If you haven’t already, please enter to win a gorgeous vegetable-tanned leather tote by eco-friendly handbag designer, Beth Springer. And below, learn a little more about Beth, how her company is environmentally friendly, and what she does to “create a little less waste.”

1. Can you explain a little exactly HOW your bags/business practices are eco-friendly?

   My ethos: Do no harm. I am big believer in environmental sustainability, so my bags are made with nature in mind. Because I want to tread lightly on the earth, I employ the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle to every aspect of my business. The goal is to get as close to zero waste as possible. To that end, Beth Springer Handbags:

   • uses no extraneous hardware. Metal feet are absent on the bottom of my bags because 1) those little metal feet use our precious natural resources, require a highly toxic process to coat, and do not biodegrade 2) feet are redundant on my bags because the leather I use can sustain long years of use without wearing through.
   • uses all remnants. I endeavor to use the entire hide. You can find note cards, ribbon cuffs, and one of a kind purses at my studio in Venice- all made with waste materials. Come on by!
   • uses no filler- most leather bags today use a thinner leather to save money, and then back that leather with vinyl. It is a hidden environmental disaster. Most Beth Springer bags “stand on their own”.
   • uses organic linings – adding 100% organic hemp/cotton linings to several styles starting with the Spring 2008 collection. Check out my /Ecovertible /the trim is reclaimed leather – that means the leather has been saved from the land fill and made into something beautiful for your pleasure. Ecovertible is also lined with organic hemp linen.
   • works with vegetable dyed leathers. Vegetable dying uses plants to color the leather. Very earth friendly. All our leather is by-product as well, and the suede is organic pig.
   • are produced 100% in America. That reduces the carbon foot print of production and delivery to you!
   • uses tags that are made from recycled paper, attached with organic hemp cord and printed with soy ink. My company uses CFL lighting, and goes carless one business day each week. Our paper is all 100% post consumer. I ship in reused boxes whenever possible, so the boxes are ugly but the world remains beautiful. Please recycle or reuse them. I do! (I reuse stuffing and packing too)

2. Why is it important to you to make your company & bags as environmentally friendly as possible?
   

   The planet we live on is so beautiful and there is only one of it! I want to be a source of additional beauty and added enjoyment in this world, but not at the expense of this world or its creatures.

3. What challenges have you faced in this endeavor?
   

   There are many less vegetable tanned leathers than those tanned with chrome, so I have fewer materials to work with than traditional designers.

4. What bag are you carrying today?
   

   I am carrying the Market Tote in natural (the giveaway bag!). Inside I have Snatch for my make-up, and a Lashed (new item) for my wallet. Tonight when I go out I will carry a Slim in Medici

   

   Market Bag: $715

5. What are your best sellers? Which are your personal favorite bags in your collection?
   

   The best selling large pieces include styles Copra, Soft-T, Market Tote. The small pieces include Clam Shell, Wrist Slip, Snatch.

   Snatch: $114

   Clamshell: $145

6. For the giveaway, I asked each entrant to tell me something they’d do to “create a little more love and a little less waste in the world.” I was inspired by your desire to do this through the design & creation of your handbags, but what else do you do to create a little more love and a little less waste?
   

   I like this question! I have really tried to create ‘a little less waste’ on a daily basis. Of course I recycle everything and I compost. I reuse food containers instead of buying saran wrap or new containers. I use handkerchiefs instead of Kleenex…2 days a week are ‘car free’; I don’t buy trash bags… 5 minute showers…unplug unused appliances…CDF lighting…Some day, I would really love to own a ‘green’ home…Until then, I will just keep doing what I can.

To enter the giveaway for Beth’s Market Bag in Natural, please visit the original post. Giveaway ends 6/20/2009. Also, use code GreenGrechen for 25% off Beth’s handbags through 6/20/2009.

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(originally published at Grechen’s Closet July 14, 2008)

Interview with Crystalyn Kae, designer of Crystalyn Kae Handbags

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

I’m a pretty simple, classic gal in terms of daily ‘uniform’. Today I’m wearing an organic cotton tee by Makool, Taverniti So jeans and dansko clogs. Coincidentally, all of which were trades with various designers or boutiques I sell my designs to. My absolute favorite piece of clothing is by Carol Young/ Undesigned – it’s the black caterpillar knee skirt. It wears and washes well, and goes with everything. Since my closet is only 6 feet away from my fabric cutting table, I have learned to simplify tremendously, and use accessories to add ‘flavor’ to my outfits. Most of my eco-fashion comes from thrift stores or from boutiques here in Seattle that support local designers.

