Launched a month and a half ago as part of the new EcoGeek blogging network, Wearing the Future is all about “straight talk as much as style, so you won’t have to worry about fluffy, PR-soaked, greenwashing nonsense.”

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the blog’s chief editor and head writer, Kyeann Sayer (pronounced like “cayenne” pepper). As a long-time writer for Treehugger.com, Kyeann has an impressive media resume - she has been featured on CNN, MSN, I.D. Magazine, Domino, Spin, Outside, and Women’s Wear Daily … just to name a few.

In our lively conversation, Kyeann and I talk about the beginning of Wearing the Future, her favorite eco-fashion brands, personal style’s place in the world of green living and more - read on for all the juicy details!

Victoria Everman: How did you get connected with Hank Green of EcoGeek? Did the two of you come up with the idea for Wearing the Future together or was he on the look-out for an editor and writer already? 

Read more of this story »

The company was started only three years ago by Carmena Su and James Wvinner, who both shared a love of yoga, art, and fashion.

[Our] dream was to create a line of clothing and media products that was hip and authentic while using consciously sourced materials. Yoga, Tribe and Culture arose out of living in this day and age – to make sense of our identity consciously (or not) by the way we dress, what and who we listen to and where we devote our energy."

This passion for change has attracted some of the most well-known faces on modern day yoga to the brand, such as: Shiva Rea, Duncan Wong, Seane Corn, and the AcroYogis. YTC is also a major supported of YouthAIDS, a global, action-based initiative, working in more than 60 countries to educate and protect young people from HIV/AIDS. A limited edition women's tank top and men's t-shirt (featured in the image above) is available, which gives $10 of each shirt sold directly to YouthAIDS.

Yoga means Union – it is a worldwide spiritual and physical practice but you don’t have to have a yoga mat or go to a yoga class to practice yoga. Skaters, surfers, dancers, knitters, musicians, couch potatoes can all be great yogis. Our goal at Yoga, Tribe and Culture is to speak to the urban yogi, combining ancient yogic concepts and intentions with a strong, modern, bold design. Ideally a yogi is someone who is engaged with the world and who dedicates their practice to the betterment of others.

As previously mentioned, items for men, women, and children are available from the company's online store. Currently, there is only one design available for both babies and toddlers, for $30. Three different collections are available for women, mostly comprised of tank tops, but some long sleeve tops are available as well, with prices ranging from $40-42. Men have 3 collections available as well, ranging from $32-40. If you join the company's e-newsletter mailing list, you received 10% off your first order.

For the fourth episode of their Big Ideas For A Small Planet series, the Sundance Channel takes on the challenging topic of dressing green. The first three episodes of this original documentary series have gotten a large amount of critical acclaim for bringing environmental issues to the millions of Americans who tune in. So far, the topics of fuel, building construction, and city development have been examined, offering up three different topic-specific ideas of how to enhance our lives and reduce our carbon footprint at the same time in each episode.

Premiering this Tuesday, May 8th at 9pm Eastern and Pacific, the Wear episode features commentary from Ali Hewson (Bono's wife and founder of Edun Clothing), Simran Sethi, Carson Kressley (the wonderfully flamboyant blond fashion guru from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), and Graham Hill (founder of TreeHugger.com). I must admit that when I saw Carson come on screen, I was worried that the episode might end up being less than serious, but he had a unique point-of-view to add to the subject of green fashion, acting as a voice for the many that see style as an integral part of their life, just like eating or sleeping. Helping to show people that wearing sustainable fabrics has little, if anything, to do with tie-dye and hippies is one of the most important factors for the growing green fashion market, and this episode does a darn good job of getting that point across.

"Can we imagine a world that is both green and stylish?" was the question presented at the very beginning of the 25-minute documentary. Following this, three ideas are given to make this imagination a reality: organic fibers, recycled fabrics, and reusing fashion. While the concepts of recycling and reusing are much less polluting, I'm not surprised that new, sustainable fabrics were covered first. The underground craft movement has been growing to a mainstream level, but not enough so that taking the time to modify or reinvent items in your closet has become chic. Buying stylish, green clothing right off the rack is still the easiest and most timely option for the bulk of consumers. Linda Loudermilk, the main feature of the first segment, is a great representation of being chic and sustainable.

