(Here's a guest post from Amelia who guest blogs over at My Dog Ate My Blog. Eco-friendly clothing is an area where I could really improve. We do well with reuse-- but our newer clothes mostly aren't eco-friendly. I'll be checking out these sites. Thanks for the post! I know I would REALLY like the dress pictured here-- maybe a bit longer. )
When my friend first told me he purchased a shirt made of bamboo, I laughed at him, joking about this unusual new addition to his wardrobe. Little did I know, however, that eco-friendly clothing such as my friend’s bamboo t-shirt are slowly but steadily transforming the clothing market. Many sustainable clothing alternatives exist, from basics made of organic cotton to bamboo or hemp attire. Not only are these clothes good for the planet, but you can find affordable -- and often fashionable -- options as well. This means that green garments can replace your old unsustainable clothes…without draining your pocketbook at the same time.
Clothes made of eco-friendly fibers like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo are made with few or no pesticides. If you’re looking for basics like t-shirts, blouses, stockings, or sweaters, many options are available that are made of organic cotton. Likewise, if you need new gloves, jackets, shoes, or sandals, accessories like these can be made from hemp. For those chilly winter days, jackets, vests, and pullovers made of recycled polyester are an excellent eco-friendly alternative. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to shift your fashion into eco-friendly mode.
When it comes to natural and organic fibers, bamboo is usually praised above others due to its incredibly soft texture, often compared to that of silk. People appreciate the way bamboo clothing flows and drapes so easily over their bodies; many enjoy that it even has a sheen to it -- a natural sheen, of course! It is an especially great fiber to wear in hot weather, for it won’t stick to your body, leaving you odor-free, cooler, and overall, quite content. If you’re traveling, bamboo clothes are especially convenient since they are so lightweight. In addition to these aesthetic and practical benefits, bamboo possesses a vast array of environmentally friendly attributes. Not only does this plant grow quickly, but it requires no pesticides or herbicides and needs limited water. It is also quite hearty and tough when it comes to surviving droughts, floods, and other extreme conditions.
Eco-friendly clothes range in price, but fortunately, there definitely are basic, affordable pieces out there. For instance, a women’s bamboo tank top from GreenEarth Bamboo is $26; a men’s bamboo/organic cotton t-shirt is $23 from Organic Bamboo Clothing. Even women’s hand-dyed bamboo scarves cost $20 from Organic Bamboo Clothing, a price comparable to many non-eco-friendly scarves. Some pricier attractions do exist, such as an $85 pair of women’s bamboo wide-leg pants from GreenEarth Bamboo, or from the Territory Ahead, an organic cotton long shawl cardigan colored with eco-friendly dyes for $129. Generally, if you’re looking for more trendy clothes and accessories, be prepared to spend a bit more. However, it is clear that bamboo basics can affordably weave their way into your closet. Bamboo clothes even exist for infants and kids, so the whole family can dress in sustainable outfits.
I highly recommend that you investigate the many eco-friendly clothing options that exist today. Then, hopefully, you can discover some styles, prices, colors, or fibers that please you. Since the green market does indeed offer affordable clothes, it is worth your time and money to begin shifting at least parts of your wardrobe towards these eco-friendly alternatives. Plus, many of these sustainable clothes are made here in the United States; the popular brand American Apparel, for instance, opened a new sustainable line of styles that use only organic cotton. Below, we have compiled a short list of eco-friendly clothing companies for you to explore. Browse their websites and order online, or find their stores located across the country.
Bamboo Styles offers an extensive collection of bamboo clothes for men, women, and children -- as well as bamboo sheets and other household items. This family-owned, online store specializes in clothes made of viscose from bamboo and organic cotton.
Juno and Jove: This company offers sustainable shopping for both men and women. If you’re looking for slightly more formal attire, with slightly higher prices, this is the place for you.
Natural High Lifestyle: Based in California, this activewear company’s sustainable clothes are made of bamboo, tencel, organic cotton, and vegetal leather. Refer to their website for a list of retail locations throughout the country that sell their brand.
Nau: This Portland, Oregon, company makes sustainable “urban + outdoor apparel,” using natural, renewable fibers and recycled synthetic fabrics. They are devoted to sustainability, while bringing you aesthetically-pleasing clothes that you will want to wear year after year.
The Territory Ahead: This company offers clothes suited for men and women who desire rustic, timeless attire made of organic fibers. About ten retail locations exist throughout the United States.
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