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Eco-friendly fashion / Benefits of hemp go beyond medicine
Did you know that growing cotton uses 22.5 percent of all the insecticides used globally? Growing enough cotton for one t-shirt requires 257 gallons of water. On top of that, bleaching and then dyeing the resulting fabric creates toxins that flow into our ecosystem. The use of rayon for clothing is contributing to the rapid depletion of the world's forests. Petroleum-based products are detrimental to the environment on many levels. Fortunately there are alternatives.
There are a variety of materials considered "environmentally-friendly" for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the renewability of the product. Renewable resources are items that can be replenished in a relatively short amount of time (as opposed to millennia).
The second factor is the ecological footprint of the resource - how much land (usually measured in acres) it takes to bring one of the individuals (plants or animals) to full growth and support it.
The third thing to consider in determining the eco-friendliness of a particular product is how many chemicals it requires to grow/process it to make it ready for market.
HEMP
By far, the crop with the most potential for eco-friendly textile use is hemp. The ecological footprint of hemp is considerably smaller than that of most other plants considered for their fibres. Hemp plants grow very quickly and densely which makes it difficult for weeds to take hold, eliminating the need for herbicides and artificial fertilizers. It requires no irrigation as it thrives on the amount of water in the average rainfall, and it is highly pest-resistant.
Hemp has naturally long fibres which makes it suitable for spinning with a minimum of processing. Those fibres are also long-lasting, in fact, historically hemp has been used for making naval ropes that were used in and around water because they resist rot. If it held up to those conditions, imagine how well it will wear as a pair of jeans, or a shirt.
Hemp fabrics come in a variety of weights and textures. You can purchase fabric or clothing, woven or knit; buy yarn, rope, belts and a wide range of products made of this versatile plant.
Did you know that growing cotton uses 22.5 percent of all the insecticides used globally? Growing enough cotton for one t-shirt requir... more -
A World in Motion
Worlds in Motion seeks to represent the efforts of eight award winning social entrepreneurs from the UK. We examine the projects they are involved in, their inspiration &aims, hopes for the future.
A film about social entrepreneurs and the worlds they move in the work they do! This is the pilot to a bigger project go see and tell it as it is: http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?i... Worlds in Motion seeks to represent the efforts of eight award winning social entrepreneurs from the UK. We examine the projects they ... more -
The green mega-city of the future
How awesome is this? This link is an interactive look at green possibilities for the future.
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Nanofabric kills germs and defends against the elements
It's always interesting when engineers play with atomic layer deposition and fibers. This new fabric, developed at NC State University, is antibacterial, antimicrobial and waterproof. It's always interesting when engineers play with atomic layer deposition and fibers. This new fabric, developed at NC State Universit... more
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3D Human Wallpaper - Latest Trend of Body Art Fashion.
Women might be taught to dress to suit their surroundings but Emma Hack likes to paint her female models to blend right in - to the wallpaper, that is. The artist meticulously spends up to 19 hours copying the design from the wall-covering onto the naked women.
Her models then stand against the surface to create a striking 3D 'human wallpaper' effect.
The incredible images were created by self-taught body artist Emma, 35, who lives in Adelaide, Australia.
For Full Stories http://www.worldamazingrecords.com Women might be taught to dress to suit their surroundings but Emma Hack likes to paint her female models to blend right in - to the wa... more -
Whiter teeth with Strawberries
A natural recipe to whiten your teeth. You need: 1 ripe strawberry 1/2 teaspoon baking powder directions at the link
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Ideas to recycle your old jeans
Denim items created from old jeans are a creative way to add a feeling of comfort to your home. The material washes well and lasts a long time making it a great economical and environmental choice. Everything from the pockets to the closures can be used to transform many areas of your home. See link for more...
http://www.helium.com/tm/507090/denim-items-created-jea... Denim items created from old jeans are a creative way to add a feeling of comfort to your home. The material washes well and lasts a l... more -
Right Here, Right Nau
A for-profit, socially-responsible and sustainable clothing company? Impossible?
