How many toxic clothing gifts did you find under the tree this year?
Make a list to live green, New Orleans, by turning up your eco-dar and buying (or asking for) new clothing options that are made only from earth-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, fair-trade, or UPcycled, repurposed materials.
Scary fact: the textile industry produces more than just fabrics; it produces a ton of pollution from its required toxic chemicals that take a heavy toll on both people and the planet. Clothing factories expel large amounts of contaminated wastewater into streams and rivers, and chemicals into the air. Additional waste materials are dumped into landfills where they stay, forever. And we haven’t even begun to mention the hazardous sweatshop, questionable work-environments. Not such a pretty fashion magazine layout, is it? (check out these resources for green, fair trade and sweatshop-free apparel)
Of course you shouldn’t feel guilty about every non-organic cotton purchase you make; however, if you become aware of the options available you can help reduce the toxic options, piece by piece.
Be sensible.
In this economy, not everyone can drop hundreds on the latest designer organic cotton jeans, bamboo or hemp shirts, or even sexy jute and silk blend dress. Slowly replace what you wear out or grow out of with eco-friendly, sensible solutions for a greener wardrobe.
Buy less.
Less really is more. Resist the temptation to buy into the culture of disposable fashion by making quality, earth-friendly purchases instead that are alive with versatility. Go for quality over quantity; there’s a reason things are super cheap, and you don’t want those hidden environmental and social price tags hanging over your head.
Think outside the box.
Shop local, independently owned stores along Magazine and Oak for more sustainable clothing options. Or local online options like REpurposingNOLA. Craft markets, green festivals, freecycle, thrift and consignment shops are also great options for finding “new” wardrobe options.
Live Green NOW / REpurposingNOLA likes this block party:
Green Serene located at 2041 Magazine Street ~ this newly opened lifestyle boutique is stocked with only organic and fair trade clothing and gift items
Branch Out located at 2022 Magazine Street ~ this vintage clothing boutique has fabulous finds
Unique Products located Upstairs at 2038 Magazine Street inside Winky’s ~ this environmentally friendly retail gallery has been providing green-themed home decor, accessories and lighting to New Orleans for 10 years
Topic: Green Street Tags: nontoxic clothing options
Readers’ Cork Board