What inspired you to start an eco-friendly line? What kinds of materials do you use? Why?

When I started out in 2001, I discovered a huge lot of amazing wool pants, that seemed like a no-brainer to use them to make handbags. I get such a thrill finding unique vintage textiles, leather, and fabrics and incorporating them into my designs. I use an ever-improving alchemy of washable synthetic fabrics, USA manufactured textiles and eco-friendly components in each bag I make.
I am aware of the impact that the apparel industry currently has on our environment, and I want to do my part to lessen my company’s footprint. It is important to me to source my materials locally, re-use whenever possible, and hire local seamstresses. I was very inspired reading ‘Cradle to Cradle’ and use it as a guide to implement even more eco-friendliness in my business, designs, and lifestyle.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorite designs?

My all-time best selling bag is the Metier Square shopper – it’s a slim, classic tote that is perfect to carry files, paperwork and a laptop for work. They range in price from $155 – $265.

My most unique and eye-catching bag is the Soiree Pleated Drawstring, which is part of a limited-edition series featuring vintage botanical prints tucked inside kick pleats. They range in price from $215 – $285.

My personal favorite designs are whatever my most current one-of-a-kind project. I just added a new page on my site, dedicated to my experimental, unique pieces

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

oh yes! I am so glad that you make that differentiation. There’s so much more to ‘eco-fashion’ than just the materials it is made out of. It is important to consider where the item was made, who made it, and the quality of construction. Purchasing from a small company that produces their designs domestically means that you are investing in your local economy, decreasing your carbon footprint, and helping to promote humane working conditions.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

My wardrobe eco-tip is to invest in high-quality, easy-care garments that are classic and will last for ages. Then accessorize!

Live close to work, use a car-sharing service like Zipcar, or even better: WALK! It is the best way to make an impact on the ozone, offset gas prices, lose weight, and enjoy your life!

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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 29, 2008)

Interview with Anna (buyer) and Rajat (owner) of Nimli

What are your favorite pieces in your closet?

Flattering and easily dressed up or down, the EcoSkin Peridot Dress is one of my favorite dresses in my closet for summer events.

Basic black in the perfect length, this Doie Bamboo top has the perfect amount of detail with trumpet sleeves and a bamboo-patterned tie at the back of the neck.

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

NIMLI is an online store only, however that’s not to say we won’t be opening a store sometime in the future! Nimli was founded in New York City in 2003 by Rajat Arora, a vegetarian since early childhood and an advocate of an organic way of life. Conscious of the pertinence of preserving the environment, Rajat created Nimli with the vision, hope, and philosophy of making it possible for people to adopt a sustainable lifestyle through an extensive offering of green products and services.

Nimli is one of the most environmentally mindful retailers due to our practice and policy that requires all designers to ship their products directly to our customers. This results in placing a much lower carbon footprint by eliminating the unnecessary step of shipping items to a warehouse for future re-shipment. Further advancing this model and striving to become completely carbon neutral, Nimli purchases Green Tags to offset the carbon released from shipping, energy consumption and other business activities. We embrace a way of life that supports goods that do not cause suffering and damage to the environment. Living in such a manner involves cultivating products and services that avoid harm to animals and prevent the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

Myth & Ritual Sack Dress:

Mad Imports “Tusk” Bag

JaK Random Think Green Cuff

Cheeky Monkey Seahorse Pendant

Azuri Reversible Pashmina Shawl – in 110 Colors!!

Lilipad Studio Handpainted Step Stool

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

We agree that consumers need to consider the company behind the products or the retailers they support. There are a large number of corporations that are merely green washing or trying to cash in on the green trend. While they market & offer some green products, the majority of their business is made up of non-green products which they continue to push with profit as the prime motive. We are aware it takes time to move towards new sustainable products, however large companies have enough resources to make this shift today but they don’t. Therefore, it’s extremely important for consumers to support smaller, independent businesses that only produce or market sustainable products and adapt policies within their organizations.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Some basic things everyone can do without much effort is recycle everything that can be recycled. You’d be surprised how much is recyclable. Shop for as many green and sustainable products as possible by always being conscious of your purchases, whether its clothing, personal care or home products.

