Used Cardboard Boxes

We found this interesting on alternativeconsumer.com. Did you know that 80 percent of all residential moves take place during the summer? For an earth-friendly (and low-cost alternative) to moving your home goods in slick, new cardboard boxes, try ordering from new company, Used Cardboard Boxes. Providing high quality, previously-used boxes, the website (with locations in Los Angeles and New York) guarantees the lowest prices, delivers boxes in one to two business days and doesn’t charge for shipping.

Just think of how many trees you’ll be saving - $120 billion of boxes are produced each year around the world, typically used once and tossed out, according to Used Cardboard Boxes.

With Co-op America’s seal of approval, check out usedcardboardboxes.com
for more info.

You can also visit U-Haul’s Box Exchange to see if anyone in your area has boxes to give away or sell @ www.uhaul.com/boxexchange/.

BOOKLAMPS by Atelier Bomdesign

The Dutch are up something special, or at least the crew at the design shop Atelier Bomdesign that features several products fabricated from recycled materials. By far, one of our favorites is the Booklamp (or Boeklampen, in the native tongue), a clever and innovative take on reading light- proving that books are for both learning AND lighting. Used books are beautifully re-crafted and shaped into shades that emit a soft glow. As they are handcrafted, the Booklamps are perhaps more art than everyday fixture, and are priced accordingly (200-400 euros).

Don't Buy It Make It

The innovative people at Wardrobe Refashion, are helping get people involved into the recycled side of fashion by putting together a pledge. "I pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing ... that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle pre-loved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract."

Take the pledge today. Everyone's doing it! Sewing is undergoing a big revival right now, the thrifty desire to recycle, concerns about sweatshop labor and over consumption, as well as a growing online 'craft' community have fueled sites like 'Wardrobe Refashion', a community blog, based in Australia, with participants worldwide. Wardrobe refashion community members have all taken a pledge not to purchase any new manufactured clothing for a set period, instead all clothing must be recycled, renovated, pre-loved, or handmade.

This is a great idea that we applaud, for direction or ideas check out some of our recent stories and DIY fashion recyclers like Particle Reconstrution, Dust Factory Vintage and online boutiques like Counter Culture Store.

The Pledge

I __________________ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 / 4 / 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed__________________.

The Rules

1. No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school),
shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have
a go at making these.

2. In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!

3. You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.

4. You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

Go to Wardrobe Refashion and sign up for the pledge now.

NO! ECO SHOPPING BAG BRA

This is definitely one of the weirder attempts we’ve seen to make environmentalism more “sexy” to mainstream consumers, but you gotta hand it to the Japanese for creativity. Anyways, we found this article by Tylene Levesque on Inhabitat.

In an effort to raise awareness to the estimated 30 billion plastic shopping bags used by Japanese consumers (30% of which are thrown out without ever being reused), designers at Triumph International Japan have found a way to convert a bra into a shopping bag. Triumph, the same company that created the Eco-globe Bra (2004) and microwavable Warm Biz Bra (2005), has unveiled their newest eco-themed bra, the “No! Shopping Bag Bra” (No! reji-bukuro bra in Japanese). Available to Japanese shoppers, the bra, which comes in red, blue, yellow and pink, is also made of polyester fibers recycled from plastic bottles using the company’s EcoCircle recylcing system.

The bra is transformed into a ready-to-use shopping bag with only a few steps. One simply removes the shopping bag hidden into the padding of the bra, ties the lacey cups and shoulder straps around the bag for decoration and presto—you have a bag! Definitely innovative, but is it practical? We’ll just have to wait and see.

For more information, watch the video

Support the Health Freedom Protection Act

Send a letter to your Representative asking them to support the Health Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 4282).

The FDA’s approval process for informational labeling of food-based health claims has been so slow and uncertain that very little meaningful health information
is making its way to food and dietary supplement consumers. In two years, only nine products have received approval to be labeled with qualified health claims, and no applications have yet been received by the FDA this year. A bill has been introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives that would give consumers access to truthful, non-misleading health information. The Health Freedom Protection Act, H.R. 4282, was introduced in the U.S. House on Wednesday, November 9th, 2005.

