(originally published at grechen’s closet on June 6, 2008)
Interview with Aysia Wright, Founder & Owner of Greenloop:
First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today?
I am wearing an older pair of Loomstate jeans – Morpho – they don’t make them anymore, but they are a lower rise, wider leg, trouser-esque cut with back flap pockets. On top I am wearing a white Stewart+Brown pucker hoody thermal long sleeve top (it is still COLD here in Portland), with a Pursuit of Harmony “Love” Tunic in the earth color on top. Shoes are Simple Toepaz in Natural, and because it is cold, and also wet, I have on an older “biker” style jacket from Ciel. I can send a pic via phone if that works for you???No camera today.
What’s your favorite piece in your closet?
Well, I JUST went “shopping” for myself…at Greenloop of course, something I do not do as often as you might think being the owner of a clothing retail company, so I have a few new faves to pair with some old stand by’s. My favorite(s) come in categories. What I reach for really often is a Stewart+Brown lengthened tee and a comfy pair of jeans, like the Edun Monarch’s – the perfect bootcut, casual jean. I like to layer, so I often pair with a drses/tunic from Perfectly Imperfect – love the Kimber, Apron and Abby. For going out, I love my Linda Loudermilk “Wings” top, paired with slim jeans, or the Kyro dress by Lara Miller – its a great, versatile piece that can be worn a ton of different ways, along, with leggings, jeans or trousers. Hard to pick favorites when there are so many 
How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?
At this point, about 85-90% shoes being the exception there. I pan to replace worn out pairs this year will all eco though.
Greenloop was one of the first online eco-boutiques, what inspired you to do this when not many others were?
When I launched the company in 2004, I could not find any other retailer like Greenloop or what would become Greenloop, and finding enough of a selection to offer was also serious challenge. I had several reasons for starting the company: 1. I have long been on the environmental advocacy path – high-school activism, worked at The Body Shop (opened my eyes to the potential for responsible, pro-active business), college degree in environmental science and more volunteering, law degree focused primarily on environmental law and policy and more volunteering. Somehow found myself after law school practicing law in an unrelated field, about to turn 30, with 2 kids, married, and the environment was no where to be seen in my career path, though personally, while far from perfect, I have always worked hard to live in an environmentally responsible manner. I wanted to get back on the horse, so to speak, and make sure my efforts in work were in line with my personal values, I wanted to make a difference, insight change. I had done the policy, non-profit, soap-box, guilt, judgment, and all the other means of advocacy, and I was looking for something inspirational, influential, accessible, understandable, non-judgmental, and market based. Fashion fulfilled those requirements and is an ideal vehicle to promote environmental change and an easy medium for having a conversation about a topic – the environment – that can get touchy.
Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?
Yes, we have a small shop in Portland.
What are some of your best-sellers?
It really varies, but some best sellers are Stewart+Brown, Loomstate T-shirts and hoodies, Vy & Elle bags and wallets, Perfectly Imperfect tops and dresses, Melissa and Green Toe shoes, Lucina jewelry, more recently The Pursuit of Happiness as well.
What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?
I love all of our spring and summer dresses right now – all of them, with special love for Perfectly Imperfect, Stewart+Brown and Lara Miller, but then I feel like I leave so many others out!
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 completely agree, though I also like to support the changes larger companies are making as well to give them the incentive to globalize their positive changes. One of the things we pride ourselves on is the fact that ALL of the brands we offer are committed to being as environmentally and socially responsible as they can, which means constantly looking at how they do business and making improvements constantly. No line is 100%, at least not any I have seen that have good design, fit and comfort, also important factors in the sustainability quotient, but they are working toward it. I have considered offering “green collections” from larger brands as well to support this notion of “a carrot rather than a stick”, but as of yet, I am undecided. Perhaps your readers can comment on this? I would love to hear what people think and what they want to see be available at Greenloop. It really does influence our decisions.
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?
Start small. If it seems overwhelming, choose 1 thing, do it for 60 days and it will become a habit. Maybe its making sure you always have reusable shopping bags with you, unplugging your cell phone charger when you are not using or turning of the car when you would otherwise be idling. If you are looking at your closet, which being a reader of Grechen’s Closet, you probably are, look at replacing worn out or outdated items with something eco – maybe something you wear a lot – maybe start with jeans, or a few t-shirts, or even better, choose a statement piece that will allow you to have a conversation about why your new dress,bag or top is so cool (and green).
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