If having a gift-free holiday is not something your family would go for, why not get them something sustainable? Just by looking through the eco-links collection on my website, one can easily see that there are cornucopia of green stores to choose from. For the next two months, I’ll be featuring some of the freshest shopping destinations the world wide web has to offer, helping you get to the bottom of that twice-checked list faster than ever.

Trying to decide who to feature in my first Green Shopping Spotlight was a darn tough decision, but the answer came to me in a snap, or an e-mail as it were. Two days ago, I got a delightful message from Jennifer, half of the two-woman team that started Max and Zane, the other half being April. I’d never heard of the online outlet before so I quickly clicked on over to see what the scoop was, and boy (or girl, haha) was I in for a treat!

Handmade, vintage, recycled, repurposed — Max and Zane has it all. We’re not just talking accessories and t-shirts either — paper goods, bath & body, kid & baby, men, women and special gift lists are full of unique items that I haven’t seen on any other sites. "Max and Zane was born out of a love for all things extraordinary and the knowledge that not everyone has the time or the patience to seek them out."

While the goods sold on Max and Zane are green, does the rest of the business operate under the same principles? You bet! "Not only do we have a love for vintage and repurposed goods, but we use recycled office supplies and support eco-friendly companies whenever humanly possible. Your purchases from Max and Zane will most likely arrive at your door in recycled cardboard boxes with reused packaging … we figure, if we can provide secure shipping in materials that are reused, why waste valuable resources?"

Need a simple gift for a co-worker? Shopping for a relative that is "difficult" to pinpoint? Ready to start putting slash marks on your holiday list? Click on over to Max and Zane — you won’t be disappointed.

Greenloop is one woman’s creative endeavor in market based environmental activism. The mission is simple: Green Life. Green Style. At Greenloop, the alignment of style and sustainability, of aesthetics and ethics, provide all of us with the opportunity to look good, feel good, and do good. All of the goods at Greenloop are made by conscientious companies who are committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Greenloop is committed to supporting the development of environmentally responsible, renewable energy and to stopping global warming. To this end, we purchase Green Tags for each order placed making each shopping experience even greener.

Featuring one of the widest variety of green fashion and beauty collections, Greenloop has been a key factor in the progress and availability of the sustainable lifestyle. A proud member of Co-op America and 1% For The Planet, Greenloop carries a wide variety of brands, all of which feature one or more of the following eco-friendly elements:

…using eco-friendly, sustainable materials; employing energy efficient and low-impact production; investing in renewable energy and carbon offsets; and maximizing recycling and waste reduction. In addition to these practices, Greenloop supports fair trade, organic farming, sweat-shop free production, and environmental non-profit groups through in-kind and financial donation.

Head over to Greenloop’s extensive online store today for exceptional discounts - their summer sale only lasts until July 31st! "Make a conscious choice to make a difference. If you are going to be a walking billboard, be a billboard for a cause. Small changes and conscious choices can produce big change."

As a recently-established brand, they first focused
on making sweatshop-free t-shirts (printed with water-based inks), but
will soon be offering their popular styles on organic cotton,
furthering their commitment to bettering the planet. By signing up for
the company’s e-mail newsletter, you are entered into a monthly drawing to win a free Wisdom Tee.

WT’s
first three designs, sporting text statements, have been featured in a
wide variety of media outlets and still get oodles of attention.
"Buddha is my homeboy," "peacemaker," and "one planet, one karma" are
still available in the company’s online store, as well as four new
designs. Three of the new graphics available feature artistic images of
the most well-known social and spiritual legends: Mother Theresa, Dalai
Lama, and Ghandi.

Last but not least, the company’s first organic
cotton shirt for men and women displays a delicately simple list of
inspirational and centering words, no doubt representing the purity of
the organic cotton the tees are made of. Prices range from $28-$36 for
women’s t-shirts and $26-$34 for men’s styles. Ten percent of all money
made from purchases is donated to Kiva,
a non-profit website that loans money to small businesses in developing
countries, "helping the world’s working poor make an important step
towards economic independence."

Founded in 1992, Maggie's Organics has been one of the pioneers in the organic clothing industry, and has won awards from Co-op America, the Organic Trade Association, the Natural Products Expo, and more. Originally started as a marketing company for organic tortilla chips, it was suggested that adding cotton to crop rotation would help produce better corn for chips. Of course, once the cotton crop was picked, someone had to sell it.

