Shopping Green While Seeing Green

With a cold bitter winter wrapping up, it is time to put away that heavy-wool coat and salt-covered suede boots and take a sniff of that fresh air lingering outside.

With an eco-conscious fashion industry taking way, everything from reusable bags to t-shirts with clever sayings like “save the earth,” stores today have new approaches to make sure fashion is safe for both the Earth and us. Here are a few ideas to take on spring 2008 with a new tree-hugging spin:

H&M has been able to take fashion to a new cause by offering pieces made by music artists to help fight AIDS in Africa and this time they are introducing clothing made from organic cotton. With neutral greys and soft-whites, women’s tops will be for one’s comfort while trying to rock rose-coloured dress as well. These pieces will not only fit the blooming spring lifestyle, but also keep our environment shiny. H&M is also offering 1, 500 tonnes of this cotton this spring alone, according to their website. The pieces also come in men’s clothing and as well children. Why not take the whole family on the green-mobile?

Eco-friendly totes, for reasonable prices, take a new stand at Forever 21. From cute phrases like, “100% Home Grown,” to “Think Green” with a green light bulb printed under, these totes will sure to have spring feeling even warmer. Also made from organic cotton, these white-toned bags will have both space to carry your goods, but at the same time be eco-conscious. And remember, white always matches, how can you go wrong?

And for the really high-fashion junkies, designer labels have also taken a dip into the green coloured pool. Clothing designer Linda Loudermilk has only a selection of textiles made from anything like soya and bamboo. This haute couture diva has been able to put together pieces for casual to dressy wear, with not even a pair of yoga pants in sight. Loudermilk’s collections are inspired by nature and oceanic surroundings she told organicclothing.com. Another great way to look great without stomping on any leaves.

If all fails and you still want to be savvy and chic, always say no to the plastic bag.