Today is the day that we take time to celebrate the planet that we live on. Nourishing our bodies, providing shelter and clothing for ourselves and our families, Earth is a pretty amazing place with some amazing capabilities. All too often, we forget or take advantage of the world around us so we thought that our Color Of The Week would be a bit different this week. This week we focused on brands that are making a difference. They are saying "No" to fast-fashion and "Yes" to sustainability, Eco-consciousness, and Fair Trade.
People Tree has been a leader in Fair Trade and sustainability for more than twenty years. They partner with Fair Trade artisans and farmers in developing countries to provide consumers with an alternative to fast-fashion. "In the past, ethical, Fair Trade, organic and sustainable were not words people thought of as fashionable. People Tree has transformed ethical fashion into something desirable, glamorous and luxurious."
Boys and Girls is a vibrant and playful uni-sex children's clothing and accessories line. They use 100% organic cotton purchased at a fair price. The "choose to use only organic cotton and organic dying and printing methods so that there are none of the harmful chemicals involved. This means it is better for us and our kids, for the many workers and their kids that come into contact with the cotton along the way and for the environment in general." Currently, Boys and Girls is only able to put their "Fairtrade Mark" on a select variety of their products, "However, our ideal would be for the whole range to carry the Fairtrade Mark in the future and we are working hard to make that happen."
For more sustainable and/or fair trade children's wear companies check this out.
Oliberte is a truly impressive and inspiring company. In 2013 they were named the first Fair Trade Certified footwear manufacturing factory in the world. The Oliberte factory, located in Ethiopia, allows the company to "have absolute say in quality and manufacturing while creating sustainable full-time jobs completely supported by our customers and fans. It also allows our Ethiopian team to create the kind of workplace they believe in—one with opportunities to form workers’ unions, dictate breaks, get full benefits, and more. "
KUYICHI is the first brand to produce organic jeans. "Kuyichi recognizes that we are all interconnected to the larger environmental and social system and make decisions accordingly". This denim based brand in always looking for ways to enhance their sustainability level by constantly researching and monitoring their carbon footprint, use of water, transportation and packaging options, and their social compliance.
Viesso, a modern furniture design company, is making a name for itself in the sustainable/Eco-friendly world by introducing a special line dedicated to sustainability. The company is working to expand its "Green Collection", "By blending customization, modern technology, smart design, and sustainable living, we hope to offer a refreshing way for you to furnish your space."
To find more Eco-friendly/sustainable furniture companies check this out.
We really encourage you to visit these companies websites and check out their products, as well as their "About Us" sections. These companies are pushing the boundaries when it comes to sustainability and Fair Trade.
We are feeling inspired and hope that you are too.
Happy Earth Day.