Green Cotton

Welcome!

Green Cotton is returning after a summer-long hiatus. We have missed reporting on the eco-apparel industry and sharing our ideas and insights with you. We hope you will welcome us back to the blogging world and check back regularly for all-new content. As always, we will be reporting on the latest initiatives when it comes to all things green, taking a particular interest in eco-friendly, organic and sustainable fabrics and products. Over the next few weeks, we will also take a look back at some of our past posts (we’ve covered everything from cotton, tencel, bamboo, hemp, soy and jute to Fashion Week runway reports) as we look ahead to the exciting future of eco-fashion.

As you well may know, the world of eco-fashion has come a long way since Green Cotton started up three years ago. Now, eco-items are becoming much more commonplace. The phrase “green fashion” is no longer used as an oxymoron. Big box stores carry “organic” clothing lines (or so they say; we’ve expressed our doubts over this occurrence before, on account of the actual cost of authentic, certified organic fabrics– see our examination of Loomstate for Target). More and more independent designers are opting to use organic or recycled fabrics (Kelly Lane, whose on-trend pieces sell at Jute & Jackfruit, is one favorite example). Mainstream fashion magazines are featuring more “eco” items (see People Style Watch’s monthly “Easy Eco” column). And you no longer have to search far and wide for the perfect pair of eco-friendly and/or organic, recycled, vegan and, yes, trendy pair of shoes– one glimpse of eco-chic brands Mohop and NeuAura, and you will never again think that “green” footwear equals “crunchy,” “hippie” or “Woodstock” (unless, you know, that’s what you’re going for).

Here at Green Cotton, we’re thrilled to note all of the major advances in this growing industry and any positive changes taking place in mainstream fashion. As we transition from summer to fall, expect to see some major fashion coverage (especially with Fashion Week coming up!). As we’ve done in the past, we will be reporting on emerging trends with an “eco eye,” presenting you with earth-conscious alternatives to what you see on the runway and on clothing racks. We love to showcase green products and companies that are doing wonderful work, giving back to the planet and its people.

That said, Green Cotton plans to attend this weekend’s GreenFest in Boston. We hope to see you there!

Check back soon for new articles. We’ll be “greening” over some big fall trends and also highlighting a different fabric each week, discussing what makes it eco (or not). You can also keep up with the goings on at Jute & Jackfruit at the JJF Blog and follow us on Twitter!

Thanks for stopping by!

Image from http://www.organic-cotton.us/organic-cotton1.jpg

From April 10-12, the third annual Down 2 Earth Sustainable Living Expo (d2e) took over the Hynes Convention Center, filling it with an indoor garden, solar panels, organic fashion, gourmet coffee and chocolate and fun for everyone, from the eco-novice to the eco-expert. For those just getting into the idea of green living, the event showed just how easy it can be, showcasing some fabulous, innovative companies whose principles and practices are truly down to earth. For Boston area eco-conscious consumers, this was the place to be.

Serving as both an educational forum for sustainability and a green goods marketplace, this year’s d2e boasted a number of eco-minded exhibitors. Paino Organics, Larabar, Clif Bar, Cascadian Farm, Taza Chocolate, Glee Gum and more sampled yummy organic treats, from granola to salsa and vegan mayonnaise. Equal Exchange, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, Mocha Joes and Honest Tea provided the much-needed caffeine fix.

Ideologie and We Add Up were both selling innovative organic cotton tees with a message. Earth Elegance Jewelry and Acero Studio showcased compelling pieces that make the green life that much more beautiful. Blissfully Organic, Nat and Victoria Solutions and Amazon Beauty by Liz showed that it’s a snap to green your beauty routine. The Holistic Moms Network, along with kid’s fashion by JOJO, chic totes from Go GaGa Bags, silk baby slings by Sakura Blook, cleanup by Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Products, and reusable (and insanely cute) snack bags from snackTAXI and ReSnackIt, all helped make life a little easier for the earth-conscious mom on the go. Boston’s own Greenologist community, which will deliver fresh farmer’s market produce to your doorstep, even handed out complimentary reusable grocery totes.

If the fun, food and freebies weren’t enough, the event also featured eco-savvy demonstrations, cooking demos, videos and notable guest speakers. Keynote speakers included Dr. James Hansen of Columbia University, a climate scientist who advised Al Gore on An Inconvenient Truth, and actress Mayim Bialik, celebrity spokesperson for the Holistic Moms Network.

Green Cotton attended on Sunday and was present for Bialik’s speech. Bialik shared a touching and relatable insight into her Hollywood eco-lifestyle, describing how she was a “weird” kid who liked to recycle, went vegetarian as a teenager, and now raises her children vegan (without any paper towels!), and even makes her own household cleaners and shampoo.

One topic of particular interest was the “greening” of Hollywood. Bialik is one celebrity who has been “eco” for the long haul, and recalled going to events with Ed Begley Jr., who drove (and probably still drives) a vegetable oil-powered car. Bialik may have labeled her early interest in the environment as “weird,” but of Begley’s innovative, if slightly eccentric, lifestyle, she quipped, “Who’s laughing now?”