The purpose of this bill is to amend the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to ensure that: 1. Accurate health claims are not suppressed 2. Consumers are given truthful and full information about the science supporting the health-enhancing effects of foods and dietary supplements (including scientific evidence that foods, dietary supplements and dietary ingredients may provide benefits relating to the cure, mitigation, treatment and prevention of disease (not drug effects). 3. The FDA honors the intent of the Congress to not censor accurate health claims Passage of The Health Freedom Protection Act, H.R. 4282, would yield more health information on the foods and supplements we buy, potentially cutting our drug costs by educating us about natural alternatives. H.R. 4282 would not encourage companies to provide false hope but, on the contrary, would instead finally provide consumers more science-based information rather than less. H.R. 4282 would not weaken the FDA?s and FTC?s enforcement powers but would instead strengthen consumers? access to truthful, science-supported and non-misleading health information. H.R. 4282 would not take away anything but would instead give consumers the breadth and depth of information that is true to the spirit and intent of the laws which support and defend consumers? rights to science-supported health information.

>Send Letter

Recycle A Cell Phone Save a Gorilla

Every year millions of new cell phones are purchased, did you ever wonder what happens to the old ones? Some get recycled, some get reused, some are left in a drawer, many get tossed. We just found out on the Sietch that now you can get rid of that old cell phone and make some money for a good cause at the same time.

ECO-CELL is a cell phone recycling program for environmentally minded fundraisers. They partner with environmental organizations to create profitable, easy to use and environmentally sound cell phone recycling fundraiser programs.

The nice thing about ECO-CELL is that they take all cell phones. Even ones that do not work, they have strict no landfill policy, meaning that they recycle everything even if it cuts into their bottom line.

Any organization can start a cell phone recycling program with ECO-CELL, here is how it works. You collect the phones, ECO-CELL picks up the phones for free, they pay you up to 15 dollars a phone (minimum $0.45). Its a pretty sweet way to make some cash for your organization.

The Gorilla fund, and the San Diego Zoo, among others have teamed up with the company to raise money.

Reconstructed Vintage Clothing

After years of wholesaling and recycling vintage, Dust Factory embraces the next step in the natural evolution of the vintage clothing market with vintage reconstruction. Along with it's ability to meet the growing demands for and popularity of authentic vintage pieces, Dust Factory's fashion team has created a line for both men and women that bridges the gap between old and new and unifies the vintage boutique with the specialty boutique. Particle Reconstruction clothing line combines vintage materials from the past with the creative style of the present. Each piece is formed from recycled clothing which has been deconstructed and refitted together to create a unique and original garment. Every article is cut from a standardized pattern, while simultaneously allowing natural style and wear variation through fabrication, further ensuring that each piece is a one of a kind. The collection, born from the creative minds of artists, designers and vintage enthusiasts alike, captures the artistic and timeless inspiration derived from vintage clothing and utilizes innovative and enthusiastic designs with a high fashion style and green appeal.

How to Go Green In Your Wardrobe

Here's the irony: fashion is short-lived while fabric and pollution are not. After all of the inspiration, design, and excitement pass, the clothes remain. Heavy Flannel, Acid-washed denim, Break dancing pants. They're out there still, in closets, thrift stores, and land fills. Eco-savvy fashion choices mean not only reducing post-consumer refuse, but also pre-consumer waste and pollution. After its origins on the farm, forest, or oil field, each jacket spent some time morphing into its present form. What chemicals were used to grow it? Were the dyes safe? As more designers and manufacturers create with eco-concerns in mind, it's easier to find satisfying answers. Through smart wardrobe management and consumer choices, you can cut down on closet clutter, support clean industry, and look fabulous.

The FAQs below provided by TreeHUgger will help you navigate all of the terminology and find the best ways to green your wardrobe.

