Just in time for summer reading, 5 fashion books that will make you think about what you wear and why.

Recently, I’ve become more interested in fashion tailored to the environmentally and ethically-aware consumer, but I find the entire industry extremely difficult to navigate. And, sure, that won’t get any easier, but the following 5 books about eco-fashion are a great start to getting you more informed and proactive about the choices you make when it comes to your clothing.

1. “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion” By, Elizabeth L. Cline

Elizabeth L. Cline exposes the fashion industry’s pitfalls in not only damaging out sense of style and the environment but also in stripping our souls of authenticity. She uncovers the truth behind fast fashion clothing lines and inspires readers to break the cycle of disposable fashion.

2. “Fashion & Sustainability: Design for Change” By, Kate Fletcher and Lynda Grose

This book posits the fashion industry as a sustainability machine and how such a structure could transform the world. Kate Fletcher and Lynda Grose organize the book into three parts: the first focuses on transforming elements across the lifespan of a piece of garment, from manufacturing and distribution to use and re-use; the second part outlines business models that lower material throughput; and the third section re-evaluates the role of fashion designer from one of creator or stylist to one of communicator, activist, and facilitator.

3. “Naked Fashion: The New Sustainable Fashion Movement” By, Safia Minney

Written by People Tree founder and CEO Safia Minney, Naked Fashion offers a glimpse into the lives of garment workers and their trying lives. The book also showcases case studies on fashion that don’t come at the cost of the environment or ethics and profiles designers, photographers and filmmakers who are reshaping the industry. Expect celebrity appearances!

4. “Eco Fashion” By, Sass Brown

Sass Brown’s “Eco Fashion” takes you on a journey through eco-fashion as it has developed over the years and sheds light on the players who are making big changes. The book covers ecological designs and helps readers navigate this often complicated and hard-to-digest space of the fashion industry.

5. “Style, Naturally” By, Summer Rayne Oakes

Model, designer and entrepreneur Summer Rayne Oakes provides readers with the resources to incorporate eco-fashionable pieces into their everyday lives. This book goes beyond exposing the truths behind fast fashion and is dually practical, serving as a guide to the readers hungry for sustainability wear.

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Photo Credit: Summer Rayne Oakes

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Working for the best eco fashion blog, I know ecological clothing is not a passing trend – it’s the future of fashion. It’s just a matter of time before the mainstream industry agrees. With last week’s 40th Earth Day celebration, it’s time to take the pulse of mainstream culture. Here are some interesting news stories and evidence of sustainability filtering through to mainstream brands.

Hot Mods

As far as cars go, Saab has always been a quirky brand. But the logic behind their recent launch of an eco clothing collection called Pure BioPower Eco Clothing is, well, lets just say ahead of its time. Designed bу Swedish designer Josefin Lassbo, the collection made its North American debut alongside the new Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept that is E85 bioethanol-capable а×-ԁ equipped wÑ–th thе next-generation GM Hybrid system.

Stella Takes a Tip

She has long been considered the fashion world’s conscience by refusing to use skins or furs in her designs. Recognizing a further need, Stella McCartney has a dedicated green portion of her latest seasonal collection which beautifully utilizes organic and alternative textiles in the designs. Check out her 17 eco tips over on her website.

Puma Unboxed

Puma kicks off an ambitious long term sustainability initiative with its inventive shoe packaging that features a cutout loop as a carrying handle, which also doubles as a reusable shoe bag and therefore eliminates the need for a plastic bag. Designed by Yves Behar of Fuseproject, Puma estimates the design will reduce the company’s paper usage by 65 percent and cut carbon emissions by 10 tons per year. It will also save 20 million Mega Joules of electricity, one million liters of fuel oil, one million liters of water, 500,000 liters of diesel and up to 275 tons of plastic by eliminating shopping bags. “Clever little bag” is more like the Cat’s Meow.

Mossy Glossy

All this talk of Anna Wintour’s retirement makes me daydream about how game changing it could be for the industry if her successor was a green fashion proponent. In the meantime, rival Elle’s green coverage is challenging their readers to go green with their 21 day long eco-chic list. Kudos to Elle for leading the glossies towards green.

Seeing Green

With all the best green fashion content available on the Internet, it’s hard to drag yourself away. But, take a break and drag yourself to the couch because designer John Patrick of Organic is getting his own six-episode show. It will no doubt prove a fascinating insight into the challenges of getting a sustainable clothing line produced. Get set for the premiere on Planet Green in early 2011.

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