While initially that headline might not mean anything to you, under David Basson’s leadership at Greensouce, organic cotton was sourced for the very first time to Walmart. In fact, since 1999, the company has planted over 8,000 acres of organic cotton fields.

No small feat.

Under Basson’s reign, Seattle’s Greensource is now ranked as the 9th largest user of organic cotton in the world for its very own “Greensource” and “Re-Gen” (Recycled Generation) branded apparel. According to a Greensource press release, if the company’s considerable private label production for major retailers, including Walmart (“Faded Glory”) and Kmart (“Route 66”), was taken into account, the company would actually rank much higher.

David Basson, CEO of Greensource

No matter how you feel about Walmart selling organic clothing, as a supplier for them, Greensource’s pros far outweigh the cons. The brand grows its own organic cotton crop, is building schools for its workers’ children, uses only organic cotton and other sustainable fibers and has certified all five of its manufacturing facilities according to the new Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). In addition, the company uses an online system enabling shoppers to input a code found on a garment label and track the garment’s voyage from the field to the store.

The tracking system gives customers a rare opportunity to trace their garments from field to final production using a Greensource brand product ID # on each hang tag that one can use to check the history and authenticity of the product purchased.

With all this progress soon behind Basson marking major strides in the sustainable fashion field, one can only imagine how Greensource will move forward.

Taking over the reins in January 2011 and continuing the company’s organic cotton leadership will be John Flynn, currently vice president of design and development, and Brady Hill, currently vice president of marketing, two men we’ll all keep a close watch on.

The post Greensource CEO David Basson Retires appeared first on EcoSalon.

When it comes to developing sustainable fabrics, textile manufacturers have got their work cut out for them. It’s not just about improvement of current favorites like bamboo and cotton, but future-thinking research and development, as well.

Here’s a sampling of what’s being tested and what’s already arrived for you, the fashion-forward green consumer:

Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn that’s made from recycled polymer waste.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has introduced a new range of Merino wool fabrics for applications such as active wear and sportswear.

Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric made from eco-friendly wool for suits.

Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced a fabric called O-Wool Washable that is resistant to shrinking and felting during washing.

Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton that will be sold in Wal-Mart and Kmart stores.

Agion Technologies is forging its way towards a Gold Cradle to Cradle environmental certification with a new anti-microbial treatment.

Argentina-based Indarra.dtx develops clothing that integrates technology and the latest advances in textile development with natural, biodegrading, recyclable and renewable materials.

Air-Dyes is using 100% recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.

Image: Vincent Boiteau

The post Sustainable Fashion Round-Up: What’s New in Eco Fabrics? appeared first on EcoSalon.

When Greensource, one of the largest suppliers of organic cotton apparel production in the world launched its private label organic jean line at Kmart and Wal-Mart this month, I became skeptical.

After all, are Wal-Mart and Kmart customers really green shoppers? Do they care about pesticide free pants?

Am I being bratty by asking?

Eco-Textile news reports that all five of Greensource’s manufacturing facilities were certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) by Control Union between 2007 and 2008, making them some of the first mills worldwide to gain certification.

And while this is all well and good for both Marts, inquiring minds still ponder who these women are who are looking for good, quality eco-denim alongside the mega-store’s Subway and discounted food aisles (and consequently, if GOTS strict standards are being utilized alongside monitored production of these jeans in China).

We commend them for incorporating organic cotton but looking at the whole picture is another thing and something we urge you to consider.

Del Forte denim, made in the U.S.A. is 100% organic cotton, too – and when you buy a pair you support L.A. designers who dream of denim night and day. And when you’re done with your pair, you can ship them back to produce the second generation of Del Fortes which they fondly call “Rejeaneration Denim”.

There’s something to be said about rooting for the underdog.

The post Wal-Mart Fosters a Love of Eco-Jeans? appeared first on EcoSalon.