We are a consumer society and by shopping consciously we can solve a great deal of global issues.

(Take 20% off your order of regularly-priced items at Nimli with code grechens08)

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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 26, 2008)

Interview with Ursula Stahl of Envi Eco-Boutique

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Today, I’m wearing organic denim jeans by Del Forte, a striking new top by Beau Soleil (100% bamboo jersey with recycled leather straps) and red “kashmir” pumps by Terra Plana (vegetable tanned leather and recycled rubber soles). My go-to outfit of choice that will bring me from a day at the store to after-work drinks with friends!

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

We just celebrated the first anniversary of our brick and mortar boutique last month! Envi is located on Newbury Street, the heart of Boston’s shopping district. We love our location because it is accessible to our loyal local clientbase and we also have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with visitors from around the world who visit Newbury Street for its charm on a daily basis. Our website is an extension of the store that allows us to share our collection with the rest of the world. We are thrilled to unveil the totally redesigned and upgraded shopenvi.com to those who can’t make it to Boston to check out what’s new on a regular basis.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

A personal favorite of mine this season is the Pleated Swing Dress by Bahar Shahpar. This dress is a piece that defines modern eco-fashion. It combines a striking silhouette with sustainable fabrics without even a hint of crunchiness! We’ve had several clients wear this dress to weddings and cocktail parties this season.

We also LOVE everything that comes from our best-selling line, Covet. Bostonians are taken by the detailing and styling of this fashion-forward brand. Many tops can be worn forward and back, skirts double as dresses… they really understand the concept of making something edgy yet functional and explore eco-fashion’s limits.

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

As an owner of a small business I always gravitate towards supporting other boutiques and small businesses in my personal life. People are constantly asking us how we feel about the eco-to-the masses approach that has spread from H & M to Wal-Mart. While I cannot speak to any other retailer’s practices, labor and quality, I don’t feel any resentment toward them. We are in favor of growing awareness and educating consumers on the important role green fashion plays in the industry. In fact, it is amazing for us to see the growth over the last few years that we have been involved in creating a green business. Skeptical and somewhat dismissive stares have been replaced by a sense of understanding and excitement when we explain our concept. However, with the amount of media attention and the fact that eco is going mainstream we now feel it is important to let people know that green fashion is not a trend but a viable, growing segment of the fashion industry.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

One tip I like to remind Envi shoppers is to think about the whole process. It is not just about the carbon footprint associated with creating a garment but what happens after you buy it – washing, drying, ironing, etc. It’s all about making small changes in your daily life – so wash those garments in cold water, line dry and be conscious of the energy you consume!

(check our list of coupon codes for a current Envi coupon code)

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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 25, 2008)

Interview with Heather Smith, Owner/Founder of Coco’s Shoppe

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

I am wearing my favorite Burning Torch recycled pearl button dress today with my Stella McCartney sandals.

my other fav piece in my closet for summer is the oh so versatile beau soleil tube dress

most of my closet is eco friendly now…i have reworked a lot of my ‘older’ clothes from seasons ago to be current and hip….i.e. my closet restyle….ahhh, the closet restyle…a.k.a. closet therapy. well, any of my clients can tell you it is a heck of a lot more rewarding than laying on a stiff leather couch recounting all your woes…and you’ll leave the session looking fresh & fabulous.

this is a true ecoFashion extravaganza in your home…do you have cargo khakis or perhaps some bootleg jeans circa 1998. let’s just see what you have on those hangers or what has been folded up on that shelf for seasons on end. restyling means recycling your clothes so you can wear them again with the same gusto you had buying them the first time.

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

Online only.

I started CocosShoppe.com to give fashion & beauty savvy shoppers a place to find the current brands they love as well as new indie brands and always know they were buying something sustainable or eco-conscious … by educating them why one piece at a time (with each product description).

Also, I am personally obsessed with eating organic/natural/free range foods or using natural beauty products…and already knowing what goes on my skin and in my body…..wearing fashions and knowing why you buy and ‘voting with your dollars’ is very important to me.

