We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.  ~Native American Proverb

Are You Up on the Eco-Chic Green Fashion Lingo?

Learn the terms:

100% Organic Cotton

To be considered 100 percent organic, cotton must be “certified by a third party (such as the USDA), following strict guidelines for growing the fiber, using no disallowed synthetic chemicals.

Bamboo

A textile made from the pulp of the fast growing bamboo plant that’s soft, highly water absorbent, and anti-bacterial.

Fair Trade

Fair trade companies look at more than just the bottom line. They look at development as a whole and create more of a partnershi with suppliers, which makes for a fairer exchange system where workers get paid fair wages and work under good conditions.

Hemp

A strong fabric swen from the fibers of the fast growing cannabis plant (a variety that contains virtually no THC, the active ingredient in marijuana).

Recycled/Upcycled

Material that’s been reprocessed at the end of its life into something new and useful.

Sustainable

Describes a product created by a process that can continue indefinately without causing environmental destruction or usurping resources.

Make the Most of What You Already Own

Recycle your clothes into new fashions:

Host a Clothing Swap

What better excuse to get together with friends and family than to host a clothing swap and potluck party? Evite everyone you know to clean out their closets and bring a dish to share.

When the guests arrive, give them a ticket for each item that they bring. Then enjoy an afternoon of playing dress up. guests can use their tickets to bid on clothing items, which are raffled off. Donate the leftover clothing to a worthy organization.

Turn Old Clothes into New Favorites

Refashioning the clothes you already have is fun and easy; Crop pants that have torn cuffs, snip sleeves off old T-shirts and add new ones, turn ties and scarves into belts.

Wash in Cold Water

At least 65 percent of the energy used for a cotton garment is in the washing and drying cycle. To lighten the load your laundry puts on the planet, switch your washing machine to cold for most of your loads, and line dry whenever possible.