Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor.

Africa Outlook – Shop San Francisco-based Wildlife Works’ Kukhanga collection, the recent relaunch features extracted elements from the vibrant prints found on the traditional Khangas worn on East African Women. The easy-to-wear line of tops, jackets and accessories are certified organic, handmade and hand screen printed by local women at their carbon neutral EcoFactory built next to the wildlife sanctuary Wildlife Works started. Thought that was impressive? The conscious company also offsets their carbon emissions throughout the entire manufacturing process through REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), which aids local wildlife preservation.

Hot Childe In the City – There’s a reason why we can’t stop loving on Feral Childe, they’re talented, original and prepared to put their money where their mouths are. Meet delectable designers Moriah Carlson and Alice Wu at their fall trunk show at SALA Boutique in Berkeley on Saturday, October 15^th. My advice? Snap up one of their flattering silk georgette dresses in the orchestra print, sure to be the sustainable must-have of the season.

LA Stories – There’s just something about California (and its not the cheese). A new exhibition “Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A., 1945-1980″ at L.A.’s Getty Museum explores the eternal appeal of the Golden State, which influenced celebrated artists like David Hockney and Ed Ruscha. But wait, there’s more… the exhibit kicks off 60 further shows all over Southern California over the next six months, including a massive public sculpture and performance art event that will take place during an 11-day festival in January.

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Reuters reports on a British company, Helveta, that has developed a unique way to protect hardwood trees in parts of Africa, southeast Asia and South America against illegal logging and help countries keep track of timber reserves.

They are barcoding them with little plastic tags similar to the ones you’d find on supermarket groceries.

Every plantation tree above a predetermined size has a bar code and when that tree is cut down, another bar code is attached to the remaining stump. Other tags are nailed into the processed wood, providing a computerized trail for customs officials to follow.

At the same time, the tags are scanned by handheld computers in the field and the data is entered into Helveta’s secure database.

This technology should help companies comply with the sustainable timber import laws set up by the United States and Europe. At the same time, Helveta hopes that this innovative practice could also be able to assist with the proposed United Nations Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) scheme  which aims to increase forest cover with the aim of soaking up carbon dioxide emissions.

Of course, this won’t stop those determined to chop down trees but it might make it more difficult for them to sell, process or export the wood.

Image: fabbio

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