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Clothes to Help the World - Clothes for NAU
What are you wearing? Seriously! Have you ever stopped to think about what's in your pants? If not, there is a company that wants to turn your crank (get you thinking).
This pod is about a company that is changing the way people should think about their clothes - and their purchasing decisions in general.
It's all about NAU. What are you wearing? Seriously! Have you ever stopped to think about what's in your pants? If not, there is a company that wants to t... more -
Pepe (Secondhand)
What happens to American secondhand clothes? This short film follows donated used clothing from the United States to Haiti, where it becomes "pepe."
Our movie is a conversation about "pepe," the Haitian Creole word for "secondhand goods." We took a radio broadcast and interwove it with live footage from our trip to Haiti to create a patchwork of voices, coming together to make sense of the pepe phenomenon. For Haitians in the age of globalization, it's all pepe all the time.
Pepe (Secondhand) is part of our larger project about the culture and history of used clothing and diaspora communities. Visit http://www.secondhandfilm.com for more.
What happens to American secondhand clothes? This short film follows donated used clothing from the United States to Haiti, where it ... more -
does vintage make it ok?
My vote- No, the fur being vintage does not wipe the slate clean. The problem with fur in general is that innocent animals were slaughtered to make a fashion statement, it doesn't matter when it occurred.
That being said new fur coats are even more heinous, as we are learning more and more about our massive negative impact on the other beings with whom we share this planet, not to mention our impact on the planet as a whole.
Fur for fashion is beyond unnecessary, regardless of when it occurred- yesterday or 50 years ago. My vote- No, the fur being vintage does not wipe the slate clean. The problem with fur in general is that innocent animals were slaug... more -
Devita Offers Beauty From The Inside Out
by Nicole
Devitas amazingly effective line of botanical skin care products has become a firm favorite with the Daily Mantra. For those that need regular exfoliation, their Acne Solution Pads are quite simply transformational. With both salicylic and glycolic acids to slough off dead cells, witch hazel to tone and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize, the pads pack quite a punch without being drying. Other favorites in the range are the 2-Step Home Alpha Beta Peel Kit, the Tomato Leaf Mud Masque and their Daytime Solar Moisture Protection 30, which contains vegan hyaluronic acid (a molecule that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and is normally harvested from animals) to keep skin super hydrated, and micronized zinc oxide to protect without giving you that ghostly white sheen that other less refined SPF products do.
We use organic ingredients when we can get them, says Devita founder Cherylanne DeVita. When an organic ingredient cant be found, Cherylanne works hard to find the most natural alternatives. Take our glycolic acids for instance, she says, instead of using Glypure which is a sold through DuPont, we use a blend that comes from Italy thats sourced from molasses, apples, and sugar cane. Certified by PETA on two levels, Devita offers guilt-free beauty. Not only have we not tested any product on animals, explains Cherylanne, we have the sources of our ingredients certify that their ingredients have not been tested on animals.
This morally and environmentally sound ethos is followed through in Devitas corporate culture. I believe corporate America is really in a better position than any one else to make a difference. One voice can change the world but one company can do a lot to inspire other companies to follow suit, says Cherylanne. Here at Devita we have our carbon footprint traced, and were working on a program right now to help to replant trees to offset what is non-recyclable in our boxing.
We provide a womens work week here for employees that have children. I think its very important for moms to be home when their children get home from school, adds Cherylanne. Her Phoenix based company also contributes to local after school programs for teens who dont have parents working for such an enlightened corporation, and for each product sold a portion of profit is donated to Planet Hope which provides support to homeless adults and their children.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Nicole ... more -
Fashion Design Maven Stella McCartney Going Green For Barneys
Stella McCartney is bringing a "green" collection exclusively to Barneys New York.
The specialty retailer asked the designer, who has famously renounced meat and leather, to create the line. Barneys in February began an initiative to introduce eco-friendly and ethically produced products into its stores with the launch of the Loomstate for Barneys collection in 12 Co-op units.
