You’ve probably noticed lately that everyone is talking about “going green.” Becoming more environmentally aware seems to be the major trend of 2008, for good reason. And it’s not just about recycling your used bottles, cans, and newspapers! The current environmental conditions call for something a bit more extreme – a whole new way of thinking. Commercials and TV shows are a huge reflection of the efforts being made to get people on the right track.  Commercials featuring new, more fuel-efficient cars or cars that run on water, to Sun Chips, which are now produced by solar power are the kinds of advertisements becoming more and more common. Even water bottle companies have started making their bottles thinner to use less plastic. If everyone puts forth an effort and gets creative in thinking of ways to pollute less and reuse more, then we’ll really start seeing positive changes. Manufacturers and designers play a large role in this process… and of course, this includes fashion designers as well!

I’m not talking about shirts that say “Go Green” or “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” although we all know they’re out there… But, what really impresses me, are the designers that are taking it to another level by actually using organic fabric to produce their clothing, usually organic cotton or bamboo. Recently, Banana Republic and Nordstrom have advertised organic designed clothing lines. So, why are organically made fabrics better for the environment? Below is an explanation, courtesy of eartheasy.com: 

Popular demand for cotton textiles, and competition among producers, has seen a big change in the last two generations – the increased use of pesticide. Cotton is the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, accounting for 25% of all pesticide use. These chemicals are taking a toll on our environment and human health as a whole. Every T-shirt made of conventional cotton requires 1/4 pound of harmful chemicals. According to the USDA, in one year alone over 50 million pounds of pesticides were used on U.S. cotton fields. These pesticides deplete the soil and pollute watersheds. 

Organically raised cotton is gradually winning over new ground both on the farm and in the marketplace. No toxins or synthetic fertilizers are used. Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemical bleaches or dyes, and is allergy free. Natural fertilizers, compost and soil amendments are used, and advances in natural pest control, such as ladybugs which destroy harmful insects, have helped make raising organic cotton a viable enterprise. Organic cotton clothing, unheard of a few years ago, is now available in many stores and online businesses. A wide variety of products made from organically grown cotton is now available: shirts and pants, socks, underwear, skirts and blouses, sheets and pillowcases, towels and bathrobes. 

I recently bought an organic t-shirt from Nordstrom by Stem, and it is so comfortable – I highly recommend it!  Being aware of the different things you can do to help the cause is important! I mean, who knew you could help the environment just by shopping? Now that’s not too hard, is it?

-Style Sophisticate 

Stem Ribbed Henley Camisole

Nordstrom.com