This is my little quote: “Ladies need not be concerned with the beauty indulgences of lipstick, lingerie and the latest fashions… but rather the brand & composition of these products and their ramifications on health, the environmental and generations to come.”

So it was only natural that I became interested in what goes into the fashion I buy….how it affects me and again what I put on my skin….but also how it affects the environment (how these fibers that make the textiles are grown and harvested)….how they are dyed (what goes into our water)….and how the affect our micro and macro economies (i.e. indigenous cultures who may grow the bamboo….or how organic cotton is so superior to conventional cotton…and how not buying petroleum based fashion, polyester, effects world politics…wow).

I also love fashion, beauty, shopping and being a girl…I say ‘your only a girl once!’ … With that said…’we only get the planet once too’

What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

Burning Torch,

Lucy Notions headbands and

Virids Luxe are my favorites!!

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

Locally owned or small biz’s….even if online like CocosShoppe.com….because I reduce my carbon footprint by not having all the energy overhead of a store front and deliver all my packages to the post office on my official cocos bike…is sooooooooo important. but big guys create the supply & demand for ecotextiles and this is very important too…..

(here’s a fabulous picture of Heather and the Official Coco’s Bike…I love it!!!)

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Have lots of beautiful plants and flowers….always! and hang to dry……keep your clothes looking lovely and save tons of water!

Take 25% off your order of regularly-priced items at Coco’s shoppe with code GCLOSET

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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 24, 2008)

Interview with Cary Weekes, co-owner of MickMargo.com

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet?

My closet today is a little strange since I’m pregnant and still too small for maternity but too big in the waist for regular clothes. So what I want to wear and what I am wearing are two very different things. I’d love to be wearing Organic’s white high waisted jeans with a striped Royalton tee everywhere this summer, but instead it’s maternity jeans with the Royalton tees which are great because they are long. The Organic Drawstring pant was perfect before and is still working for me now and it’s the ideal pant for a Saturday afternoon shop in Union Square’s Green Market.

Some non-eco-friendly favorites of mine have been my Alexander Wang silk tank which I layer under my Allude grey boyfriend sweater with my Earnest Sewn black Harlan skinny jeans. I wear this outfit so much it is embarrassing, but it has been perfect since it’s been chilly in the mornings and hot in the afternoons. For my best friend’s wedding a few weeks ago, I wore the Jovovich-Hawk Love Goddess Dress which is amazing and flows so beautifully when you walk. It is definitely my favorite dress from the summer collections. I also love the Rachel Comey Moon Dress, though it’s about to be inappropriate for a pregnant lady!

What inspired you to start carrying more eco-friendly items at MickMargo.com?

“Going Green” has become such a trend, but Nadine and I wanted it to be more than that on our site since it is more about a lifestyle change than anything else. We’ve also discovered that it’s hard to find great designs in this category. Some collections have great shapes, but the fabrics just don’t feel good to the touch, while other collections just don’t work on a high style girl. We strive to find as many things as we can that are eco-friendly for our customers that won’t have them sacrificing an ounce of their style. In each market appointment, we always ask designers if they have eco-friendly pieces in their collections and we’re starting to find that they are listening to us. Just today we were at an appointment for Resort 2008 and found organic cottons sneaking into the mix of some very high style designers. They aren’t fully converted, but it’s a start. T-shirts are an easy way to start for us, but we also love the knits from Lutz & Patmos for fall and Organic has really found a way to create great clothing that’s still environmentally conscious. And the best news is that the price discrepancy between regular and organic materials is shrinking, so we no longer have an excuse not to go-green.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

I LOVE this high waisted skirt, it is so fresh and of the moment, but the fabric is an everyday cotton which makes it more wearable and accessible.

The embroidered top has been the biggest hit in this category for us so far because it’s so easy to wear:

This jean has a fantastic fit, a wide leg that is still flattering since it doesn’t start wide too high on the leg AND it’s organic cotton.

