Asking what is green fashion is the start of environmentally friendly clothing
It?s clear the word green has taken on a whole new meaning over the years. No longer are we referring to Kermit?s pallor, or the jeans worn by Captain Kangaroo?s henchman.
Now green is all about saving the universe as we know it; or at least our little corner of it. Green is a way of living for many of us, and this includes what we?re driving, eating and wearing.
Green fashion in particular isn?t quite sweeping the Paris runways (yet), but it is beginning to make some headway. Now, before you begin envisioning the chic among us walking around in old garbage bags with non-leather belts cinched around their too-tiny waists, let?s take a moment to talk about what ?green fashion? really means.
What is “green”?
While there is not a definitive answer to the question of what is green, there are several types of green that impact the world of fashion.
Ecologically-friendly fabrics is another green method of dressing the conscientious among us. This involves the use of only organically grown fibers in the making of garments. Organically grown generally refers to plants sown without herbicides, pesticides or other potentially toxic additives. To be truly green, the fibers should come from a farm or site that has been confirmed as green by one of the many established organizations that conduct such tests.
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Vegan green describes fashion items like shoes, belts or bags that use leather substitutes in lieu of animal hide. For the truly green fashionista, there are craft and artisan clothing that many consider green. These are items that help to promote and continue traditional skills such as spinning yarn, using a loom and embroidery in the making of clothes. In addition to hand-made, natural items the green thinking behind artisan-made clothing is the perpetuation of the old ways, when times were simpler and artisans were critical components to a society?s livelihood.
Clothing, like t-shirts made of natural fabrics, carrying messages to raise awareness, and merchandise that support earth-friendly non profits and environment advocates can also be considered “green.”
Let?s not forget ethically produced green fashion either. These are clothing items made in a setting that shows a measure of respect for the local people and environment. No sweatshops or waste dumping manufacturers here, thank you very much.
Recycled clothing, nature-inspired jewelry and accessories describes those items made from existing materials, perhaps even re-spun fibers from old fabric or repurposed from found objects, into wearable fashions. Vintage clothing is an inexpensive way to go green, and becoming more and more popular too. Shopping for and wearing vintage clothing keeps worn coats, dresses and other clothes out of our landfills and where they belong, on the bodies of green fashion-conscious folks like us.
Who knew that wearing hand-me-downs as a kid, and slipping on a pair of shredded jeans with patched up knees was actually making a green fashion statement!
The future is green
As more and more designers and celebrities get on the green bandwagon, like Alberta Ferreti?s recent collaboration with Emma Watson, the options and accessibility of green fashion will continue to grow. That?s something we can all live with.