8 minute read
SUSTAINABLY STYLISH
Eco-Fashion that’s Kind to the Planet
by Kajsa Nickels
The trendy “fast fashion” industry standard that originated in the early 1990s has had far-reaching effects that continue today. With a production turnaround time as short as four months, designer knock-offs made with inexpensive materials line the shelves of shopping centers throughout the world. But cheap textiles come with a hidden price tag. According to the documentary The True Cost, consumers worldwide buy around 80 billion new items of clothing per year, a 400 percent increase from 20 years ago. A report by the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which advocates a regenerative, circular economy, found that more than $500 billion in value is lost globally every year from rarely worn manufactured clothing and the lack of recycling. The greenhouse gas emissions from the production of these textiles total more than 1 billion metric tons per year, more than produced by international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Sustainable clothing is important for both the planet and those wearing the clothing, says Jeff Garner, a fashion designer in Franklin, Tennessee, who founded the eco-label Prophetik. “The worst effect is the washing of clothes. The synthetic fabrics and dyes come off in the laundry process and go into our groundwater and oceans, including the microplastics from polyester clothing.”
Jay Charlton, founder of the UK’s Viva la Vegan fashion brand, believes eco-friendly fashion does not have to be poorly produced or poorly designed. Nor does it mean choosing between a million different options, says Charlton, who found her passion for vegan-statement apparel after adopting a vegan diet. “One easy choice here is organic cotton over conventional cotton. While not perfect, it is better for the environment. Most organic cotton is produced under better working conditions for the farmers, too,” she says.
She also stresses the importance of reading labels to determine where clothes originate. “The next time you go shopping, seek out sustainable vegan fabrics and fair wear policies to do what’s right for the planet, people and our animal friends.”
Clothing from companies like Fair Indigo use more sustainable fabrics and ensure better lives for garment workers. image courtesy of FairIndigo.com
Sustainable Yet Stylish
Just because something is safe for people and the planet doesn’t mean it can’t also be fashionable. Fair Indigo, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a sustainable clothing company that specializes in garments made from organic Peruvian pima cotton. According to president and co-founder Robert Behnke, Peruvian pima cotton is prized for its longevity and durability. “We want to show the world that organic and sustainable does not have to be either too ‘crunchy’ or too trendy. The clothes that people wear every day—the clothes that make them feel comfortable—these are the brands that will have the greatest impact in truly changing the world.”
Fashion doesn’t have to be brand-new in order to be in
style. Although secondhand clothing has been regarded negatively in the past by some, it has become more popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Market researchers predict that resale clothing sales will increase 185 percent in the next decade compared to 20 percent for fast fashion. Creative ways we can help reduce clothing waste while staying in style include the following: Clothing exchange parties. Friends and family members can swap clothes and non-sized items such as purses, hats and scarves in fun, socially distanced events. Creative mending. People that have extra time on their hands may like to learn a new skill. Also known as visible mending, creative mending includes freestyle stitching around holes and tears, and both beaded and Japanese shashiko embroidery.
Embrace plant-based workout clothes from companies like Viva la Vegan. Repurpose into something new. If an item of clothing is beyond repair, it doesn’t have to be thrown away. Old T-shirts can be turned into blankets, pillowcases and even coin purses. Men’s dress shirts can be transformed into dresses for young girls or onesies for babies.
Kajsa Nickels is a freelance writer in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Contact her at Kajsa.BlueMountain@gmail.com.
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Here is a collection of local businesses whose doors (or windows :) are Open for Business as (Un)Usual.
Be The Medicine
Janet StraightArrow, Shaman, Healer, Sage Online Sessions and Classes Home Base Morristown 973-647-2500 Janet@Bethemedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com We have easily transitioned into a mostly online business for private healing sessions, profound energy work, coaching, Healers Training, Shamanic classes-sessions. Zoom, Phone, In person.
Blossoming into Light
Sue Freeman & Leslie Treloar 31 Fairmount Ave., Suite 105, Chester By Appointment 862-222-4268 Info@BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com Currently we are offering services and classes virtually and in-person. Crystals available by appointment or at sessions and classes. Offering classes on crystals, Sound Therapy, Reiki, Raindrop Technique, Aromatherapy & Other Spiritual topics. Sessions include intuitive readings, Akashic readings, Reiki, Sound Therapy, Raindrop Technique, AromaHarmony. Self-Mastery program tailored to your focus. Healer Certification Program available..
Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC
109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna By Appointment 201-738-8311 ludcat@optimum.net CathyLudwig.com All services are now available by appointment in person or online using a secure HIPAA compliant platform. Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness Mend Lymphatic Massage & Wellness Services
Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ and NY By appointment 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Early stage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women.
Ayni Healing Arts Center
Rev. Denise and Joshua Zoppi Newton, NJ By appt. Mon-Fri, day and evening. Call or Text: 862-268-3213 AyniHealingArtsCenter.com Massage, Shamanic Healing Ceremony, Past Life, Mediumship, Spiritual Counseling, Certified Shamanic Training, Mentorship, Soul Midwifery, House Blessing, Dream Interpretation, Lectures, Retreats. In-person or Virtual Sessions.
Hemberger Structural Integration
Edward Hemberger 550 West Main St Boonton, Entry #2 & Flowers Healing Arts, 460 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair Mon-Fri, 10 am-8 pm; Sat 10 am-2 pm 973-462-3112 ed_hemberger@verizon.net HembergerStructuralIntegration.com
Renà Ambrose 51 Upper Montclair Plaza Suite 13 Montclair Open 7 Days a week and during off peak hours to accommodate busy schedules 973-604-5189 admin@mendlymphaticmassage.com MendLymphaticMassage.com Mend Lymphatic Massage & Wellness Services is located in a cozy, private office in Upper Montclair. Whether you are breastfeeding, preparing for or healing from surgery, or have any other wellness concerns, Mend is here for you. My mission is to not only help those who are struggling with their health, mend, but to help those who are healthy, thrive.
Modern Acupuncture
Joan Arata 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ Mon-Tues: 10am–3pm; Wed-Fri: 2-7pm; Sat: 10am-3pm 973-765-9500, Nj001@modacu.com ModAcu.com/nj001 65 W. Houston Street, SoHo, NYC Mon, Wed, Fri: 10am-3pm; Tues, Thurs: 2-7pm; Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm 917-388-2886, Ny001@modacu.com ModAcu.com/ny001 We offer an approachable, natural pathway, validated by thousands of years of practice, to better health and well-being for all in a convenient, peaceful and modern location.
Morningstar Family Health Center
54 Old Highway 22, Clinton Mon-Fri; 8:30am-5pm 908-735-9344 MorningStarFHC.com Membership based practice cares for men, women and children age 8 and up with a functional approach to primary care. .
Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Call for consultation. Denville • 973-586-0626 NextLevelHealing.com Regardless of age or diagnosis, correcting digestion, supporting the immune system, and following guidelines for healthy choices are the backbone of Susan’s successful private practice of 36 years. If you are looking for a gentle approach to healing, call her.
Starseed Bakery
Linda Beg 100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway Tues-Fri: 9am-5pm; Wed till 6pm; Sat. 8am-4pm. Closed Sun & Mon. 973-957-0500 StarseedBakery@gmail.com StarseedBakery.com In-store shopping, online ordering, curbside available. Call for custom orders. 100% gluten-, dairy-, soy- and GMO-free retail and wholesale bakery. Available products: artisan breads, custom cakes, pies, cookies, desserts, seasonal, vegan, Paleo, natural sugars, nutfree. Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Ave, Milburn Current hours: Mon 9am-7pm; Tues-Thurs, 8am-5pm; Fri 9am-6pm 973-379-9080 inquiry@drgdds.com HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body for healthy teeth and gums.
Center for Systemic Dentistry
Dr. Philip Memoli, DMD, FAGD, CNJ, FIND Open for appointments. 438 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-464-9144 HolisticDentistryNJ.com Holistic dentist proficient in both traditional and alternative dentistry with over 30 years of experience.
Deborah Nelson, CSG Law
Call for appointment 973-530-2390 dnelson@csglaw.com CSGLaw.com Divorce with Mutual Respect. Mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. Holistic Family Practice 35 W. Main St., Suite 208, Denville Now open. Call for appointment. 973-627-3617 afdpa.com Integrative dental therapies that transform quality of life.
Niyama Yoga Studios
Nicole Zornitzer 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph 270 Sparta Ave., Upper Lake Mohawk, Sparta Hours: 6am-9pm; 7 days a week 973-500-2939 Niyamayogastudio@gmail.com NiyamaYogaShala.com Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala(s) are now open in both locations; Randolph and Sparta. Our classes have been limited to 25% capacity and all CDC guidelines regarding safety are being adhered to. We have installed medical grade air filtration systems in both studios to eliminate 99.9% of germs, environmentally friendly / sustainable water systems and we offer radiant heated classes; which are the healthiest and most natural form of heated yoga.
