Cork is being used in the apparel industry as a lightweight fabric and insulator.

Most people equate cork with wine stoppers or push pin boards, but what about cork in clothing? Cork fiber is harvested from the bark of a specific type of oak tree that naturally re-grows its bark, making cork a renewable resource and a crop that employs thousands of family farmers. Utilizing the fibrous, lightweight and naturally insulating material for fabric is a large leap in the right direction for the textile industry.

German company Schoeller is behind the development of these cork fiber solutions, proving their position as soft-shell material pioneers with the invention of their corkshell^TM fabric. They’ve combined the insulating properties of cork with high performance fabrics such as wool fleece and jersey for the manufacturing of sensible outerwear or activewear. What’s more, cork fabric keeps the wearer warm, is extremely breathable and super comfortable. You could soon be seeing cork on the labels of your winter coat or running and hiking gear as clothing companies catch on to its functionality. But is it sustainable?

The raw cork material Schoeller uses is harvested from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests through a process that doesn’t actually involve cutting down any trees. During its average 200-year lifespan, a cork oak tree can be harvested up to 16 times for the thick and rugged bark. The bark grows back naturally after harvest, causing no harm to the tree, and every gram of it is turned into a usable material. Schoeller’s cork is a byproduct of the wine industry and is biodegradable, making the process a waste-less and closed-loop system.

Cork oak forests are native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa and are considered superb habitats for wildlife and plant diversity. Cork oaks share forests with other oak varieties, wild olive trees and maritime pines, as well as endangered species such as Barbary Deer, the Iberian Imperial Eagle and the Iberian Lynx. Maintaining cork oak forests and harvesting the fiber also keeps several family farmers employed, skilled and aware of the natural growth patterns of plants and wildlife in their areas.

The cork oak bark is made up of a bubble-like structure that is insulating but lightweight, making it the perfect choice for a variety of textile types. After harvest and pulverization, the cork is processed into a coating that can be inserted between two layers of fabric or just one layer of fabric depending on the application. The lightness of the cork coating is ideal for thermal insulation that doesn’t wear you down, making it perfect for cold climate outerwear and exercise gear.

So Schoeller’s corkshell^TM  textile component seems to be very sustainable indeed, and even just won an award in the Material Innovation category at the 2012 OutDoor Industry GOLD AWARDS. Recognized for its functionality, level of innovation, durability and sustainability, corkshell^TM is also a certified bluesign material, meaning that the resource productivity, emissions, fair labor and consumer safety of the processing and production facilities are rigorously monitored. Outerwear companies like Patagonia and the North Face will probably be quick to jump on Schoeller’s bandwagon and pop the cork on their collections.

Also check out:

Fiber Watch: Tencel The Tenable

Fiber Watch: The Bast Is Yet To Come

Fiber Watch: The Sartorial Sting Of Nettles

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Considering that the average American now consumes over 28 gallons of bottled water each year, all packaged in single-use plastic, it’s a good thing that many companies are now incorporating recycled PET (the stuff those bottles are made out of) into their lines.

Yes, recycled PET has made its way onto the mainstream runway along with a bevvy of other smart eco-friendly materials. But it’s not just about innovative technology or drool-worthy duds from the likes of Linda Loudermilk. Stylish picks in eco-friendly materials are well-suited to daily life – everything from yoga to yardwork. Check out some of our favorites:

Outerwear

A longtime household brand in the sailing and yachting community, Henri Lloyd has also made its way onto fashion lists. Now the company known for its all-weather sporty yet fashionable jackets is another big name to join the list of brands that use recycled PET.

Henri Lloyd has teamed up with Japanese textile factory Tejin Fibers Ltd. (a factory that also works with brands like Patagonia and Nau) to launch the first program worldwide for the collection and recycling of used marine apparel, as well as incorporation of Eco Storm recyclable, waterproof fabric made from recycled polyester fibers. Henri Lloyd’s 2010 Blue Eco Range of sailing wear will feature the new material, and we’re hoping it spreads to more of the brand!

Workout

Yoga-based apparel company prAna has an extensive line of workout gear, perfect for your morning asanas, that uses recycled polyester fibers. Favorites include the Lolita Pant and the Bella Sport top.

Beyond recycled PET, prAna is a sound and environmentally conscious company. In 2005 prAna launched the Natural Power Initiative to raise awareness about renewable energy amongst customers, retailers and the outdoor industry. This year, the Natural Power Initiative is expected to prevent the emissions of 17,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Footwear

Ok, so I’ll go ahead and admit that these shoes aren’t made with recycled PET, but they’re too distinctive and eco-friendly to go unmentioned. Although it might not save any plastic bottles, El Naturalista’s Recyclus line does use recycled rubber and footbeds. In fact, the line is built on the idea that the entire shoe should be recyclable at its end of life.

“The name will be Recyclus; you will only need to pull a thread, and the sole, the in-sole, the leather, and the laces will separate into independent pieces to be deposited in special recycling bins that we will offer to stores.”