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

I really like your concept of loving the few steps between you and the product, but for me it’s more about making choices and trying to set an example. I recently attended a lecture by Anna Getty about living an eco-friendly lifestyle and the steps we can take in our own lives to be better to the planet, and she said that by making the choice to buy something that is Organic you are sending a signal to the corporate powers that be who create so much of the pollution and waste and use so much of the world’s natural resources. If we just start making different choices and talking to others about their choices, we can effect a change. She said that even choosing to buy the Tropicana Organic Orange Juice rather than the regular Tropicana, sends a message (though it would be better to buy direct from a local grower if you can, but it is a good start). So personally, I would rather spend $70 on an eco-friendly tank than $65 on one that’s not. Hopefully, others will agree with me and friends will start to do the same and ask questions about where their clothes (and food) are coming from. The more people ask questions and talk about it, the bigger the issue becomes in the world.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

As I mentioned before, we always ask our designers if they have any eco-friendly items when we are out on buying appointments. Your readers should do the same whenever they are shopping. When you ask the salesperson for eco-friendly items, it will eventually get back to the buyer/owner and it will make them consider new buying habits for their store since they are there to please the client. And if you have the choice between an eco-friendly item and one that’s not, choose the eco-friendly one. It does send a message to the person you’re buying from and to the people in your life. I also try to take my new purchases home in my purse rather than taking another bag from the shop. I carry big bags usually, so this works for me. But when I don’t have a big bag (or it’s already full) and I do take a bag from the shop, I always keep it and reuse it again for something else and the again and again until the poor thing breaks. Also, I’ll pass on another tip I learned from Anna Getty: all of those cloth bags that come with your shoes that wind up crowding your closet, use them when you go to the grocery store for your fruit and veggies instead of all of those clear plastic bags. I’d never thought of this, but it is certainly a good idea that I’m trying to implement in my life.

(check our list of coupon codes for current Mick Margo coupons)

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(originally published at grechen’s closet June 23, 2008)

Interview with Lorin Becker of greenROHINI

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Today I am wearing an organic cotton, long henley in black by Stewart+Brown over a pair of organic “skinny jeans” by MBlue “green jeans”. I’m also wearing a recycled silver charm necklace that says “EARTH” by PeaceLoveEarth and pair of flip-flops from Soul’s Calling that are made (partially) from recycled materials and have cool indentations on the bottom that make footprints in the sand that say “Love, Earth” I share a walk-in closet with my husband & I feel so bad for him because I really monopolize the space in there . . . . it’s just crammed. I have items in my wardrobe that I really love . . . many of them I’ve had for years. I tend to acquire mostly classic pieces with a little funky thrown in for good measure. I only ADD eco items to my wardrobe these days (save the unexpected emergency item, which is so rare . . . you know . . . you’re away at an wedding, you just spilled red wine on the blouse you were supposed to wear. . . you need something NOW . . . that sort of thing) . . . but I do have a number of non-eco items that I’ve had for a while that I purchased before it became so easy to find “green” wardrobe items. It’s so hard to narrow down my list of favorites but here are a few: a pair of black satin wedge Calvin Klein shoes that I’ve had for about five years, a simple silk dress from an Italian designer, and all of my Aster Park reversible halter tops.

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

greenROHINI is a brick and mortar boutique in Sherman Oaks, California as well as an online store. In our lives (meaning me, my husband & our two teenaged daughters) we’re always seeking ways to expand our “eco-friendliness”. It’s something we’ve been doing for years . . . it’s a fun challenge & we’re all passionate about the environment. So it was a natural progression for us (when we decided to open a boutique) to figure out how to do it “green”. We live in Los Angeles & this is a very beauty and image focused environment, so what we’ve created is a boutique setting where the client can get higher end eco-friendly clothing without having to make sacrifices in style.

What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

I love everything in the store, and many of our best-sellers are also on my personal favorites list.

The vegan shoe line “Form & Fauna” is great . . . they’re cute, comfortable, eco-friendly & handmade.

I love the Aster Park reversible halters, they are flattering on almost ANY body.

And right now, I’m really loving our unisex hats by Mr. Green.

