Green Cotton

Chances are you are going to celebrate the holiday this year in one green way or another and that’s great. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Tell us what you are doing.

Just giving thanks for what we have  - the people in our lives, the roofs over our heads, our health, our well-being, our communities, our food, and whatever else it is in your life that you are thankful for, is where it is at.

In fact, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays from the green perspective. We are asked to stop and think about what we are thankful for, and whether or not nature is on your list, it seems that no matter what way we spin it, Mother Nature is at the heart of it. All the things we can and should be thankful for somehow boil down to Mother Nature– our natural resources including our land, water, air, mountains, desserts etc. In fact, where would we be without these critical elements? The very act of appreciating Mother Nature and all her derivatives by definition provokes environmentalism, and an urge for conservation, so that is why I like this holiday.

Perhaps more so that ever before (given our economic climate), we are more prone to pause, reflect and appreciate that which we have. As such, we are prompted to also think about ways in which we can conserve, reuse and recycle. This is good news, and even better that we are doing it en masse, moving toward greater sustainability and a more long lasting future.

I therefore would like to give thanks right here and right now– for Mother Earth, all our natural resources which we currently have: our waters, lands, mountains, air (those of which are still uncontaminated), our people, animals, communities and hope that we can together, do what it takes to preserve a natural and safe environment for our grandchildren to live.

In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.

- Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist

From Somewhere at UK RE Fashion Awards 2008

Last Thursday night, British fashion icons, celebrities and pioneers of the eco-fashion movement gathered at the RE: Fashion Awards in London to celebrate innovators in this ever-growing industry. As Green Cotton reported, this event was the first of its kind: an awards show solely dedicated to celebrating the best in organic, sustainable, fair trade, ethical fashion. Participants included models and British “It-Girls” Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldorf, as well as designers Vivienne Westwood and Preen.

Many beloved British designers and clothing companies were nominated for awards like RE: Designer of the Year. This honor went to From Somewhere, a sustainable fashion label that manufactures its runway-worthy designs from recycled fabrics and surplus textiles. Izzy Lane received both the RE: New Designer of the Year Award along with the Estethica Prize, while Adili was named the RE:Retailer of the Year. For a full list of winners, check out the official RE: Fashion website.

Events like this are integral in helping introduce eco-fashion into the mainstream; hopefully this is the first of many! Lucy Shea, director of Futerra Sustainability Communications, was quoted on the RE: Fashion site, saying, “Britain is leading the ethical make-over of the fashion industry… tonight’s winners are tomorrow’s household names.”

Let’s hope that holds true, and continue to support ethical fashion worldwide! What do you think of the British eco-fashion industry? How do you think it compares to that of the U.S.? Any favorite designers you’d like to share? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

By Erin Dale

Green Festivals hosted 5 times a year by Coop America and Global Exchange is one of the biggest eco events in America. Taking place in 5 select cities, the DC Fest will be this Saturday and Sunday at the Convention Center. Tens of thousands are expected to fill the venue, plus hundreds of exhibitors.

If you have never been, I highly recommend attending. It is a HUGE marketplace, community gathering and all around fun time. Featuring new and old companies (including at least 20 in eco-fashion alone), inspirational speakers, musical acts, innovative products, informative exhibits and DELICIOUS food (organic and vegetarian), including tons of samples, you will not be bored.

Last year I attended as my first Green Fest (as an attendee) and had a blast. Staying several more hours than expected, I ended up doing ALL my holiday shopping in one swoop- it was THAT good. Friends and family loved the gifts. What was great too is that I prevented the usual last minute rushes to the mall and other stores by getting it done early - and all gifts were eco-friendly.

TIME:
Saturday November 8th 10am- 7PM
Sunday November 9th 11am – 6pm

PLACE: DC Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Festival provides ample opportunity to mix, mingle and sample. You will undoubtedly walk away with new knowledge, new connections and new ideas. Entry fee is $15 per person for all day, including both days if you want.

DC speakers this year include Barbara Ehrenreich, William McDonough, Lester Brown , Herve Kempf as well as Madeline  Kunin among dozens of others.

We are excited to see what is new and hot in the eco-fashion world on behalf of Green Cotton at this event and will report back next week on the details. Stay tuned!

For more information on the Washington DC Green Festivals, visit www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/

For information on purchasing tickets click here. Entry fee is $15 per person for all day, both days if desired.