After learning the harsh facts of conventional cotton cultivation and garment manufacturing, we began making garments a different way - using our farmer's Organic cotton. We started with socks, and then added tee shirts: simple products that would encourage the use of Organic fibers. Upholding our commitment to social responsibility, in an industry dominated by sweatshops, has forced us to find viable alternatives. By partnering with Jubilee House, a community development organization, and pledging our sewing contracts, we've been able to inspire the creation of "Maquiladora Mujeres", a 100% worker-owned Sewing Co-Operative in Nueva Vida, Nicaragua.

The Nicaraguan cooperative sews the majority of the tanks and t-shirts for the Maggie's line. Other sewing co-ops established by other organizations make the rest of the collection, documented on their website. Well-known for their socks, Maggie's offers versions for men, women, kids, and baby ranging from $6-$29. Maggie's organic baby line, started in 2006, features bodysuit and cap sets with adorable graphics for $25.50. Plain and printed camisoles for women come in a variety of colors for $15-20. Short- and long-sleeve tees, polos, and criss cross tops for both men and women come in a myriad of colors for $11.20-$26. Making sure not to waste resources, slightly irregular items are also on sale at a discount.

Though still illegal to grow in the United States, we are the purchaser of over 60% of the internationally available industrial hemp, mostly for grown in Europe and recently Canada. Based on a quiet island in British Columbia, Rawganique is one of the most diverse online stores featuring hemp products.

We are 100% committed to the environment. We believe that hemp clothes & footwear, and other hemp products, raw veganism, sunshine, pure air, pure water, positive thoughts, and ahimsa awareness can transform the world and make it a safer, happier, and better place for us and our children to live in. We aim to do all we can to help make hemp and raw veganism mainstream, so that the world's economy thrives on sustainability and renewal rather than terrorism, fear, and depletion. Rawganique.com was created with love to make sure we're doing the best we can to stop disintegration and to build trust, peace, love, and health for all, one ever-widening circle at a time.

Starting in 2000, the company opened a traditional store on their home island in British Columbia, Denman Island, in May 2006. Not only do they sell environmentally sustainable hemp, organic cotton, and linen items, the folks behind the online store live simplified lives off the grid. Recycling, composting, using solar and wind power, and growing their own food are just a few ways Rawganique extends their ecological values into their daily lives.

Featuring a beautiful home and accessories collection, the website is well-known for its diverse clothing offerings for men, women, and children. Most recently, they added unisex organic jeans and a small selection of hemp wedding dresses. Shirts, tops, pants, shorts, underwear, socks, and more come in a wide range of styles, colors, and prices. Prices for men and women range from $16-96 for everyday items that can be worn at the office, special events, and casual weekends. Boys and girls clothing are quite affordable as well, not to mention durable.

Editor's note: We also feature Rawganique in the Green Life Guide. 

Our mission is to maintain the essential nature of life by providing exceptional apparel that promotes healthy lifestyles while preserving the environment for future generations. We recognize the need to balance quality and eco-conscious living. This is why our company designs and manufactures stylish organic clothing using certified organic or eco-friendly fabrics and sources according to Fair Trade standards.

Using internationally certified organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp fabrics, the brand is well-known for its ecoKashmere collection. Made from a blend of bamboo, organic cotton, and a small percent of lycra, ecoKashmere is made into classic, diverse affordable wardrobe pieces for women, men, and babies. A monthly drawing is held through the website, giving everyone a chance to win their own piece of ecoKashmere. The Daffodil Line is a unique, limited edition organic cotton t-shirt for $29.95. When you buy one of these shirts, $10 will go to one of three non-profits (you choose which one) to fund the fight against cancer. Also available is a unique line of Eco Scrubs for medical workers, made from 100% organic cotton in calming colors.

Currently, the only items available for men are short- and long-sleeve shirts in a variety of colors, ranging in price from $17-32. The Sami Baby collection features some truly adorable items for newborns, including blankets, booties, hats, onesies , tees, pants, bath items, and more. The women's line is expansive, as expected, with a variety of top styles, as well as skirts, pants, dress, shorts, and tanks, with prices ranging from $9.99-52. All orders over $100 get free shipping, so feel free to splurge.

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.

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.

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.

Working as a Chinese medicine practitioner and a roofing company founder, Natalia and Adam didn't have much experience with the clothing industry, but that didn't stop them from wanting to make a difference. "We differentiated our product just by being different, and that was enough. I experienced the pleasure of taking market share from well established outfits by doing nothing more complicated than trying to treat everyone the way I would want to be treated. And I began to wonder if this notion could have broader applications. Bienestar International is my answer to that question," says Adam, the company's President and CEO.