WWD reports on Barneys continued eco-obsession, and their new exclusive collection by Stella McCartney.
But maybe more interesting than the story's newsy bits - Phillip Lim will also make organic dresses, Barneys will soon stock bamboo skateboards - is the assessment about Stella's line, from fashion director Julie Gilhart:
"It does not read organic in any way, shape or form."
If Stella's new line looks like her normal clothing, that's good news for shoppers, but some new issues do arise:
Are organic garments as durable as synthetically made ones, or will they self destruct - much like some of Stella's very expensive handbags?
And is eco-fashion really going to fix anything? Or is it too late (and too naive) to think that saving the world can happen with some earnestly sewn jeans? Stella McCartney is bringing a "green" collection exclusively to Barneys New York. ... more -
A Lesson In Commerce With A Conscience
A Lesson In Commerce With A Conscience
by Nicole
You may know the Urth Caffe as Vince, Drama, Eric and Turtles favorite morning babe-watching spot. But what may be lost on Entourages far from PC boys is that Urth Caffe has been on the cutting edge of coffee since it was founded as a wholesale and mail order business 1989. Back then it was the first exclusively organic coffee company in the US. The company opened its flagship store on Melrose, where Vince and the boys hang, five years later.
Urth owner Shallom Berkman has worked tirelessly to ensure the profits from the coffee boom here in the US benefit the poorest of growers too. At the invitation of the Ugandan Government, Shallom traveled to the country to teach new techniques to coffee growers there. He selected a total of ten farms in a highly fertile area for a unique project. By utilizing organic and shade growing methods, which resulted in a higher grade coffee, Shallom was able to offer the growers ten times the price they had previously been paid, bringing hope and prosperity to the region. As an added bonus, the eco-friendly techniques helped preserve the habitat of the local Mountain Gorillas. The project's coffee was named after these endangered animals.
Back in America, workers at Shalloms three shops are all paid a living wage. He hires only full time employees and makes sure health insurance is available to all.
Urth believes that true success in America for todays businesses means the growers and environment get great support and care, the employees have opportunities and happiness, the customers enjoy health, quality and fair price, and the owners enjoy modest profitability, says Shallom. If we are going to change the world the businesses must be environmentally conscious, socially conscious and profitable this will effect the greatest change. Well certainly drink to that.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra A Lesson In Commerce With A Conscience by Nicole ... more -
The Far-Reaching Benefits of Vegetarianism
If you had to judge the merits of a vegetarian diet from the selection of meatless dishes available in most restaurants, you would likely come to the conclusion that vegetarians are primarily concerned with losing weight, don't care if they eat badly planned meals and have an inordinate love of cheese. But the truth is that most vegetarians are not in it for weight loss, they pay close attention to the balance of foods in their diet and some don't even eat cheese at all. The benefits of eating a vegetarian diet are in fact varied and far-reaching.
Eating a healthy vegetarian diet rich in vegetables, beans, fruit, whole grains and nuts has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Most vegetarians consume far less saturated fat than their meat-eating counterparts. While it is possible to eat an unhealthy vegetarian diet by consuming too much refined sugar, junk food and high-fat dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, a well planned diet that focuses on vegetables, whole grains and legumes is ideal.
One of the more common reasons people begin eating a vegetarian diet is to reduce animal suffering. One trip to a feedlot or slaughterhouse is enough to dispel any confusion about exactly where the meat on your plate comes from, and this knowledge turns many people away from eating meat. Often this change happens overnight, especially in children or teenagers who suddenly understand the connection between the cow at the farm and the roast on the table. However, it can be hard to jump straight into eating a balanced vegetarian diet by simply removing the meat from your plate without replacing it with some beans, lentils or tofu. If you decide to stop eating meat or animal products cold turkey, so to speak, it is wise to check out some vegetarian resources and learn how to plan a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Dried beans and lentils are cheap, so going vegetarian means you will probably notice a reduction in your grocery bill, but meat is as costly to our environment as it is to your bank balance. One pound of beef takes around 2500 gallons of water to produce, but one pound of wheat requires only 14 gallons of water. Raising meat in a factory-farming environment is heavily dependent on other resources, such as food crops and fossil fuels, not to mention the environmental impact of having fields and fields of one species of animal, reducing the habitat necessary for other wildlife to survive. Farming animals also creates a huge amount of waste, which can contaminate fields and water sources.
