By Susanna Schick •
October 29, 2009
Earlier this week I spoke with Jason and Jeff, co-founders of PACT, the most socially and environmentally responsible underwear company on earth, as far as I know. Not only do they use organic cotton, GOTS compliant dyes and otherwise uber-responsible manufacturing, they also donate 10% of sales to charities. This is utterly astounding in an industry where even a 10% profit margin is a miracle. But then, most apparel companies weren’t founded by Haas MBA’s.
Cradle To Cradle For Everything?
Jason and I got to talking about Cradle to Cradle, as it’s an interesting topic, and well, they’re already doing everything else, why not take it a step further? Do I hear a protest? You don’t want someone’s underwear recycled into your t-shirt? But it’s for the cause, man… OK, jokes aside, and even if it wasn’t underwear being discussed, but some other form-fitting cotton garment, Jason did the research. Because he cares that much. The thing is, 100% cotton gets baggy and saggy. So it’s more likely to be thrown out soon. If it happens to be owned by someone who’s passionate enough to find a place to deliver their used cotton underwear, it can be recycled. Jason explained that less than 1% of all cotton is currently recycled, and Jeff pointed out that even pure cotton sometimes contains dyes and chemicals that make it impossible to recycle.
By Liz Thompson •
September 3, 2009
Sometimes it is not enough to get yourself looking gorgeous, your surroundings have to set the mood. As a self-professed candle junkie I can tell you that not any old candle fits the bill. Sure, they have to be clean burning and non-toxic, but let’s be real – the scent is what it’s all about. It is such a let down to get a candle that smells great in the jar, then produces nothing but the smell of…well, burning candle… once lit.
The perfect little candle recently made its way across my desk (and on to my vanity) and is the lovely and luxurious scent of fresh island plumeria. And who is the creator of such a deliciously scented room enhancer? None other than (straight from the tropics) Malie Organics. Made from clean-burning soy and kukui oils, it is petroleum-free and burns by way of cotton wick for a nice long 60 hours. Comes in a simple glass container with nothing but the tasteful, gold Malie symbol on the front. Chic and elegant.
By Jennifer Lance •
August 15, 2009
I love discovering new artisans on Etsy! This time, I have found SewnNatural.
Home of modern eco picnic and baby blankets, quilts, toys, kids’ hip bags, toddler dresses & more using all natural, organic and rescued upcycled fibers. We believe it’s possible to create something beautiful while making the world a little better at the same time. Sustainable and original design with great care in craftswomanship.
We were recently sent a kids eco messenger bag. This bag is made from organic cotton and vintage cotton fabric and is handmade in Ontario Canada. They are playful and delightful and sure to charm any child (and parent). Each bag is one-of-a-kind.
By Gina Munsey •
July 30, 2009
When Eric Wilson launched Artevist last autumn, he knew the t-shirt market was saturated. “But on closer inspection”, he explains, “you soon realize that the vast majority are in the business of churning out the cheapest, often sweatshop, products possible.”
But Artevist is a community of artists, not just another graphic tee company. There are no mass-produced designs, sweatshop garments, pesticide-laden cottons, or plastic inks here. Artevist shirts are made in America from sustainably grown organic bamboo and cotton fabrics, and are printed without using pthalates or PVCs. Each unique limited-edition design is created by an eco-conscious artist, not a corporation.
How does the Artevist model work?
By Zachary Shahan •
July 24, 2009
Jeff McIntire-Strasburg occasionally writes posts on new, innovative green products (see Five Greenish Products You’ve Seen on TV and Five More Greenish Products You’ve Seen on TV). Rather than try to steal his thunder, this post looks at some basic, simple, green products that can make your everyday life many times greener.
Staying away from the topics of food and transportation, which are probably the biggest daily products you could green, here is a list of products you use everyday.
By Kelly Rand •
June 25, 2009
In 2007, Rowan brand yarns introduced PureLife a wonderful selection of 100% organic cotton. In the following years Rowan has expanded their PureLife line to address other areas of sustainability.
Rowan still offers their organic cotton yarn in DK weight that is naturally dyed using plants. New this season is their 4 ply organic cotton yarn, also dyed with natural plant dyes. The shades of this yarn are soft, subtle and sweet, perfect for summer knitting.
By Vanessa Brown •
April 20, 2009
To help consumers further separate fact from fiction this Earth Day, Cotton Incorporated has created an interactive quiz, “Do You Know Green?” on its two popular websites, www.MysteryFabric.com and www.TheFabricOfOurLives.com.
There aren’t too many questions annoyingly promoting their brand and it is a great quiz to send “greenie newbies” to educate them a bit further. I even ended up using the quiz as a game to teach my children a few things.
The quiz takes users through a series of true and false statements that challenges them on topics such as:
· Is it more energy friendly to cool down your car with the air conditioner or by rolling down the windows?
· Is it better for the environment to wash dishes in the dishwasher or by hand?
· Do electronics use energy even when they are turned off?
By Kelly Rand •
April 9, 2009
I have Spring fever. Bad. I can’t wait for the warmth and the sun of the season. I think that’s why I am quite currently fawning over Sublime’s organic yarns.
Sublime offers soft and soothing colors that seem perfect for this time of year. They come in organic cotton as well as organic merino wool. Organic options enough for everyone.
The only major player in printed organic cotton sateen used to be Harmony Art, but now there is a new kid in the game. I first adored Daisy Janie fabrics when I featured her linen/cotton blend fabrics in the Top 10 Modern, Eco-friendly, Printed Fabrics on Etsy. She has just released a new collection of printed organic cotton sateen.
Alright, so by now it’s pretty clear that 
