Fashion

Green is the New Black

We may still be struggling to find a way to power the planet without burning everything in sight, but at least there are a few green companies out there that are succeeding. What’s most annoying about the pollution and exploitation involved in the global fashion trade, apart from the obvious, is that it is all completely avoidable. OK, so a few fat cats may earn a couple of million less at the end of the year, but surely it’d be worth it, even for them? A handful of modern fashion designers believe it is, and they’re shaking things up by creating beautiful products, from recycled and re-purposed materials. Not only are their products ethical, but so too are their manufacturing processes. The cynical amongst you will be thinking, as did I, that this is just another gimmick, a passing trend; “Yeh man, let’s make eco-friendly products. We’ll make a fortune!” And maybe it is, but so what? I don’t really care if these companies are in it just to make money. I only care that they are changing people’s perception of the fashion industry. Removing us away from the throw-away society we’ve been championing for the last five decades. These are the designers and companies that are going to take the world of fashion to the where it should be - ethical, sustainable, and fashionable - and, yes, profitable. Let’s take a look at a few of the leading lights.

People Tree – Everyday, Fairtrade Fashion

These guys were one of the first companies to make the step into fair-trade fashion. They only use fair trade materials and natural dyes, and always source locally. Part of their desire to trade fairly means that they work with some twenty developing countries across the globe. Because of their authentic credentials they’ve been able to team up with uber-cool designers and companies, such as Bora Aksu and many others. If you’re looking for the real deal, you’ve found it.

Their complete range of everyday-casual fashion can be purchased directly from their website. Prices range from £20 - £250... read more

You may have noticed that there is a new trend in makeup and cosmetics - to provide a natural product line option.  The packaging is usually simpler or incorporates green into the label to show that there is something organic about the product.  The bottomline is though, we have yet to see Certified Organic Cosmetics and Makeup because this industry remains highly unregulated.

Makeup with parabens

I’ve heard this word – paraben - enough times to know that there might be something in my makeup that I don’t want to put on my skin.  To be honest, I have never paid attention to the ingredients in my makeup and I have no idea what parabens are.  I decided to look into this and see what’s the problem with parabens in my makeup.  Here’s what I learned…... read more

We're pleased to announce that Chipkos is giving a 15% discount to all Keen For Green readers!  When purchasing, just use discount code Keen15.   Coupon code expires on 2/17/12.  ... read more

'Tis the season for poofy dresses, corsages, and limos.  If you're a teen or the parent of a teen hoping to help reduce the impact of going to prom, here are some tips to help!... read more

• The Dress:  While it's nice to buy a dress by an eco-friendly fashion line, it's not always economically feasible for the average teenager.  If you want to save some money, consider buying vintage.  You can find lots of really cool dresses that way for a low price...and it lowers your carbon footprint!
• The Corsage and Boutonniere:  Find a florist who uses locally grown and/or organic flowers.