Bag

Hopefully your new year is going to be filled with lots of plans for intriguing adventures, which means you’ll need a sleek bag that can still carry a lot. Welcome the Motil Ped by Nau. The shell, lining and shoulder webbing are made of 100% recycled polyester. With a laptop pocket and ample zipper pockets inside, this can be your go-to back for any occasion, be it casual or fashionable.

For the home

Complete your sustainable wardrobe by adding a few key items around the house. As always, consuming less means more, but if you’re home is in need of a little freshening up, the Teppas stackable containers (made, natch, with recycled PET) from IKEA are a fun way to kick off a more organized lifestyle in the new year.

Main image: Adria Richards

The post From Yoga to Yardwork, 5 Great Picks for the Eco-Material Girl appeared first on EcoSalon.

A friend of mine wants to keep it hush-hush when her daughter is gifted a hand-me-down dress, as if wearing used garb signifies poverty or shame that might not fly in her affluent social circle.

My friend is a European whose family often struggled to make ends meet. And although she keeps it all in the closet, she accepts these offerings for all of the right reasons: they are clean and usually in perfectly good condition; It’s wasteful to go out and buy a new outfit when you can recycle; people who snub second hand goods are snobs. She may aspire to the don’t ask, don’t tell policy, but she knows better.

In fact, there’s a entire culture of thrifty moms who surf newspaper classified ads, Craigslist and Ebay to locate gently-used clothing and objects for their children. Seizing on this trend, an emerging site called handmedowns provides a one-stop destination condensing all of the shopping sites into one.  It combines the listings from the top five classified sites with original postings from trusted hand-me-down users.

It’s a brilliant idea because recycling clothes is good for us and for the shaky economy. The credit goes to two Hollywood dynamos: Norah Weinstein, a lawyer and mom who also founded The Hollywood Reporter, ESQ, and Jane Buckingham, who authored the bestselling Modern Girls Guide to Life.

“The sites that were out there had some great listings, but were simply not designed with a parent in mind,”  remembers Weinstein, who tired of sifting through torn, stained cast-a-ways on the web. “Our goal is to raise the bar for children’s classifieds and create a more family-friendly atmosphere.”

Buckingham adds they are saving parents time and money by pulling together safe, user-friendly products. Safety, they say, is heavily promoted to stay on top of government product recalls.

When you visit the site, you can click on your location and what you are shopping for (clothing for girls, boys, toys) and the age range. In terms of clothing, from layette to child sizes, you will find everything from shoes to winter outerwear and cute little legging outfits. There also are categories for selling, donating or giving your items away for free.

As the founders put it: “Once you start shopping at handmedowns, it may be hard to buy at retail prices again.”

It’s great news for kids who don’t have older siblings or cousins. I never met a kid who didn’t smile when I handed them something one of my girls had worn, from party dresses to ski parkas. For some, it’s even more special knowing your new posession was loved so well.

Image: manuel

The post Hand-Me-Downs Come Out of the Closet appeared first on EcoSalon.

As the drops come down outside my window, I’m glad my girls have their new rainboots so we can venture outside to collect flowers to make our centerpieces before the holiday arrives. 

Unfortunately, their boots are the smelly, rubber variety that we bought on sale at Nordstrom last month because they were Lucky Brand with skeleton patterns and so darn cute. Not great criteria, I know.

Still, it’s not easy finding sustainable rain gear. I went looking for other brands that might be greener. The report indicates light showers of available styles, rather than a heavy downpour:

The mod Kamik rainboots are at least made of 100% recycled materials, even if they do contain PVC (phthalates). At least this company is trying. $189.95 at Zappos.

Retroactif makes their sustainable hats (including the waterproof blue, top left, and black print, bottom right) from discarded art banners. Check on the site to find a store that sells them near you.

More companies are letting us take cover with greener umbrellas, including the recycled PET collection from Peerless which lets you customize with your company name, soccer team, etc.

These were the first on the market as reported in EcoSalon earlier this year. Whether you go for the pink manual ($25) or green automatic ($30) you’re still covered with good stuff in these Eco Brellas from Totes. Made from recycled PET bottles and recycled aluminum and steel with a friendly bamboo handle.

Patagonia uses recycled polyester for these rain shells for men ($95) and women ($200). Keep an eye out for the sales at this site and other sites that sell the brand at discounted prices.

Image: silent shot

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It’s early Sunday morning in late November and I don’t want to leave the cuddly warmth of my down duvet. If I had special powers I would wiggle my nose and a handsome prince would appear with a cup of hot coffee and the New YorkTimes. But since my nose doesn’t wiggle that way, I crawl out from under the covers and head toward the closet for a favorite pair of jeans, a tee and my heather grey sweater-coat.

Then I’m out the door and headed toward the Farmers’ Market. I can’t live without that sweater. Well, of course I can“¦but you know what I mean. It works with most outfits, dressed up or down, and keeps me toasty and looking presentable when I may not be (especially early Sunday mornings).

So if you’re in the market for the perfect fall to winter to spring cover up, the sweater-coat is the way to go. VivaTerra has two that tickle my fancy.