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

I agree with the “holistic” approach” and I feel that it’s very important to support businesses that are really committed to providing green products and practicing green habits in the day to day operations (I know from experience that it requires a little more: research, money, commitment, etc.) This type of commitment can make a difference and it’s important for the consumer buy what they want more of . . . consumer demand for green creates more green. I’d love to see businesses like mine become the norm rather than a sort of novelty. I think things are moving in that direction. In my opinion it’s primarily a matter of education. There are a number of factors that people aren’t aware of when they go to a big company that’s added a few eco-friendly options. A shirt for example may say “organic” on it and to many people that sounds great. Sometimes it is, but often, what the tag may not disclose is the working conditions in which the item was made, or the amount of toxins that were released into the environment by the factory where the garment was made, or that the dyes use on the shirt are toxic. There’s so much to know. That’s what I do at my store . . . the research! I don’t want it to feel overwhelming for the customer. But it’s just a matter of knowing what to ask . . . after you know that it gets easier. And at the end of the day, something (eco-friendly speaking) is better than nothing.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Some easy things to do in the closet is to remember to re-use: give items you won’t use anymore to someone who will (a friend, goodwill, etc.), just don’t throw them away! And if you’re trying to “green” your closet but have items you love in your closet that aren’t eco-friendly, remember that continuing to use them is eco-friendly.

There are lots of other little things that we do at home that seem small, but actually amount to something when you add them all together. Things you might not think of like dumping the leftover ice in your glass into a plant, or unplugging your cell phone charger when you’re not using it. There are many books out now with simple tips that are easy to incorporate into everyday life that after a while become habits that you don’t even have to think about anymore.

(check our list of coupon codes for current coupons for greenRohini)

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(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 20, 2008)

Interview with Erin of Sodafine

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet?

Yoday is hot and sticky in Brooklyn, so I’m wearing a vintage floral cotton dress. it’s probably from the 50′s and has patch pockets on the front so it’s perfect for keeping cool, but looking like I’m keeping it together! I’m also wearing my chie mihara nami sandals from last spring, and my hair pinned up in a messy bun. I don’t think I have one item in my closet that is my absolute favorite, but I will say that i have quite the vintage dress collection from over the years. I’d say that about 70% of what I wear is vintage, and the other 30% is indie-designer or eco-friendly (and the new stuff is usually from sodafine!)

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

Sodafine is a bricks & mortar boutique, the online shop is an extension of the Brooklyn shop.

When sodafine first opened in 2002, it was mostly a vintage boutique. we started carrying handmade items and I found that more and more of my friends were making clothing… it was a very organic process from vintage and handmade to carrying eco clothing. the diy craft movement really seems to encourage understanding how items are made and what the real value of the labor that goes into the production of consumer goods from start to finish. I think once you’re clued into those ideas, it’s really hard not to make the decision to support the most ethical path possible. one thing that really stuck with me from art school is the idea that an artist has a responsibility to the content of their work. as a maker- it’s important to consider how and why you make things. I think that applies to what I’m doing with sodafine as well- I don’t want to sell things that I don’t stand behind.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?

This is sorta hard to say because so many items that I stock are one of a kind or very limited, so I’m not selling more than one or two of any item before it’s completely gone! and most items I choose are things that I would love to wear myself!

Right now some of my favorite things in the shop are:

This organic cotton skirt from Madrid based line Raasta

Anything by Dear Birthday:

The Teresina shoe by Chie Mihara:

And these one of a kind tanks from American Myth:

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

Absolutely, I agree 100%, although I will go a step further and say that i don’t personally shop at walmart, h&m, forever 21 and most other big box stores. I just don’t see the point. for me, it’s like turning off the tv. after you cut the cord, you realize you don’t need all that stuff in your life! and it’s much more satisfying to make a dress for myself, or buy a dress from a talented young designer who has sourced organic and ethical fabrics.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Realize that you don’t have to throw away everything in your closet and replace it with eco-labels. use what you already have, and when you feel like it’s time for a new dress or pair of jeans- be more conscious about your choices. wash your laundry in cold water on the smallest load setting, and you don’t need as much detergent as you think!

If it’s at all possible where you live, ride a bike! I hardly ever even take the subway in NYC anymore, I feel great, I know my way around the city so much faster, and I save money!

(check our list of coupon codes for the most recent Sodafine coupon codes)

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(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 19, 2008)

Interview with Leslie, owner & founder of The Oko Box

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today?
I usually dress pretty casual & sparse during the super hot summer days like, it’s such an inferno this week! So today I have on an organic cotton Sun & Surf Tank, Upcycled denim mini skirt, with a very tacky (or possibly ghettolicious) gold chain belt from the late 80′s. I do a lot of walking since I sold my car, and whenever I have to walk very far I wear my organic autonomie project sneakers – they are so comfy and look just like Chuck Taylors! When I want to sass it up a little and be taller then 5.3 I put on some thrifted 80′s heels.

