonable working conditions? Fair trade means that producers are paid fair prices for their products, instead of the prices that the market will allow. This means that you will probably pay more for eco-conscious clothing, but you are supporting people who need money for housing, clean water, food, health care, education.

3. Organic
Much of our clothing is made of cotton and cotton blends, and cotton is a massive crop that, like many of our food crops, often requires extensive pesticide and chemical byproducts to produce. Popular demand for cheap cotton has increased crop production, which has also increased pesticide use. Cotton is the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, accounting for 25% of all pesticide use. In fact, most cotton T-shirts require up to 1/4 lb. of harmful chemicals to produce. Instead, seek organic cotton for your clothing, as it offers fewer chemicals and is grown and harvested in an environmentally-sound manner.

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