Ever fancy yourself wearing clothing that gives back to mother earth? Is it possible that environmentally friendly fashions exist that don’t contain harmful toxins bad for our climate and aren’t manufactured in sweat shops? Indeed in 2007 the what-was-not-so-mainstream, in terms of using organic cottons and leather free alternatives, is now the popular path for many clothing manufactures and designers. Even New York Fashion Week hosted the Future Fashion (2005) runway show in which everything worn (attire by the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Proenza Schouler) was made with eco friendly fibers of bamboo, corn, and organic cotton. As Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog use to sing, “It's not easy being green,” it seems as though the times are changing and “green” is the new black for fashion.

Vis.A.Vis reports on two very-in-the-know socially conscious companies, American Apparel Inc. and RE:VOLVE Apparel Project’s efforts to provide environmentally proper fashion for the masses.

American Apparel’s Organic Program’s Development Liaison, Erika Martinez, explains her company’s efforts to give back to the planet.

LJ: Tell me more about American Apparel’s ‘Sustainable Edition’ organic line.  
EM: As a part of our Environmental Initiatives, American Apparel provides an organic alternative in order to curb the harmful effects of conventional cotton cultivation. The Sustainable Edition takes our most popular styles and offers them in 100 percent certified organic cotton. We have 15 different organic looks with the same comfort and appeal as all American Apparel products. Our Sustainable Edition garments are perfect for any screen print or embellishment, and we are moving forward with additional cut and sew options. Since our organic fabric is neither bleached nor treated with optical brighteners, it is ideal for personalized dying. The Sustainable Edition represents American Apparel's standard for stellar product quality and the assurance that every aspect of our process is a positive one, from growing cotton to challenging an increasingly educated market.

LJ: What differs from organic cotton to regular cotton made in the United States? Does organic fabric cost more to use?
EM: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or insecticides. Conventional cotton, on the other hand, requires about 25 percent of the world’s chemical pesticides, thus making the cultivation process very toxic. Cotton seed from heavily sprayed plants is used in most of the processed food we eat, including snack foods and salad dressings. Organic cotton is currently more expensive although we retail our organic tees for the same price as the conventional tees.       

LJ: How do your eco friendly products help the environment while helping the consumer?
EM: The more alternative fabrics we use, the less chemical pollutants go into the planet and atmosphere. Organic fabrics are less irritating for people who have sensitive skin. Consumers can use their buying power to support causes they feel are important to further the future quality of our lives. Also, by buying organic cotton products you get the satisfaction of doing your part to help.

LJ: Will you continue to create more fashions, like the Sustainable Edition, using organic cotton in the future?
EM: Yes we are looking at samples of several up-in-coming sustainable fabrics for the future.  

RE:VOLVE Apparel Project
The RE:VOLVE Apparel Project sticks to using materials and production methods that best embody the spirit of sustainability. The United Nations defines sustainable production methods as, “Those that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The RE:VOLVE Apparel Project supports organizations that promote peace through social and environmental advocacy, including Waterkeeper Alliance and Peace Alliance. A portion of the proceeds from sales of RE:VOLVE apparel is donated to these organizations to aid them in their efforts toward creating a better world. A popular summer pick from the RE:VOLVE line is the Dove 100 percent organic cotton t-shirt ($29.95, revolvebrand.com ).

Other brands that have jumped on the ‘green clothing train’ include:

Both Stella McCartney’s luxury label and Adidas collections have included vegetarian principles– no leather.

Sportswear mega giant Nike gets alcolades for mixing organic cotton into all of its clothing and dedicating an entire line to 100 percent organic cotton.

U2's Bono and wife Ali Henson have a line of socially-conscious clothes called Edun. All items for the brand are produced in family-run factories in countries with fair trade practices.

From bags to hats, tees and toys Whole Foods carries their own eco-friendly line.

* All images used for American Apparel come via Courtesy of America Apparel Inc.