Green Clothing

What’s all the Hype about Organic Cotton Clothing?

Organic Cotton

You may not have known this, but more pesticides are used on cotton than any other crop in the world!! It’s a proven fact that the pesticides used on cotton are harmful for the environment. They may very well be harmful to human health as well. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that at least 7 of the top 15 chemicals used on cotton crops are “likely” or “known” human carcinogens. Because I try to do what’s right for the earth, and because I prefer to stay healthy myself, this knowledge doesn’t thrill me.

I can’t give up cotton, I simply can’t do it! I wear cotton all the time…my kids wear cotton all the time. We’re a laid back, casual sort of family and we MUST have our cotton.

Enter Organic Cotton Clothing! Thankfully, there are now a growing number of cotton farmers that grow organic cotton. These farmers grow their organic cotton crops under extremely strict guidelines, so besides just growing their crops without the use of harmful pesticides, they also deal with things like soil erosion and nutrient depletion.

Look for USDA Organic Cotton

The best news is that Organic Cotton items are really not much more expensive than cotton that is treated with pesticides.

All is well in my home again, now that we know we can wear our cotton while doing the right thing for the environment at the same time. If you’re interested in making the change to organic cotton, just look for the 100% organic label on cotton clothing or sheets that you are considering purchasing.

To see some of the great options available in organic cotton, check out the links below:

Organic Cotton Sheets

Organic Cotton Boys Clothing

Organic Cotton Girls Clothing

Organic Cotton Women’s Clothing

Baggu Reusable Chic Tote

Amazon.com Review

Called the “It bag of the future” by Teen Vogue, this stylish and ridiculously practical bag (sold in packages of 3 and 6) is one easy step in helping save the planet. Baggu (“bag” in Japanese) is machine washable, and folds up into it’s own pouch small enough to tuck into your handbag or pocket. Made of super-tough ripstop nylon in bright, fun colors, it’s the re-usable bag that’s eco-chic. Photos courtesy of Dan Martensen. Why Baggus are so great? You want (more…)

Humvee Parts

Eco Friendly Shoes – Good for your Feet & the Environment

Eco Friendly Shoes

The last few shoes that I purchased were considered eco friendly shoes. I’ve been trying to live as green as I can for a few years now, and I’m ashamed to admit that the need for green shoes escaped me until just a few months ago.

What I learned may surprise you. For one, shoe manufacturing is one of the most polluting industries in the entire world! And, did you know that the average pair of shoes travels 11,000 miles before they ever end up on your feet? You’ve heard of a “carbon footprint,” haven’t you? Well, shoes, even really small ones for little feet, have a HUGE carbon footprint.

To learn more about the problems with regular shoes, visit Green Living Made Easy.

The good news is that there are eco friendly shoes on the option. I was thrilled to learn that green foot ware was available in many styles and fashions. Like most women, I love my shoes and while I really want to be as “green” as I can be, it would really depress me if I had to sacrifice style. Thankfully, I don’t.

If you are considering making your next purchase an eco friendly shoe, look for the following:

~ Shoes that are manufactured in the United States – this means that have to travel less to get to you.

~ Shoes that use recycled materials. Some shoes recycled tires for the soles, which is great.

~ Shoes that use other sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.

~ Look for companies that have recycle programs – meaning they will accept used shoes and will then recycle them.

~ Look for companies that support environmental causes.

~ Buy shoes that only use formaldehyde-free leather.

~ Look for shoes that contain the “Fair Trade” label. This means that they have been made by people who were paid fair wages and work in decent conditions.

To get an idea of what’s available, feel free to visit Amazon and you will see a variety of companies offering eco friendly shoes:

Eco Friendly Shoes at Amazon
Amazon offers a wide variety of eco friendly shoes. At last count, they had 155 different styles from a handful of different manufacturers.