1.Shop with a plan

When you bring an article of clothing into your life, it’s kind of like adopting a dog or cat. That cute little number has to have a place in your wardrobe, and you’re agreeing to provide for and give it the longest possible life with you. Abandoning the impulse buy may sound boring, but how exciting is a closet full of stuff that doesn’t work? In the long run, knowing what you're looking for before you shop will save time and eliminate clutter. You'll get more use out of a piece that looks and feels great: What colors work for you? What fits work the best? How will the piece get along with everything else in the closet? If the answer to "Will I still want to wear this rhinestone-studded bustier in two years?" or “Can I eventually find a way to use it in a craft project?” is no, skip it

2. Love your duds

Whatever you've chosen, take good care of it. When you get home, change out of work gear and into your famous dressing gown or leisure suit. Don’t cook or check the tire pressure in clothes you want to wear in public. Learn how to sew a button back on, or how to coax a nimble friend into doing it for you. Get the name of a local tailor or seamstress for major repairs or alterations.

3. Don't go dry

Though the industry has improved much since 1992, there is still a high likelihood that your trusty corner cleaner uses
perc (tetrachloroethylene), a known carcinogen. See if there is a local green cleaner employing "wet cleaning" or liquid CO2 techniques. Many articles whose tags ask for the dry clean treatment can actually be hand washed, especially silk, wool and linen.

4. Buy vintage or used

People unload clothes for all types of reasons, and you know that adage about trash and treasure. From Oscar-worthy vintage dresses to Freecycled denim, you can likely find the piece you’re looking for second hand. You’ll be giving a cast-off garment a second life, and possibly supporting charitable work in the process. See Counter Culture for more.

5. Wash well

Washing wreaks the most havoc of all. It requires lots of water and energy, so only do it when you absolutely need to and have a full laundry load. Turn articles inside out and use the lowest temp possible. If you know you glowed all over a piece,
make a thin salt paste and soak the affected fabric for a half hour before washing. Choose phosphate-free and biodegradable detergents and line dry as much as possible. Treat stains quickly with nontoxic removers. If you're buying a new washing machine, look for one with an Energy Star label.

6.Wear organic

Though cotton is marketed as clean, fresh, and natural, conventional varieties are anything but. It takes a third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce the cotton for one T-shirt! That means lots of direct, unhealthy exposure for farmers and nearby wildlife, and heaps of unnecessary pollution. Luckily, organic cotton is becoming easier and easier to find. As mega-stores get into the game, however, it's important to stay vigilant about what organic means, so you know you're really getting clean clothes. Also know that though the cotton may have been organic to start with, your T may be full of processing chemicals and metal-laden dyes. See below for more info on labeling and certification.

7. Find a re-construction

A re-construction garment used to be another or many other articles. Designers all over the globe have taken on this transformative challenge in recent years, with very wearable results. This means a one-of-a-kind look for you, a new life for old fabric, and a livelihood for maverick re-users. See Particle Clothing for More.

8.Approach new fabrics with skeptical enthusiasm

No doubt you've heard the hype around bamboo, soy, or even corn fabric. The idea of finding alternatives to petrochemical-based and conventionally grown options makes us all perk up and we see why many eco-conscious designers are excited about them. Bamboo, for instance, sounds great: it's a fast-growing plant, not reliant on chemicals, and beautifully drapes the human form. Trouble is, bamboo plantations can displace native forests, and the harvesting and fiber processing are often polluting and unregulated. As with soy, corn, and Tencel (which comes from trees), the processing from plant to fabric is energy and resource intensive. For now, approach these as alternatives to poly, nylon, acrylic or conventional silk and await more info. As always, shop with a plan: don't fill multiple shopping bags just because the labels say "eco." Read more about fabric choices below.

9.Choose clothes that work for you

It's hard to feel beautiful in your raw silk dress when it's likely that children's scalded hands were part of the production chain. Conventional clothing might not say it, but clothing made under fair-wage and labor practices will usually advertise it. SweatShop Watch and Behind The Label are good sources of info. See more resources below.

