Fashion isn’t always the most sustainable of industries. While old trends get recycled every few decades (hello, 70s spring throwback), we build its survival on the idea that keeping current involves switching up aspects (if not a hefty portion) of our wardrobe every few months. If clothing swaps and consignment stores reigned supreme, that wouldn’t be a problem “ but unfortunately, many of our old, unwanted clothes still end up in landfills.
We’re not here to preach, and the good news is, many in the industry seem to be changing their tune, like Emma Watson, whose sustainable joint collection with Alberta Ferretti, Pure Threads, launched last month. Pure Threads isn’t available in Canada yet (and at thousands of dollars per dress, it’s not exactly in the average Canuck’s price range), but we’ve rounded up five fantastic “ and eco-friendly! “ labels to check out this Earth Day.
Salts Organic Clothing
Salts makes a point of manufacturing in local Canadian communities to cut down on their transportation footprint. They make their clothing from organic materials like bamboo, cotton, hemp and soy cloth. Salts also supports the Surfrider Foundation, which fights to protect oceans and beaches.
Try their Sea Dress, $138.
Not Just Pretty Modern Organic Clothing
Everything Not Just Pretty manufactures is made from recycled materials or organic fibres and promises no itchy scratchy fabrics with saggy bottoms. They boast a wide variety of designers and are a member of 1% for the Planet, an organization of companies that donate one per cent of their sales to environmental organizations across the globe.
We love their Alexis LaMontagna Half Pleat Skirt, $141.
MahaDevi Design
MahaDevi’s products are made locally and with alternative natural fibres. The creator started out by touring festivals in vegetable-oil powered vehicles and selling dancewear. The line now sells a broad range of clothing for women, men and babies, as well as lines made with specific materials like hemp and merino wool. MahaDevi also sells eco-fabrics for anyone looking to make their own clothes.
Check out their Waterfall Tank, $52.
LivEco
LivEco sells fair-trade organic clothing across North America. In addition to clothing, they also make sustainable toys and crafts, eco-friendly electronics and pet supplies. LivEco also has a Natural Family Care line that provides skin care products made with eco-friendly and non-toxic ingredients.
Try sporting their Kenzi Twist Shrug, $127.
Ecocentrik apparel
All of Ecocentrik’s clothing is made from organic and reclaimed fabrics under fair labour conditions. They donate two per cent of all sales to Equiterre, the Animal Rescue Network and Young Adult Cancer Canada. Ecocentrik has a wide variety of clothing for women and men, but their accessories are to-die-for as well (check out their seriously cute button rings and Rachel F. belts).
We also love their Fringe Skirt, $69.
