Eco-Friendly is definitely the new chic. You know that you should do what you can to love Mama Earth and protect the environment. At the same time, you still want to be fabulous. The good news is that as consumers have demanded more environmentally aware products from companies that promote humanitarian causes, many businesses have risen to the occasion. If you are shopping for fab gifts for friends or fantastic fashion for yourself, consider these eco-friendly, fun and trendy brands.
Sword & Plough
Sword & Plough is a veteran-owned company that recycles military surplus to create a variety of bags, from tote bags and handbags to travel bags. Sword & Plough also offers other accessories and some apparel. Many of Sword & Plow’s employees are veterans, and 10% of their profits are donated to organizations that support veterans. This business offers military chic accessories while giving you the chance to give back.
Alternative Apparel
Alternative Apparel is a men’s and women’s fashion brand dedicated to sustainability. Only non-toxic, low-impact dyes are used on their eco-friendly fabrics. Alternative Apparel claims that 80% of their garments are made using sustainable processes and materials. Alternative Apparel has donated significant funds towards repairing the water crisis in Flint. Michigan. Not only, then, can you score some amazing fashion finds, but you can also feel good knowing that your purchases will support Earth-friendly causes.
Stop the Water While Using Me!
Stop the Water While Using Me! is a brand that offers a number of toiletries and personal grooming products made from ingredients derived from certified organic agriculture in recyclable, refillable packaging. Many items are printed with the brand’s “Stop the Water While Using Me!” tagline as a gentle reminder. In addition, this brand donates some revenue to projects that provide water to parts of the world that need it most. Similarly, the Cadiz Water Project seeks to find ways to store and reclaim water right here in the United States.
Proof Eyewear
Proof Eyewear designs and sells gorgeous, high-end eyewear made from sustainable materials. Their sunglasses are trendy and beautiful. Not only does Proof use sustainable materials, but they also support a number of humanitarian and environmental projects, including supporting eye clinics in third world countries.
Oxgut Hose Company
Oxgut Hose Company makes a number of products from “upcycled” fire hoses. Hoses retired by fire stations contribute a significant amount to landfills in the United States each year. Oxgut Hose Company has found a way to transform these into chic bags, mats and even furniture. Their products are quirky and fun, and it’s amazing to see an old fire hose find a new life. Oxgut proves that one fireman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.
BottleCloth
BottleCloth uses discarded plastic bottles to create table linens. These placemats, tablecloths, napkins and runners are casual but gorgeous and are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. You may know that all the water bottles you go through aren’t the best thing for the environment, but when you buy from BottleCloth, at least you can trust that some of those bottles aren’t wasted. Recycled products meet modern design making BottleCloth a win-win.
Novesta
Novesta has been around since the 1930s. Novesta manufactures shoes only according to “the highest environmental standards.” Natural rubber and 100% linen and cotton lead to high-quality, casual footwear. You can wear fabulous, comfortable shoes and feel good knowing that they are crafted by hand from fine materials using an environmentally-friendly process. What could be finer?
Imby
Imby, which stands for “In My Back Yard,” provides women with what they call “capsule” clothing, a minimalist approach to the wardrobe where all pieces are designed to coordinate. All products from Imby are ethically manufactured in the United States. Imby offers their signature “In My Back Yard” tee shirt; all the proceeds from this tee are donated to the International Rescue Committee. This is your opportunity to update and purge your wardrobe while knowing that you are doing good in the world.
Earthy Chic
Earthy Chic offers a number of clothing items, accessories and gifts for women. They donate a portion of their proceeds to a variety of big name charities, including the United Way, Autism Speaks and the Susan G Komen Foundation. Again, this is a wonderful way to shop for fantastic pieces while also buying the peace of mind that goes with knowing your money is going towards a worthy cause.
Many people like knowing they look fashionable. Many want to find trendy gifts for friends and family and high-quality but chic products for themselves. In addition, their consciences tell them they should do more to give back, to take care of the environment and each other.
More and more companies are giving you the opportunity to do both: to be fabulous and chic while still being aware. You really can have the best of both worlds.
Caring for the environment is not only fashionable, it IS fashion!