Comments on: Building the Case for Eco Fashion as a Movement

By: Fashion: The Next Generation of Fabric Hails from Hemp, by Kelly Drennan - Parvati Magazine

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:39:44 +0000

[…] Over the past few years we have witnessed the exponential growth of sustainable fabrics. This is a movement, not a trend. Organic cotton, hemp, tencel, recycled polyester and organic wool are gaining […]

By: Week in Review: Week 6 | Global Action Through Fashion

Week in Review: Week 6 | Global Action Through Fashion — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:09:17 +0000

[…] the supply chain, and extending engagement internally and externally. You can read more about it at Eco Salon. Eco Salon also talks about Organic Exchange that is a good source of information about organic […]

By: Fashion, Social Media + Mobile Marketing Blog » How Fashion Brands Can Ensure Corporate Social Responsibility

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 11:15:28 +0000

[…] While it was once dismissed as a trend, it’s ability to stick around for so many years has proven that people want to do good and buy […]

By: Passion Flower

Passion Flower — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:29:31 +0000

A great article with details about the past of eco fashion and how important it became for many of us. By the way I had no idea that the global sales of textiles and organic cotton apparel has grown by $1 billion in 2009. Usefu info, have to share it with my friends.

By: jenny

jenny — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:11 +0000

Jim – I appreciate your clarification here, as many people don’t recognize that fact. That the fashion world is not sustainable – and does it even have the potential to?

I try to be aware of my personal consumption in all categories – food, energy, clothing. I can’t remember the last time I bought a item of clothing that wasn’t second hand or upcycled. I can’t say that this is the only or best way to combat this problem, but it’s my way of keeping my shopping habits more sustainable.

Luckily I live in a big city that has better variety and quality of second hand stores – ie. goodwill, salvation army, consignment stores. I donate clothing I don’t wear anymore or even try to reinvent old clothing into something more updated by reconstructing.

One of my favorite ways to consume less and not sacrifice quality and style is by using Craigslist – a online community of people selling & giving away basically anything you can think of – furniture, electronics, clothes, services. Why would I buy a new Ikea dresser when I can buy one a month old in perfect condition – and for probably less than half it’s original price?

Maybe it’s because I am the baby of 4 and am used to hand-me-downs? But I love second hand shopping, and feel great that I’m consuming one less shiny new product.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:17:05 +0000

These references are all very interesting but sadly naive. I work in Ethical Fashion and I am increasingly aware of the elephant in the room: that ‘Fashion’ per se is simply not sustainable…It doesn’t matter how much organic cotton has been bought, it’s still all about us consuming far more than we need and have resources for. Fashion is about frivolous, consumerist behaviour which we can make less impactful – a la Nike et al – but we cannot make it ‘sustainable’ in the true sense of the word. I have never seen a decision taken in the name of ‘ethics’ which would end up with us selling fewer clothes. Make it organic but pile it high, sell it fast…

By: bambooeater

bambooeater — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:49:45 +0000

Hey Kelly thanks for the very informational post. Once you go green, you really can’t go back!

Check out REVEALshop.com for handbags, e-reader cases and other accessories made only with innovative sustainable materials – Vegan Leather, Bamboo, Jute, Hemp, Recycled Polyester and Zippers, Rubberwood, and more.

By: Emma Howard

Emma Howard — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:53:59 +0000

WONDERFUL references listed here, Kelly.Your work inspires me. Thank you so much!

Aloha, Emma

By: Kelly Drennan

Kelly Drennan — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:43:28 +0000

You’re welcome. I actually think that the majority of these companies are motivated by money, and don’t come at sustainability from a “care for the environment” place. But regardless of where they are coming from, regardless of what motivates them, the fact is they are “getting with the program”.

What we need to be weary of are the companies who are not being transparent about what changes they are making, or what kind of social/environmental impact (good or bad) they are having.

We also need to be skeptical about those who make claims that are not 3rd party verified, or whose certification schemes don’t carry the integrity that others do.

By: Micheal

Micheal — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:35:49 +0000

I agree, green is a lifestyle not a trend. However, let be very aware of the fake companies that are in it for the money and they are green wash.

Thanks for the great information!