Green Cotton

In scanning the current green fashion landscape, a handful of companies provide 100% organic products (e.g. bamboo, coconut fiber, organic cotton, ramie and hemp) coupled with fully organic processes. Yet, far fewer companies factor in the importance of the global economy and its impact on the environment.

Africa is a perpetually under-represented trade region of the world contributing just 2% to global trade (2005), yet constituting a significant 12% of the world’s population. Meanwhile, poverty, drought, political unrest and high morbidity and mortality rates continue to ravage the region, simultaneously escalating environmental damage on a range of issues.

Edun is one company that has considered the crucial intersection between global trade and environmental sustainability - and provided a brilliant solution.

Placing fair trade at the forefront of their business model, Edun sources all their fabrics in Africa and uses African entities to produce/manufacture the clothing. Even though they are not 100% organic yet, they are working towards that goal.

While it is necessary and wonderful to provide fully organic fabrics coupled with low carbon footprint production processes, it is equally essential to create opportunities for under-represented regions of the world to enter into the global market.

If we do not do this, we will find ourselves tackling an increasing portfolio of insurmountable environmental problems worldwide. On the other hand, if we create “green” market solutions (such as Edun) that not only provide essential jobs, but also minimize environmental footprints, then we truly can have a lasting impact. Edun was founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono with NY clothing designer Rogan Gregory.

clipped from www.edunonline.com EDUN is a for-profit business founded on the premise of trade, not aid as a means of building sustainable communities. The company works on a micro-level to help build the skill sets of the factories where the clothes are produced. EDUN is currently produced in India, Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar. In addition, EDUN acts as a voice encouraging the fashion community to do business in Africa and thereby help bring the continent out of extreme poverty. In 1980, Africa had 6% share of the world trade. By 2002, this had dropped to just 2% despite the fact that Africa has 12% of the world’s population. If Africa could regain jut an additional 1% share of global trade, it would earn $70 million more in exports each year. This is several times more than what the region currently receives in international assistance.