Comments on: “I don’t think any eco-brand exists” and other thoughts…

By: lulu

lulu — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:25:46 +0000

I used to be very strict about being eco-friendly. But would find fault later. This was disheartning for a while and but realized that as humans we waste. I still care, but not as fanatical. I mainly do etsy, vintage, and all my recent accessories are recycled, things I found visiting here. So thanks for your good work.

By: tara

tara — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:59:19 +0000

do i believe the existence of an eco-brand? yes, and no.

i struggled with this very question all the time when i was in ecological affairs at aveda (whom some would call an eco-brand).

shipping shampoo in plastic bottles around the globe – hm, hard to say this is an eco brand, never mind the quality and sourcing of the ingredients or the footprint of the packaging.

if you accept, however, that some people want to buy consumer products, and don’t have the ability, time or means to create for themselves, then yes, i do feel there are some great brands who are authentically attempting to minimize their eco-impact or otherwise doing good, thereby providing better choices to aware consumers.

are these brands perfect? no.

am i? no.

but i’m all for creating more awareness and more consumer demand for brands to do eco-more.
tara´s last blog ..she wants (them all) :: canopy verde

By: grechen

grechen — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:46:43 +0000

lucky you for living in portland i agree with your assessment of sewing garments yourself – it can be cost prohibitive to a certain extent, especially with all the upfront investment you have to make. and even when sewing your own clothes, you have to be conscious of who/where the fabric comes from if you want to avoid large retailers…it’s all about choices, and all of us choosing what to buy or what not to buy in keeping with what is important to us…

By: grechen

grechen — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:44:02 +0000

your last statement is the key, lulu, we just have to make the best decisions we can in keeping with our ethics, and always, always shop consciously.

By: Carla

Carla — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:00:49 +0000

I think it would be difficult to be ‘all things to all people’ so to speak. I myself avoid large clothing retailers, mostly for the environmental impact and lack of quality. There are a couple of boutiques in my area (Portland) where the clothing is made in the stores themselves, even if they are not all from organic materials. I think that is the best way due to the fact that the fabric is generally sourced locally and the clothing only have to travel a few feet to the racks.

I do also sew some of my own clothing and even then, I have conflicts regarding where the fabric is coming from. Many people sew because its thought to be more cost effective, but the cost of fabric itself can turn people away (add to that thee time and potential mistakes). Most people I know that sew buy their fabric from large retailers.
Carla´s last blog ..Too much paper!

By: lulu

lulu — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:26:56 +0000

I agree with every part about this article. I think its hard to find a 100% eco friendly brand, especially when there are so many people and elements to a business. The materials may be eco-friendly, but how about the production and energy aspect? Some people dont eat meat because of the farm industry and enviroment, but buy leather products. They reason that nothing should go to waste. But as a consumer everything creates a demand. No matter what we do it seems hypocritical. I guess its about trying our best and making thoughtful purchases.