A great friend of mine is in the textile business and he is crushed as for the past few years, he’s had to lay off so many workers.
This was even before the economy went pear-shaped. He explained that it was because he couldn’t compete with Asia anymore. It got me thinking: is it more important to buy clothes that are organic, fair-trade or made in the U.S.? Which is more eco-friendly? I realized that right now, the most powerful way I can vote with my dollars and help the planet is to have “Made in the U.S.A” as a top priority. My lovely friend explained to me that the pollution controls are very strict in the U.S. compared to overseas. Where he can’t get away with pouring toxic chemicals and by-products of manufacture into our water and air, they certainly can and do in China and other countries where regulations are more lax. The impact of manufacturing textiles on the planet is massive. The main culprit is dye and in the case of leather tanning, Chromium. So the next time you are about to fork out your precious dollars for a fancy skirt or a cute t-shirt – even baby clothes, see if you can find a label stating that the garment has been made on home ground. Almost every eco-designer I know, manufactures here or sticks to stringent fair-trade practices. There is not a more important time for all of us to vote with the few dollars we have for a cleaner planet and a prosperous U.S. economy. For U.S. made cute shirts and baby clothes at a great price, go to Astees and for kid’s clothes and toys check out Toys Made in America for a fantastic selection. For handmade jewelry made in the U.S. go to Etsy (The necklace pictured is the “Tree of Life Vermeil Necklace”).
Sophie, I couldn’t have said this better myself. Thank you for making such an excellent point. One of the first things I do, when shopping for new clothes, is check the tag to see where it’s made. I have a difficult time supporting businesses overseas when our own economy is in such turmoil. It makes the price tag hard to justify as well. I will gladly spend a little more money to support local businesses, especially, if they’re responsibly made. And I absolutely LOVE Etsy! I’ve decided to support local artisans and buy from them the next time I feel the need for special jewelry, especially being crafty myself. Hopefully I’ll start my own Etsy shop soon! Thanks again!
I wanted to pamper myself after the busy holidays and so I went shopping on the internet for a new bag.
Most of the bags I came across were either from China or designer label $$$ bags, but I came across a new website that has a great selection of eco-friendly handbags. I had a hard time choosing which bag to get because they were all so different and all green/recycled bags. Well I finally chose a “gorgeously green” cigar box handbag for special occasions and a large tote made from reclaimed sweaters as my everyday bag. Did I mention that I had a hard time choosing? It made me feel good to buy something that helped our ecology and at the same time, provide a living wage to the artists that made the bags. Plus, many of the bags are made in the USA so I felt good helping my country too! When I wear my bags I get so many compliments because they are so different from the designer bags everyone carries around, and they are not made in China! Check out this fun website if you want to get a great bag, help the planet, help your country, or help an artist. I found my bags at: http://www.planetearthhandbags.com
Does anyone know of a great website for handmade knitted sweaters?
Thanks,
Kim