Increasing the number of vegetarian meals in your diet is an easy way to increase your health, reduce animal suffering and move one step closer to a greener lifestyle. You don't have to be religious about it if you don't want to, but every time you choose beans over beef you're helping to conserve water, fossil fuels and reducing your own risk of a heart attack. As Albert Einstein said, "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra If you had to judge the merits of a vegetarian diet from the selection of meatless dishes available in most restaurants, you would lik... more -
Plastic Ain't My Bag
Paper or plastic? The answer is neither according to the Sierra Club website, which states that the difference between the two is negligible from an environmental perspective, compared with the third option: reusing bags.
According to Earthworks and the California Department of Conservation, if just 25 percent of American homes used 10 fewer plastic bags a month, we'd save more than 2.5 billion bags a year. It takes 11 drums of oil to make one ton of plastic bags, which will then take a staggering 500 years to decompose. Meanwhile a study states reusable bags need only be used 11 times to have a lower environmental impact than using 11 disposable plastic bags.
In the UK non-profit group called We Are What We Do launched a massive Plastic Aint My Bag campaign, distributing thousands of slogan window decals to stores for display to encourage shoppers to refuse the environmentally unsound carriers. This prompted high-end handbag maven Anya Hindmarch to design her stylish Im not a plastic bag tote, which subsequently sold out on both sides of the Atlantic, and in stores around the world. If youre not the kind to wait in line, Daily Mantras MySpace buddies Be Smart Be Green have come up with their own selection of stylish cotton shopping bags. As an added bonus, the company will make a donation to Environment California for each reusable eco bag sold.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra ... more -
Spread Positivity With Tees For Change
The Daily Mantra loves Tees For Changes collection of shirts bearing positive messages such as Stay Strong, Laugh Often, Chase Dreams, Seek Balance, and Choose Happiness. The first one I did said, Be Courageous. That was the one I wore throughout my pregnancy, says company founder Andreea Ayers. I felt so strong and more positive every time I would think of the phrase.
The Colorado mother found the inspiration for her shirts while pregnant. She had always wanted to give birth naturally, but was surrounded by negative thoughts when she spoke about it to those around her. "What if something goes wrong?" was all I heard throughout my pregnancy, says Ayers, who would respond by saying, "What if everything goes right?" Ayers decided to turn the situation on its head by wearing shirts with messages that would remind her to think positively every time she was confronted by such negativity. I was able to change my negative thoughts into positive ones just by wearing the shirts I had made, says Ayers. Her company was born after her son Nathan in the spring of this year.
The shirts are made in sweatshop free conditions from 100% organic cotton, or a blend of 70% bamboo / 30% organic cotton. Theyre colored with eco-friendly dyes and are screenprinted with non-toxic water-based inks. Whats more, the company will make a donation to American Forests' Global Releaf so the organization can plant a tree for each shirt sold at retail price, making this truly life-affirming apparel.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra ... more -
Prince & Pink Go Green for Linda Loudermilk's Eco-Chic L.A. show
Before it was considered en vogue to go green, designer Linda Loudermilk was blazing the trails of eco-chic fashion. Now that Los Angeles Fashion week is following suit, Loudermilk remains ahead of the trends, taking her commitment to the environment to the next level: eco-luxury.
Celebs including Pink and the elusive Prince himself are slated to attend. Before it was considered en vogue to go green, designer Linda Loudermilk was blazing the trails of eco-chic fashion. Now that Los Ange... more
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Eco-Fashion