There is no denying that the market for green fashion is growing rapidly, and one of the first facts presented in this episode proves it: since 2000, manufacturer demand for organic cotton fiber has increased an estimated 93% per year. Loudermilk in particular has shown that looking good and doing good can go hand in hand seamlessly. "We're not going to get rid of the ego, so to use it in a positive way is what I decided I wanted to do [eight years ago]." The downside of her line is that it is out of reach for a large portion of consumers due to cost. No other green fashion brands are featured in this segment, adding to the myth that new, eco-style has to be expensive (which we all know is not true thanks to the many affordable brands I have featured here at Green Options during recent months).

Idea two focuses on recycled fabrics, particularly on the efforts of outdoor mega-brand Patagonia. The concept of being able to break down an old garment to its molecular level and spin new fabrics that are just as effective as its first life truly embrace the Cradle to Cradle process. "The Ecospun recycling process has the potential to keep more than 2.5 billion bottles and containers out of the world's landfills each year." Considering the fact that our culture is having a tough time learning to live without plastic bottles, this tidbit of information is all the more pertinent. Other brands have been taking this idea and running with it, openly accepting old, used garments to be recycled back into their supply chain, saving the company money and protecting the planet's resources. Something that is rarely considered when clothes shopping is the true cost of the items you are buying: not just the price tag, but the environmental, social, and shipping costs as well. Buying items made from organic, sustainable, recycled, or fair-trade materials often have these factors built into their retail price, helping your purchase speak for more than just your personal style.

Last but by no means least, idea three centers around reusing fashion. "We get bombarded by magazines, newspapers that tell us that we have to be in the trend and we have to get new clothes every year, but it's actually not true. I think people are tired of looking like everyone else," says LoriPetitti, organizer for one of over 40 Swap-O-Rama-Rama events in cities around the world. Adding personal creativity back into fashion is what reusing is all about. While some are content while blending in with the crowd, many individuals, especially those under 30, are striving to be unique by modifying and creating their own garments and accessories in a variety of styles. I can honestly say that at least 50% of my wardrobe is rarely worn, either due to size or change in personal taste. Embracing the concept of reusing fashion allows you to adjust a piece to your liking, or even overhaul itcompletely by, for example, turning a pair of jeans into a skirt or combining two different tops to create one. The only extra resources used in this process are thread and a little bit of electricity to run a sewing machine; everything else comes good old human power. While this idea may not be the first choice for those that fancy the stores of New York's Fifth Avenue, it is a wonderful money-saving option for the average American.

"One of the biggest problems about fashion is that it's a really disposable industry. We have marketers, retailers, designers - all working towards creating new styles for every season," states Simran Sethi towards the end of the program, and I couldn't agree more. In a broad sense, the deceiving concept of disposable living is the issue for all of the subjects covered within the Big Ideas For A Small Planet series so far. All of our resources, from fuel and building supplies to clothing fibers and community, are ever depleting and can not be guaranteed. While this episode only begins to scratch the surface of what sustainable options and brands exist within the fashion world, it is concise enough to help inspire people to continue to investigate what is available within their price range.

For more information about the Wear episode, including clips and air times, click here. If you do not have cable TV (like me), you can download the full episode after it airs via iTunes.

What did YOU think of the Wear documentary? After viewing the full episode, come back and leave a comment for us with your opinion and feedback.

Tarma is a company that designs, manufactures and sells unique, high quality, personal art that celebrates the spirit of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Guiding our enterprise is a commitment to meaningful social and environmental issues. We understand that everyone’s journey is exquisitely their own. Our personal art provides those who invest in it with a visual representation of their life’s journey and a demonstration of commonly shared values. For the Tarma family, our guideposts reflect our most closely held hopes, dreams and intentions. Our belief is that businesses have a social and ethical responsibility. We will strive to live by our guideposts, to do our part, and set a good example for others to follow. Social and environmental issues are at the forefront of public concern. Our goal is to deliver creative products that we 'adventurists' enjoy backed by an environmental and socially responsible company.

Two separate collections are available in Tarma Designs' online store: Active and Artisan.

The Active Collection brings natural shapes and your favorite outdoor activities to life in casual jewelry for women and men. Crafted from recycled 316 stainless steel, accessory cord and nylon webbing, all Active pieces come with a high polish that's durable and fashionable. The Artisan series is all about discovering new people, places and cultures. We travel the earth and bring back a little taste of our adventures with this distinctive artwear. Free spirited and made to be worn, every piece is custom crafted by skilled artisans. Wear these handcrafted pieces with the pride in which they were created.

