Is Eco Fashion Your Passion?

Forward thinking designers around the world are merging fashion with eco awareness. Hence the term, “eco-fashion.” It refers to stylized clothing that uses environmentally sensitive fabrics and responsible production techniques.

As a green living consultant introducing sustainability concepts to living a green/ sustainable lifestyle, it makes sense to look for different ways to integrate eco awareness into your life. The most impactful areas of our lives are those that we do by habit. We dress daily, so why not add eco awareness to our fashion?

With eco awareness on the rise, more and more sustainable options are becoming available. Even traditional brands like Levi's, American apparel, and Nike are offering eco friendly apparel. While it's always fun to purchase new clothes, it's best to use what you've got and sprinkle in new eco fashion items as you need them.

Guidelines to get you started:

First, use what is in your closet! If you don't wear it, donate it or recycle it in some way.
When shopping, remember to keep sustainability concepts in mind. Local shops are a great place to start.
Some prefer natural fibers or organic clothing.
Plan your purchases. Is it possible to buy the desired item from fashion designer embracing business sustainability? For instance, a line per se may be an eco friendly design.
Another option is to purchase an item that can be purchased from multiple stores, select to purchase it from a business that embeds sustainability programs in its core business: Wal-Mart or JC Penny, for instance.
Evaluate products on the full lifecycle. That is, your own personal lifecycle. Is this a trendy item or one that goes with only one outfit? Opt for multi outfit items that will last through a couple of seasons. How it will be discarded later? Patagonia offers a take back program.
Consider the care of the garment. If it can be washed in cold water and hung dry, it's a winner. Dry cleaning required? Not such a great option.
When applicable, buy Fair Trade.
Buy products from sustainable sources like bamboo.

Not sure where to find fashionable eco clothing? Following are some resources suggested in our eco friendly training to get you on your way:

For those on the path of living a sustainable lifestyle, there’s power in leveraging purchases to support credible and sustainable businesses. With business sustainability permeating the fashion world, there are more and more options available to look and feel great while wearing fashionable eco wear.