Fashion Retailers Do Their Part To Save Planet
Shoppers used to put up with itchy fabrics that look like burlap bags to help the environment.New designs are hip and trendy and show that you can be fashionable and help the planet at the same time.Some of the hottest styles of dresses, jeans and shoes are eco-friendly, according to experts in the fashion industry.
“Eco-friendly can be anything from biodegradable to compostable to recyclable. What dyes are being used as well are often being taken into consideration,” said Denise Mari of Organic Avenue.Until now, eco-friendly clothing was not exactly thought of as chic. But customers and retailers said designers are finally listening.“Customers really want the high fashion clothing. They don't want to feel like they're being deprived of style in order to make an eco-conscious choice,” said Mari.Shopper Alice White said, “Designers and things have made big strides in the last few years to try and become sort of more urban trendy."There is an explosion of designers and companies to choose from.At boutique Moral Fervor, pieces are designed with sustainable fabrics like bamboo and corn.“They're all bio-based. We don't use any petroleum based fabrics,” said Melissa Sack of Moral Fervor.Denim giant Levi’s is going greet, too, with jeans and jackets made from organic cotton.“It is fertilizer-free. It is pesticide-free. The response has been great,” said Brett Anderson of Levi’s.Levi’s said the zippers and buttons one some of their jeans are made from recycled metals.Anderson added, “All the hang tags on the products are all made from recycled papers.”Shoemakers are also stepping up to save the planet.At Terra Plana, the leather is vegetable-dyed and recycled materials are a must.One particular shoe from the company is made out of an old quilt and a rubber sole from a used tire.“When people find out that the shoes they're trying on are eco-friendly, you really see their face change and they're really happy to give back to the environment," said Sabra Ellingson of Terra Plana.Eco-shoppers said many retailers are proving customers can look good and feel good at the same time.“It's especially important to me. If you can put your money into a place where you believe in the issues and the causes that they're supporting, you're forwarding the movement yourself,” said White.Eco-friendly clothing can be expensive, according to retail experts.Levi’s said a pair of organic cotton jeans costs about $20 more than a similar pair made out of regular denim.
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