Of green living, Bialik reminded the crowd, “This is not a lifestyle for rich people; this is not an elitist thing…not because it’s hip and trendy… We congregate around celebrity, [but] it is important to realize that there are those of us who are green like you.”

And if anyone entered the convention center feeling not quite green enough, we are sure the many vendors and presentations like Bialik’s helped them learn an eco trick or two. We know we did. Green Cotton had a blast exploring the booths and chatting with each vendor (and meeting Bialik, who, as it turns out, is a Jute & Jackfruit fan). While there was not a fashion runway show this year, we hope that eco-fashion designers and boutiques continue to showcase their wonderful (organic, sustainable, fair trade) wares, and that New Englanders continue to show their support and passion for all things green. Next year, we hope to see you there!

By Erin Dale

February may be cold, snowy and somewhat dreary, but spring fashion is already in stores and fall fashion is already being paraded down the runways. So instead of moping over gray skies, get ready to shine in some new eco-fashion finds. Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but these sweet styles continue to evoke that romantic feeling for days to come. Here are just a few things we’re loving this month: coats, sweaters, accessories, even makeup! Take a look:

Red is showing up all over the Fall 2010 runway in New York, so get ready to see (and sport!) a lot of this cheery hue. You can get started with Indigenous Design’s adorable little knit dress in ruby, made from organic cotton and Tencel. Keep it subtly sexy by pairing it with opaque tights or leggings and a snuggly sweater coat. We like Indigenous’ red alpaca sweater coat for its bright color and beautiful details. You’ll swoon over the soft, handwoven alpaca wool. This is perfect for a night in or a day out and about.

Not to get all matchy-matchy, but while we’re embracing red, we simply can’t leave out another great knit by Indigenous: the Soho wrap in ruby (pictured below). This organic cotton poncho echoes what we’re seeing on the runway, but it’s functional enough to get you through your day.

As the weather starts to warm up (wishful thinking!), you may want to trade your heavy winter coat for some lighter attire. Even though there’s snow on the ground here in New England, we’ve had some 50 degree days that officially make it sweatshirt weather!

A great piece to have on hand for such days is Prairie Underground’s long cloak hoodie, made from organic cotton jersey. This is the perfect transition piece, and its navy color matches the nautical items you’re likely to encounter in stores’ spring collections. This would look adorable with a Breton striped tee atop leggings or skinny jeans!

Another returning trend for spring is the lightweight scarf. When it’s time to pack your wool ones away, reach for the silk “rose wasabi” ruffled scarf by Sevya (pictured below). Pink and green will be everywhere in a few months, but you can start sporting pastels now with this fair trade, handmade scarf. And even though it’s still cold outside, silk is easy to layer and will keep you warm.

Fair trade Sevya Silk Scarf

Put a little more spring in your step – or on your handbag, hat, sweater, dress – with a hand knit flower pin (pictured above), also by Indigenous. These charming pins are a cute way to add a pop of color and style to your winter wardrobe, while dreaming of real spring blooms…

No ensemble is complete without the shoe, and we’ve scouted some good ones… eco-friendly, vegan boots by NeuAura. Now is the perfect time to go boot shopping, as most winter styles are on sale, and you’ll probably still be wearing boots for a few more months! You can score some sleek, stylish booties or knee-high versions at NeuAura. We like the Kaveri Grey style: the low heel means you’ll be able to rock these all day, but the buckle detail adds intrigue and edge. Also check out the Alre Camel: the 3” heel adds height, but the platform ensures a comfortable stride. And the tan color goes well with winter sweaters and jeans but will really pop with spring’s military-inspired cargos and jackets, paired sweetly with feminine ruffled tops in pink, coral and floral prints. To learn more about NeuAura and its earth-conscious and animal-friendly manufacturing process (and to shop for more awesome shoes!), visit their website.

Give your eco-friendly outfit the perfect finishing touch with some sweet makeup that will have you thinking spring and looking hot. We love Tarte’s Flower Child Natural Cheek Stain. This eco-chic product is made with Tarte’s exclusive T5 Super Fruit Complex, a blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. It’s blissfully made without nasty parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances and other chemicals that block your glow. Plus it’s the perfect shade of pink that complements every skin tone. Grab a tube at Sephora.com.

Banish dry winter skin with the Body Shop’s new Love, Etc. lotion. Or collect the whole line, including the Eau de Parfum (a blend of jasmine, neroli and bergamot with notes of vanilla and sandalwood) and body wash, currently available at a reduced price. The Body Shop is a great line to support because the company is against animal testing and for sustainability and community trade.

We hope these finds will help you get through the last winter month. Stay tuned for our Fall 2010 runway review, and for more spring fashion finds! And if you have any eco-fashion suggestions, feel free to sound off in the comments below.

By Erin Dale