80% of the stainless steel used is recycled, and the steel can be recycled 100% in the future. All packaging contains no less than 95% recycled content and no bleaching processes are used. "For the Artisan products, we work closely with non-profit organizations that are members of IFAT, the International Federation of Alternative Trade, a coalition of the handicrafts and agricultural producer organizations and alternative Trade organizations (both importers and exporters) around the world. Our suppliers adhere to IFAT(International Federation for Alternative Trade)'s standards of fair trade and to its objectives."

The Artisan collection is meant mainly for women, but the Active collection contains a wealth of pieces for both sexes. From the Artisan collection, earrings range from $15-25, rings are $15, pendants range from $25-32, and necklaces range from $35-56. From the Active collection, earrings range from $12-25, pendants for men and women range from $18-$30, wristbands for men and women range from $18-$30, and bottle openers range from $22-25.

There are few things more important than family. Our Mother Earth has cared for us since the very beginning and Father Time is with us until the very end. Along the way, we share this playground with our many brothers and sisters. Whether bird, bear or butterfly, whale, dolphin or squirrel, man, woman or child, we are all in this together and the sooner we realize this the better off we'll be.

You'd likely expect this kind of intro from a non-profit or grassroots group. Instead, you now find yourself entering into the world of Mission Playground. Based in San Diego, California, MP is well-known for using dynamic and visually stunning images on their items. "It's too easy to say something negative so we try our best to keep the things optimistic. We are trying to make a push in the clothing industry towards more environmentally sound products. It's not enough having a visual message on your shirt. We think the shirt itself should send a message from start to finish."

Though their website is a bit bare, their mission is clearly understood. Considering they are a clothing brand, don't be surprised that their online store is the most complete area. Made mostly from organic cotton and recycled polyester, the most affordable items for men, women, and kids are the short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, ranging from $20 to $28. Hoodies, jackets, shorts, and denim jeans are also available for men and women, all of which are worth exploring. Currently, they are still offering items from their 2006 line, but we are all keeping our fingers crossed that a 2007 collection will be premiering soon.

Despite a lack of size charts and details info about each item's fit, the Mission Playground online store is worth more than a quick look. Below are just a few of the inspirational designs available. If you are looking for plain (graphic-free) basics, check out my previous posts on American Apparel and HTnaturals.

Through education, waste reduction and recycling, it's possible to conserve our resources and sustain the environment for future generations. May we all be aware and respectful of our playground.

Images courtesy of Mission Playground

HTnaturals is committed to the development, manufacturing and sales of comfortable, durable and affordable daily wear garments that are less harmful to the environment and provide benefits for the people involved in the entire product supply chain, from the farmer, to the processors, distributors, retailers and ultimately the consumer. Fair Trade and Organic certified, the company even has a corporate office in China to monitor factory conditions. The brand gladly displays pictures of their overseas factory on their website. If that wasn't enough, only sustainable fibers (organic cotton, bamboo, soy, hemp, and recycled polyester) are used to create their entire collection.

Items for men, women, and babies are available via the company's online store, as well as through various retailers in Canada and the U.S. A catalog of HT's soon-to-be-released Spring 2007 line (as show in the picture) is available on their website as well. Personally, I know I will be order a few styles for myself (Capilano Scoop, Jericho Tank, and Burnaby Bamboo Sweater), as well as my boyfriend (Belcarra Bamboo Tee, Seymour Stitched L/S Tee, Stanley Park Soy Boxer) once they are for sale. For those who work in a slightly casual work environment, the short-sleeve polos are a perfect addition to your business wardrobe. If you happen to be in the market for some nice soap, candles, or home accessories, make sure to check out HT's Mind, Body, and Home section in their online store. The handcrafted soaps have cheeky names, along with vintage (i.e. 1920s) style packaging. Dried flower compliment the unique scent blends of the red flower long-burning candles; great for any bath or guestroom.

The next time you are in the market for some fashion basics, log on to HTnaturals' site before you hit the mall; I'm quite sure you will find just what you are looking for (and at a good price).

Image courtesy of HTnaturals