Years back (at least seven or eight by my count), Levi’s used to offer a custom jeans program wherein you would visit one of their stores, get measured by a trained associate, try on some sample pairs, and order jeans that are fit just right for you. Unfortunately, I only got one pair made before they closed the program, which to this day is still quite a disappointment for me.

Imagine my delight when I stated hearing about Ontario-based UJeans, which offers a tellingly custom, 11-point fit that you measure yourself. On top of that, all their goods are made from sustainable cotton (not organic, but close) from a unique farming program in Pakistan. The cotton is dyed with natural minerals and enzymes, lowering the company’s (and your wardrobe’s) impact on the environment. All manufacturing steps are done under Fair Trade conditions, and a portion of all the company’s profits are distributed through Kiva, offering micro-loans to small businesses in developing countries. Want more eco-involvement? Each pair of jeans is mailed in a denim envelop, made from remnant fabric from the manufacturing process. "The denim bag has been used for a make-up bag, pencil case and even a sleeping bag for stuffed animals," said Daniel Feuer, President of UJeans. An outline of the businesses’ complete sustainable actions can be seen on their website.

So, what is all this going to cost you? No matter your size — short, tall, big, or small — each pair is $125 Canadian (about $127 US at today’s exchange rates). A healthy chunk of change, I know, but how much is the time that you spend at the mall (wasting hours trying on 20, 30, 40 pairs of jeans) worth in the long run? If you are fretting about taking your own measurements, and ending up with denim that looks like it was meant for Paris Hilton instead of you, UJeans offers a 100% money back guarantee. "If you don’t like the jeans, just simply send them back within 30 days of delivery and we’ll refund your money — no hassles." Everything from the fabric (nearly 50 choices in 100% cotton and 98% cotton/2% lycra) and inseam to pockets, belt loops, and cuffs can specified by you; no teenage crowds or Mrs. Fields cookie shops involved.

Even after a stint in the pen, Martha Stewart is still as popular as ever. Thankfully, she has been promoting reduce, reuse, and recycle to millions of Americans. For the crafty and DIY among us, Martha’s website features a nice offering of denim transformation ideas, all of which are affordable and easy to complete. In the current issue of Blueprint magazine, a spread on denim fashion is featured, along with a couple of fantastic fashion options. First up is their Denim Coverall Dress (shown in the accompanying picture), which can be easily adjusted depending on how long you would like the dress. To complete this project, all you need is a pair of work coveralls (which you could buy brand new, but you can easily find them for cheap at a vintage store), scissors, a sewing needle, and thread. In just an hour, you can have a long-lasting dress for those breezy trips to the beach or cooler days as we venture into Fall.

Second, Blueprint offers up a simple Denim Pocket Patch, adding a splash of color and personality to a basic denim shirt. Needless to say, finding a chambray denim button-up shirt at a vintage store is as easy as pie; you’ll also need a scrap of fabric you adore and fusible web backing (which is used in place of stitching, holds longer, and is available in most craft stores). Vintage fabrics are widely available online and in stores, but if you are looking for something more modern, check out my list of green fabric sellers on my website.

In an issue from two years ago, the ever-classic Martha Stewart Living Magazine also offered up a weekend full of denim crafts, including ideas for your wardrobe and home. This is just a small, Martha Stewart-driven, collection of just what is possible with the ever-present fabric that is denim. A simple search on Google will turn up thousands and thousands of websites with ideas and patterns for you to work from - your imagination is the only limit!

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia/Blueprint Magazine

We've all been schooled on the benefits of organic cotton, but eco-friendly denim is still often quite pricey, usually ranging from $150-350 a pair. Hailing from Seattle, Certified Jeans sells organic cotton, made in the USA jeans for a humble $74-88 a pair, depending on the wash chosen. Enjoy trying before you buy? You won't find this brand in the shopping malls: according to the company's website, "Suburban shopping malls are a primary generator [of] residential and commercial sprawl and often are responsible for losses of wetlands, natural habitat and agricultural land. And, these malls are unattractive commercial development."

If you already know your size, ordering from Certified is a great, affordable options for eco-jeans. You can purchase via e-mail or over the phone; sizing info is happily supplied upon request, helping to assure you order the correct size. Three colors are available - natural cotton color (often referred to as vanilla), dark navy blue, and traditional denim/stonewash; in terms of cut, there are two options for women (traditional and boot cut) and three options for men (standard/easy, slim, and loose). If you happen to be in the mood to spend or become a dedicated fan of the brand, for every seven pairs of jeans you purchase or have credited to your name, you will receive one pair free (shipping included).

Simple, comfortable, economical, and ecological - no muss, no fuss from Certified Jeans.