Comments on: Does Eco Fashion Matter?

By: David Blacker

David Blacker — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:19:08 +0000

I think this is very worthwhile topic as for far too long narrow sighted corporate agendas have been discounting a basic human desire to feel connected to the process and production of the products that we buy and use. The backlash from this is more than evident as we watch billions of dollars pour into new markets for organic food, cosmetics, alternative energy, and the like. Not to mention when we notice corporate giants like Wal Mart and others beginning to adopt this new awareness into part of their overall message. Of course there will be those that will use and abuse terms (eco,organic,etc) and labels as part of the same old games, but I believe we are at a turning point where a new paradigm is emerging. Awareness is like a virus and once it gets into the dialogue it will be impossible to stop it's spread. People are increasingly making the important connection between the products they buy and the effects those products have on themselves and the larger community.Knowing that a garment was ethically sourced, uses organic fibers or comes from a company that values accountability will begin to matter more and more as consumers become empowered with new choices that are equal to or better than the old ones.Coming from a family of clothing designers who taught me the value of well made garments, I think issues like buying less and better quality is an important part of this discussion. My favorite suit, to this day originally belonged to my father and was handmade in Italy in the 50's - not bad for sustainability!David BlackerPeople might be interested in checking out http://www.ibuyitgreen.com where you can find more information on eco friendly products as well as an eco friendly store

By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:14:30 +0000

This is a natural question that all of us in the eco fashion community seem to ask at some point.

I think bringing the topics of agriculture and pesticides, the energy it takes to manufacture and ship products, and sustainability into a typically vapid industry is a step in the right direction.

The intensity and duration of the organic cotton trend have transformed farming practices all over the world. Hopefully this will lead to lasting set standards.

Billboarding the green lifestyle right on our bodies and spreading the meme of organic, recycled and biodegradable materials through our daily conversations and media outlets also contributes to societal shifts in thinking.

The undercurrents of DIY fashion, clothing swaps, buying quality used goods, and valuing/caring properly for our collections are where we can dive deeper. Buying gently used couture, adding your own little details, and proudly keeping it forever is where it’s at!

This is a great conversation on this exact topic: http://thegreenloopblog.com/20.....ifference/

By: RemyC

RemyC — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:55:50 +0000

There’s three things that make the foundation of economies… Food, Clothes and Shelter. All three are changing… the common denominator is design. We design all three, how we design them leaves a foot print. There’s nothing more important. Blame Eve in the garden… otherwise we’d still be buck naked, covered with fur, like other mammals. Fashion is the expression of style. Designing green is style with substance. There’s nothing frivolous or shallow about it. It depends how deep you want to go. Design it like you mean it, and it will show. Taking into consideration every facet. Fashion sets trends, it sparks revolutions… the sixties didn’t follow through. In a sense, what’s happening in fashion today, is unfinished business. The materials catching up with the inspiration.

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:02:33 +0000

I love the responses! They pretty much said what was on my mind. We need to eat, why not organic and local? We need clothes (most of the time), why not make it healthier for our bodies and the planet, ethical (no sweatshops) if possible? I love fashion and clothes. Why would that automatically make me a shallow person? To me eco fashion is not only buying that organic cotton tunic, but buying used as well. I buy more thrift/consignment than new at this point.