I won’t lie- I’ve found myself digging through H&M’s racks of trendy-at-this-moment garments on more than one occasion. Sometimes the allure of inexpensive wardrobe supplements is more than my usually eco-conscious self can take. It’s a delicate balance for those of us who care about being fashionable, but care equally as much about what it’s made of and where it was made.
Thank ye fashion gods, environmentally preferable clothing is easier than ever to come by, and major retailers are joining exclusive boutiques in offering organic clothing options. If you’re like me, and can’t fit that new Linda Loudermilk piece (Love it. Can’t afford it.) in your budget, console yourself with the thought that you can head down to H&M and check out their newly expanded sustainable wares.
For their Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 line, H&M will expand their organic cotton collection by adding organic and recycled wool and polyester (can you imagine H&M be without polyester?) to all departments.
So, if you can’t justify blowing your budget on Stewart+Brown’s racerback jumper, check out your local H&M. If you’re lucky, you might even find some organic cotton scarves and other accessories!
ok, I think this should definitely be filed under GREENWASHING. H&M may be using organic cotton on a very small range of their products, but the clothes are still made by underpaid and very often underage workers in third world countries. I really don’t think you should be promoting any fashion from companies that don’t make their clothes ethically. People are part of the environment too- if they don’t get a fair deal then it’s not eco!
Ellie, it’s OK to criticize a company going with the tide, but please also keep in mind that you’re blessed to have the time on your hands to do so. The underpaid and underaged workers you mention are not in that position and their own environment doesn’t supply much choice in labor options. Their survival is dependent on the “evil” companies that bring jobs to them. Ah, in a perfect world… but that isn’t the one we live in. As long as progress is being made it’s positive.
Oh yes,the dillema of loving the Linda Loudermilk and not being able to afford it…!
I empathise,and that’s why we’re working with Linda to bring us her overstock and one of a kinds to cut you girls a deal at a massive “Linda Clears her Closets” sale at Visionary this summer.
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i agree with elli, sweatshop labor = not eco-friendly. since people are worth more than a tad bit more than carbon emissions.
Rudolf, you make it sound as if I’m criticising the workers when I’m actually criticising the company that makes billion sin profits every year but doesn’t pay them a living wage. I agree that progress should be applauded but I disagree that this is actually progress on the part of H&M. Companies such as H&M could afford pay all their workers properly but make excuses not to and then bring out a very small selection of organic clothing in order to distract us from their other policies. The fashion world is a multi-billion dollar industry (I know enough about it- I’m a fashion designer)-To say that there isn’t enough money to go around is offensive and ridiculous.