What’s your favorite piece in your closet?

My favorite piece in my closet is definitely my Enamore Lingerie, made with a hemp silk blend fabric and phenomenal design & detail. I invested more money into that set then any other garment I own, and it never stops being completely beautiful, sexy and fun to wear.

How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

My wardrobe is now made up entirely of sustainable clothing, everything is either organic, fair trade, vintage, upcycled, locally made or thrifted. Every purchase I make I consider ecological and global factors, and I try to make the best decisions in balance with the modern world I live in. I feel pretty awesome about finally having a “green” closet!

What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?

The Oko Box begin slowly in my mind when I first walked into a local organic clothing store and didn’t find much that I liked. The style was clunky, the prices were way out of my range, and the store didn’t seem to be promoting it’s own cause. I sat down with pen and paper and wrote down how I would change that store. Having chemical sensitivities and environmental sensibilities I wanted to be part of some solution to create a healthy earth, I wanted to be able to use my dollar for a cleaner planet, and I still had the natural desire too look cute when I walked out the door. The more I wished there was a store to fulfill my need for affordable & adorable organic clothing choices, the more i realized I was actually creating start my own store in my mind. I sold my house and used to money I made to buy the first bit of inventory for The Oko Box. I had no formal business training, I had not read any marketing books, and not a clue where to start, but set out with total determination and trust that I’d learn whatever it was I needed through each step of the experience. I stayed focused and enthusiastic knowing the mindset of consumers could totally be empowered by having eco savvy choices, and The Oko Box would be part of the solution by providing this kind of choice.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?
Bestsellers can come and go like the wind as all fashion does, but a few will really stick out from time to time. One thing I love knowing is a top seller is the Hemp Shopper, because I know that plastic bags won’t be used & another person is helping keep that toxicity out of our soil, water and animals (animals usually die trying to eat the plastic bag bits). I bring my hemp shopper everywhere I go and have shared many of them with friends to help spread the word! The Gaia Conceptions Love Me Two Times Dress which was featured here on Grechen’s Closet is completely loved and so so popular too. What I love about many of Gaia’s designs is they are convertible, like from dress to skirt, and make great layering pieces. Smaller designers like Gaia Conceptions & Clare Bare (intimates) make each garment to your order, so personal care and attention is given and there is no extra environmental waste created like in typical mass production.

My very favorite item I carry is the Clean Up or Die Tank which is the sort Punky Brewster political style I love, having formerly been a skateboarder/artist/rebel I tend to enjoy the more edgy look. And I can’t live without my Kelly B organic bikini, I even do all my organic gardening in it !

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

I think it is awesome that places like Walmart are now picking up on the consumer demand for environmentally safe choices, but would I shop at Walmart? No. Their footprint and basis of their company is largely polluting and their selection is 99% environmentally damaging, they don’t use fair wage practices and will have a single shirt sewn for 4.5 cents and then charge $15. Their insane profit margin plus the practices they are using are deplorable, yet I will still be happy to hear they are talking about organic clothing & eco friendly wares because they have the ability to reach the masses and expose these awesome ideas to people who might not otherwise get this info. Many of the big name companies who are now carrying organic clothing seem to shout from the tops of buildings they do indeed have these eco friendly fabrics, but when it comes to finding out whether these big box made organic duds were sewn in sweatshops there is suddenly no comment, no information available and nothing said. For this point alone I personally won’t support those companies, although I feel encouraged about the average consumer in those first steps of being educated about the reality of the conventional fashion industry.
I do most of my personal shopping either local or online and always with small companies that help support local economies. Whether I am buying a toaster oven or fresh vegetables I try to keep the whole process of how it was created & got to me in mind.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle! There are tons of small choices we can make each day to make a lower impact on the planet, starting with your closet. My first rule of thumb is if I don’t wear something for 6 months or more I donate it to charity, this way my closet does not become a clothing death trap that gobbles up pieces to never be seen for 2 year spans. Donate to your local thrift or women’s shelter and make a big difference in someone’s life with clothes you don’t need anymore. Another fun thing is learning to sew, that way when a button pops off, a hemline starts to fall, and your fav jeans start to rip you can repair your clothing rather then toss it. Once you get really rockin’ on the sewing machine you can upcycle your old clothing by reworking it into new creations! This is currently what I am working on, and hoping to bring to The Oko Box also.