10.Don't throw it all away

Finally, a stain, a tear, or changing fashion threaten to separate you from your favorite dress shirt. Don't just abandon your old friend to the waste-stream! If the condition is perfectly good, you can always donate or Freecycle it (see below for donation resources).

DO MORE

1. Speak up

Tell your favorite boutique or department store that you want clean fabric or re-used options.

2.Get it re-made

Once you have a tailor or seamstress, take in last year's clothes for an overhaul. That stained sweater could become a cardigan, and that too-tight dress, a skirt.

3.Swaporamarama

Get together
with pals for fizzy drinks and a clothing swap. If it's new to you, it's new.
Find out if there's a Swapormamarama in your area. If not, start your own!

4. Activate

Join the Organic Consumers Association's Clothes for a Change Campaign.

5.Make donating a snap

Planet Aid places bins in convenient places to make donating old wearables easy. Is it easy for people to donate in your community?

THE FACTS

1. The average American throws away about 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per year.

2. 10% of all agricultural chemicals and 25% of insecticides in the U.S. are used to grow cotton.

3. It takes almost 1/3 of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow enough cotton for just ONE T-shirt

4. Seven of the fifteen pesticides used on cotton are considered "possible", "likely", "probable", or "known" human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin) according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

5. Some studies have shown that organic farmed soils have a better ability to absorb and retain carbon, which would be beneficial in the fight to reduce global warming.

6. Organically grown crops also use less fossil fuel than conventional crops, another benefit in the fight to reduce global warming.

7. Pesticides are suspected to be responsible the severe drop in honeybees, the increase in frogs with extra legs and eyes, and annual death of 67 million birds.

8. The U.S. textile "recycling industry" (which actually re-purposes rather than recycles), with some 2,000 companies, removes annually from the solid waste stream 2.5 billion pounds of post consumer textile product waste.

1.What makes clothing organic?

Organic clothing comes from all-natural materials (no synthetics like polyester or rayon) and there are no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, radiation, or genetically modified organisms used when growing the cotton/hemp/linen, or whatever plant we're talking about.

Organic certification is complicated. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton is grown in 12 countries, with Turkey and the United States leading the pack. There are a number of certifying bodies around the globe including: Demeter (Europe), KRAV (Sweden), Naturland (Germany), SKAL (Netherlands), The Soil Association (England), The Japan Organic Cotton Association, The International Natural Textiles Association (Germany), the USDA, and more. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) strives to create international standards, and certifies the certification schemes of individual nations.

The Institute for Market Ecology provides on-location certification on behalf of many of the organizations listed above, and according to the Organic Cotton Blog, is certifying Walmart's and Sam's Club cotton.

The Organic Trade Association has developed certification for fiber processing. What does this mean? Clothes certified organic will arrive having been processed, dyed, transported, etc. in the most non-toxic manner possible.

What are the various meanings of "sustainable" and "organic" clothing? Check out this informative examination from the Organic Clothing Blog. The Fiber and Fabrics section in general is a great place to learn about hemp, wool, bamboo... And the associated Lotus Organics Clothing, Fiber and Fashion glossary contains most of the fiber definitions you would ever need.

So now you know.

 

 

Vintage Fashion

Top Five Vintage Trends to look out for this Season

Vintage Suit Vests Vests have been back in style for a couple of seasons. Now everyone from the fashion chic urban girl, to the sassy sorority princes is wearing stylish vintage suit vests.

Spring Dresses Tunic style or strappy style, any flowy cotton dress will do.

Mini Dress or Mini Skirts It's going to get hot this summer and now that showing off as much leg as possible is in, it is only going to get hotter. Sassy cotton mini dresses and skirts will be a big look this summer.

80's Fashion Boots Vintage heels, and 80's fashion boots will fit any occasion this spring. Dressing up dresses to shorts.

Silk Scarves Its nice to have something sexy and pretty to hold that hair out of your face. Now that it is far from cool for girls to wear oversized tacky trucker caps or ball caps in general, it is nice to have something more elegant that will work