The concept behind the brand is quite simple: function as an open source, sweatshop free, union made apparel company.

We are the first - we think, the first of many - apparel maker to go open source. We will tell you about our sources, highlight them, show them off. The workers who make our clothes will have living wages and decent working conditions; they will have unions. Will that lead our competition to the same shops? Excellent. We want our sources to thrive. That's the whole point. Or a good part of it, anyway. The other part of open source apparel making is a challenge to our competitors: let them, too, reveal their sources. Let them suffer shame and loss of revenue for favoring sweatshops. Let them reap the rewards of choosing union shops and respecting workers rights.

The previous quote is taken from the company's website, serving as a perfect, direct explanation of the brand's goals and benefits to the industry as a whole. As expected, this open source model has garnered the brand a due amount of attention from the media, including the New York Times, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, and al Jazeera TV. Celebrity support has come from a number of unique sources as well, from a Nobel Peace Prize winner and Oscar winning screenwriter to a British folk singer, all of which are highlight on the company's "News" page.

So, what are the items really like? Wonderful, of course! Happy people make quality, long-lasting garments that you can appreciate. Though the company is only using a limited amount of sustainable fibers (read more about why here), your dollars do have an impact on the quality of life for their workers around the world. Also, 7.5% of the businesses' pretax profit is donated to anti-sweatshop organizations and union organizing funds in developing countries. Tess and tanks (both blank and with logos), hats, work apparel, sweats, athletic wear, and more are available for men, women, and children. The company's most popular item is their footwear collection, ranging from $40-55 a pair.

Not only are they dedicated to using organic cotton for all of their items, their foreign factories all run on strict fair trade principles and seek to benefit the local community of which they are a part . "We take responsibility. We don’t like to turn a blind eye on things. Our clothes are not made by children or in unfair working conditions. Sure, we might pay a little more but it’s what we believe in and it’s what we want to do. And it’s not just in the factory either. The good thing about organic farming our way is that the farmers and pickers are not exposed to harmful chemicals in the field."

Organic cotton, certified in both Switzerland and the USA, is made into some simple yet beautiful items for the whole family. It may seem a bit cheesy when you see a couple wearing the same thing, but it is much more adorable when a mom or dad and their baby are wearing matching t-shirts. Blank tops are available in all sizes, though one of the unique allures of the brand are the detailed animal sketches on the majority of their collection. The delicacy of nature's creation is captured in these images, helping to continually foster respect for our Mother Earth; creatures available include: the bear, elephant, giraffe, rooster, turtle, peacock, donkey, zebra, scallop, cow, pig, and rabbit. A selection of the breeds featured are covered in detail on the company's website, sharing facts such as the animal's scientific name, habitat, and importance.

The largest fraction of items are available for babies, including t-shirts, blankets, onesies, a knitted cardigan, trousers, bibs, gift sets, and more. Men and women are only offered t-shirts and tanks, but they are worth a look thanks to those stylish illustrations, with prices ranging from $25-$40 per piece. "We like to keep our ear to the ground. When there’s a way that makes less of impact on the environment - a better way - we want to know. We’ll always be looking out for new ideas and new ways of making people think. That’s why we choose to grow slowly - so that we don’t miss anything along the way. We’re in no hurry. We’re passionate about what we do. Making sustainable clothes is just the first step. We have to make people see why next. That’s what might take a bit of time - but we know it’ll be worth it."

"I think perhaps the most unique thing about our business is that it was envisioned, designed, and created specifically to solve a social and environmental need," says Mike Korchinsky, Founder and CEO of Wildlife Works. Recently launching the brand in the UK with a unique website, Wildlife Works has been a success here in the States since Mike started the San Francisco-based brand in 2001.

“We started from the premise that there is a certain very specific problem of conflict out there for wildlife and people in rural communities in the developing world that has to be solved to ensure the future of the wildlife, and we imagined the kind of company that would solve that problem, and then created that company. … Yes, our products are all organic cotton, but that is only one small element of our eco and social justice commitment.” This unique commitment includes a wildlife sanctuary the company started in Kenya, Africa. Near the protected land, Wildlife Works built their first clothing factory, employing local residents under strict fair wage policies. Not only do these people now have jobs, the company has also built an organic greenhouse, 16 classrooms, and provides their employees free medical coverage, including HIV/AIDS treatments. Up next are projects in British Columbia, Nepal, and Uganda. “Wherever wildlife is endangered by hunting, loss of habitat or other threats, we believe there's an opportunity for change - an opportunity to help create an enduring economic basis for wildlife survival.”