It’s great to also buy things with multiple uses and reduce the amount of things we buy. Unfortunately our housewares are so mass produced now the quality is very poor and we have become accustomed to living in a throw away society. Go the extra mile and save the extra dollars to buy the higher quality products that are repairable and have warranties – rather then piling up more landfill with cheap versions.
The thing that makes the biggest difference is our attitudes, more happy people will inevitably make a more happy & healthy planet-so do the things you love, make time for your favorite hobbies and always get out in nature to reconnect. Love yourself and that will spread.

Here is beauty secret I use for my skin: I mix Olive Oil and real Lavender leaves and lather my skin each day with this. I never wear conventional makeup, but actually use fresh beets to create a little red on my lips & gloss it with olive oil too The reason I think it works is because people always ask if I just started college and I am turning 31 this year.

Get free shipping at The Oko Box with code grechen!!

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(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 16, 2008)

Interview with Sara Kirsner, Designer behind Doie Designs

First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?

Today I am wearing the Ku De Ta dress, in black, from my Spring ’08 collection. The dress is named after a popular bar in Bali. It is so comfortable and cute- I have been living in it. I would say the Ku De Ta dress and the Uluwatu dress (also from my Spring ’08 collection) are my favorite pieces in my closet right now.

I am starting to include a lot more eco-friendly pieces into my wardrobe, now that they are much more accessible. I also try to wear my own designs as much as possible.

What inspired you to start an eco-friendly line? What kinds of materials do you use? Why?

I started out using regular cotton. After my first collection was produced, I was showing it to my friend’s mom, who own Vivaterra.com a great website/catalogue featuring eco-lifestyle products. She loved my collection and asked if I could make a few pieces for her in a sustainable fabric such as bamboo or organic cotton. I really liked bamboo and after learning more about it I decided to continue using it for all of my future collections. My family is very environmentally conscious. It just seemed natural. After learning how environmentally disastrous cotton is, I will never go back.

Bamboo production is not completely virtuous as there are harmful chemicals used to breakdown the bamboo into fabric, but bamboo growth does not require any pesticides and is 100% sustainable. I am trying to incorporate more organic cotton and organic wool these days. I do use bamboo because it is environmentally friendly, but I also love the feel of it! It has the softest hand and it drapes so well.

What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorite designs?

The hoodies and tie pants always do well every season- they are so cute to wear around town and you can also lounge around the house in them for hours. I love the Ku De Ta dress and the Pasar dress from this current collection. Those two styles are selling very well.

I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?

I definitely agree! There are several ways to be “eco-friendly” that don’t have to do with the fabrics that are chosen. For example, I currently live in New York City and my line is produced just 10 blocks away from my apartment. Keeping the production local cuts down on fuel usage. I will be moving my production, and myself, to Los Angeles in two weeks. For right now, where my production is made is where I live. I also try to recycle boxes, paper and other office supplies needed to run my company.
I think it is important to know as much as possible about where something is made and what goes into it.

Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?

If you can’t buy eco-friendly clothing, you should try to by vintage or already worn clothing. I also like to make sure that I buy pieces that can be worn for more than one season. This idea of “disposable fashion” at places like H&M, and Forever 21 is great for the wallet and a fun night out, but not so great for the environment.

Other easy tips for a greener lifestyle include, unplugging your cell phone charger or other items when you are not using them. They just suck energy! Always bring a reusable bag with you when shopping to cut down on paper and plastic bag consumption. Donate clothes and furniture, rather than just throwing it out. If you lower the room temp 2 degrees in winter and raise it 3 degrees in summer (hard to do with this heat wave!), you will prevent the emission of nearly 700 lbs of carbon dioxide a year! Try to take public transportation whenever possible and always recycle and turn off lights when they are not in use.

(check our list of coupon codes for current Doie Designs coupon codes)

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