The Cashmere & Merino Wool Luxury Sweater Coat is versatile and tres chic. It has a large, sculpted collar – wear it open or use the kilt pin to close it and heighten the warm and cozy factor. Available in a gorgeous berry as well as black in sizes small through large. $339 at VivaTerra.

Also available to sharpen your wardrobe this winter is the eco-friendly Lambswool Sweater Jacket. Subtle and stylish in winter white with a fluffy collar, this piece is selling out fast and currently available in large and xtra large. It’s on sale at VivaTerra for $95.

The post The Perfect Fall to Winter to Spring Cover Up appeared first on EcoSalon.

Tweeds are a timeless look for the chilly season, but sometimes they can fall on the preppy side. When done right, the style will place you far from the pages of J. Crew. Here, a few eco picks to get you started.
Eloise Grey tweed coat: ideal for a crisp spring or fall day, this wool and organic cotton coat will look stunning over a slim pair of jeans or thick opaque tights. ($1,070)

Crystalyn Kae tweed clutch: this vegan-friendly purse is big enough to hold all your essentials and has a contrasting fabric pleat for a little kick. ($75)

Eloise Grey tweed skirt: bordering on preppy, you can add some edge to this classic tweed skirt by pairing it with an asymmetrical top and colorful eco booties. ($450)

The post In Need of Tweed? appeared first on EcoSalon.

It was late July when Allison told us in her post The New Nau, not to worry, the eco-clothing brand Nau would be back. And she was right. Having been rescued out of its pending demise by the Santa Barbara-based clothing company Horny Toad, the new Nau is ready to roll. The entire Fall ’08 product line premiers this week on Nau’s newly designed website.

What we came to know and love about the old Nau has only gotten better. The company proudly remains true to its sustainable design philosophy and has successfully refined its “innovative blend of beauty, performance and sustainability.”

The recycled poly Profile Fleece Hoody (approx $200) actually gives fleece a sexy name. And speaking of sexy, this cashmere/angora Flourish Dress ($248) has a high collar, side pocket and ribbed trim that make it an essential part of any winter wardrobe. If a trench is on your list, the Modus ($425) is made from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste. Hard to believe something so “trashy” could be so stylish and protect you from wind, rain and grime.

Plus, for the first time starting in November, Nau will be available at select retailers across the U.S. I can’t wait to see how the future unfolds for Nau…now.

Shown above: Scape jacket

The post Nau Now appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’m a California girl so I don’t talk much about wool coats or down jackets. Maybe 5/365 I’ll need more than a sweater, scarf and light jacket, so I’m set with my two timeless cold-weather coats. But sometimes it’s hard to resist all the hoodies and leather jackets and pea coats!

The eco-movement has inspired some seriously cool shapes and styles for the traditionally generic cover-up. Case in point, this Cloak Hoodie by Prairie Underground. It’s made with luscious 100% organic cotton fleece with a large lined hood and detailed front pockets. I want to curl up in this and take a nap – cozy and comfortable. Available (on backorder) in black, faded brown and peacock for $234 at Beklina.

I’m having green dreams about this Eco Leather Jacket by John Patrick Organic. Vegetable dyed black without hazardous chemicals or toxic solvents, this jacket was also fairly made. The contrast stitching and four front zippered pockets make this my pick for fall and winter…and forever. A classic piece for any eco-wardrobe. Find it at Beklina for $745 (medium and large back order only).

The pea coat never goes out of style and can transition from day to night with ease. Take this Grace & Cello Isabella Jacket in black recycled wool. Chic and refined with a traditional double breast, 3/4 length and large buttons. It also has a touch of edge with a motorcycle-style collar. Also by Grace & Cello and made with recycled wool, this Awnee Jacket makes a strong statement with a contrast of color – half gray and half black – and a slightly shorter length. Both coats are available at Not Just Pretty in sizes extra small through large for $250 and $240, respectively.

The post Hard to Resist Eco-Coats appeared first on EcoSalon.

Grace & Cello are an ethical, humane design collective out of Montreal with a flair for unusual lines.

Their 100% organic cotton twill trench caused me to do a triple-take. This hybrid manages to magically blend sailor-buttons, pleats and bell sleeves into a light-hearted jacket that doesn’t take itself too seriously (not shown). Also a tease is the organic cotton ruffle-front shirt (above left), which again manages a possibly awkward trend with a gentle grace. And just when I thought I’d seen enough, I did a double take on this jersey-tee (above right) with adorable cap sleeves.

Grace & Cello playfully  incorporates diverse design trends by toning them down and greening them up.

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The post There's Always Room for (Grace and) Cello appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’m a huge devotee of using classic pieces to create a stunning wardrobe and reduce the need for incessant consumption – but from time to time we must all deviate from the classics in pursuit of something edgy and different.

Lately I’ve been following Prairie Underground’s avant-garde, structurally inspired styles and I’m especially drawn to their collection of outerwear. I like the Moth Coat for spring – its billowing collar is great for protecting your neckline from the occasional brisk breeze or you can toss it over your head if you catch yourself in a sprinkle. The versatile organic cotton jacket works well over leggings, skirts, dresses, and more. $252 on Modify.

The post Bench the Trench appeared first on EcoSalon.