Thankfully, Wildlife Works understand that if you are going to start a clothing brand, you have to have some pretty nifty designs in mind. T-Shirts for men and women, featuring contemporary graphics promoting conversation and green living, start at $25; you’ll also find long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, and pants. Kids and babies are outfitted by the brand as well, starting at $20. ”We are definitely competing head to head with [major] fashion companies, [but] we just happen to be the greenest, fair tradest of them all!”

EcoDesignz, a well-established and Co-Op America approved company, has been making bamboo furniture and clothing for the past two years. "EcoDesignz is a shared American-Chinese enterprise. As China becomes more and more significant in the world marketplace, EcoDesignz and companies like it provide jobs on both sides of the Pacific, facilitate other Sino-American partnerships, encourage diplomacy, and promote peace." The company also owns and operates BambooClothes.com, a quaint online store with bamboo items for men, women, kids, and your friendly local knitter.

Other than being clearly sustainable, the bamboo plant has many other nifty benefits for the environment. Inherently organic and hypoallergenic, bamboo does not require any chemical pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Also bamboo helps to stabilize the Earth with its erosion preventing roots. Cotton crops (organic or conventional) require wide spacing that allows bare soil to bake and oxidize, releasing carbon into the atmosphere and decreasing soil fertility. Further, bamboo retains water, reduces runoff, sustains riverbanks, and helps mitigate water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption. If that wasn't enough, bamboo is a key player in helping to fight global warming. Taking in nearly five times the amount of greenhouse gasses, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, making it an efficient replenisher of fresh air.

What benefit does the clothing have? Good question! The benefits are numerous,. “Bamboo is the new cotton…it has all the properties that you physically want out of cotton, plus some. Bamboo is more antibacterial than [other fabrics like] cotton or wool, which are very absorbent and hold moisture in. Because Bamboo wicks moisture away, it’s great for your circulation and skin.” [LAtimes.com, September 25, 2005]. Along with being hypoallergenic, as previously mentioned, bamboo fiber is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen to the surface, and feels similar to silk or cashmere. It has a very high soil release value and is so durable; you can throw it in the washer and drier; proving to be much more flexible than any cashmere on the market. Bamboo fibers are biodegradable, unlike synthetic textile fibers. Synthetic textile fibers are also made from non-renewable petroleum, and can even emit harmful gasses when incinerated or left to rot in a landfill.

On top of all this, bamboo clothing drapes like silk, it feels as soft and good as silk, but it is more practical because it is durable and much less expensive and versatile. Imagine that, clothing that looks good, feels good, and is good for the environment! Let's not forget how affordable it is as well. Basic shirts range from $18-25 each, with hoodies and sweaters costing only $35-42.

Wait - don't pandas eat bamboo? Are they going to starve? There are over 1,200 species of bamboo on this planet. All of BambooClothes.com's products (and most others on the market) are manufactured from Moso bamboo, which is not the species eaten by Pandas. So our adorable, monochromatic friends can snack away while we look stylish in our new, sustainable duds.

Image courtesy of EcoDesignz

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

Launched a few years ago, their organic cotton line began with only a few tops for men and women. Since then, 21 of their classic styles have become available in some of the softest and smoothest fabric around. Men, women, kids, babies, and even the family dog can get in on the organic cotton party with this brand. Oh yeah, there is one topic I haven't mentioned yet: how much does it cost?

Your wallet will smile and your closet will open its doors for American Apparel's more-than-affordable organic cotton line. The stylish dog tee that you see in the above picture is $14 and comes in six different sizes. For fellas that enjoy the classic t-shirt and jeans look or prefer to wear a shirt under their business attire, a 3-pack of t-shirts are $36. If you happen to be a briefs kind of guy (don't worry, we won't tell anyone), AA's organic men's briefs are on sale for only $8 a pair. Keeping those nasty chemicals away from babies is ever so important and easy to do with the infant short-sleeve one-piece for $14. Don't worry ladies, I personally own two of the short-sleeve tees with green thread and they are beyond cozy; at just $15 each, I'm pretty sure you can afford one, no matter your fashion budget.

Though the rest of the brand's offerings are sweatshop-free, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that their organic line continues to expand. At the 2006 San Francisco Green Festival this past November, AA had a sizeable booth, selling custom-dyed items from their organic cotton collection. What kind of dyes they used is beyond me, but no news on if they will be adding colors to their current eco-line.

Which green fashion brands would you like to know more about? What part of your wardrobe needs an eco makeover? Leave a comment and you'll help inspire my future posts. What can I say; I love to be interactive.

Image courtesy of American Apparel