There's no time like the present to become a responsible consumer. Revamp your lifestyle by investing in eco-friendly fashion, lifestyle and skincare products and do your part to save planet earth.
What does eco-fashion really mean? Earth-friendly garments range from those made of raw materials, to those constructed from recycled textiles or items supplied by manufacturers who practise fair trade. Today, distinctions also need to be made among designers who may claim a green tag for any number of reasons - say, because of their use natural fibres, which can be mass-produced, or perhaps because they only source supplies from fabric mills which use "conscious" manufacturing methods and fibres farmed organically.
With so many shades of grey, eco-fashion is far from being black and white. And no matter your level of commitment to "dressing green", your resulting wardrobe will always be limited by supply. But if you're serious about joining the growing eco-chic brigade, here's what to look out for:
Choose natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo. If organic farming methods have also been used - avoiding harmful pesticides and harsh, toxic chemicals - all the better! When it comes to nursing mums and young babies, wearing eco-friendly clothing takes on even more significance. Leading maternity and nursing wear label Mothers en Vogue (www.mothersenvogue.com) has a stylish collection of tank and wrap tops made of organic cotton and bamboo fibres, while itsi bitsi (www.chubbybubby.com.sg) breastfeeding shawls recently added two organic prints to meet increased demand from mums eager to "go green". After Organic (www.afterorganic.com) stocks children's labels such as Sckoon and Kate Quinn - known for using certified organic cotton. And Pretty Little Ones (www.geocities.com/pretty_little_ones) sells Mishu Lulu - a popular US child's clothing label crafted from organic fabrics.
Recycle clothing Opt for items made of recycled materials, shop vintage and second-hand, or look out for labels that construct designs from left-over cuttings directly sourced from fabric mills. In Singapore, Patch Magic (www.patchmagicsingapore.com) creates stunning fashions and accessories - from dresses to handbags - made of vintage Japanese kimonos, obi and wedding gowns. Giving you the opportunity to flaunt a one-of-a-kind design, collect a piece of history and recycle in style!
Designer shoes, handbags and jewellery are certainly hot ticket items which are readily recycled in Singapore.F3 (www.f-3.com.sg) regularly hosts Swap Nights, where for $30 you swap clothes, handbags, accessories, shawls and jewellery in above-average condition with fellow fashionistas, over a snack and glass of wine. Also check out quality "resalers" at Tanglin Shopping Centre, Thomson Plaza and The Attic Place (www.theatticplace.com) at Far East Shopping Centre. Bags No Enough (www.bagsnoenough.com.sg) allows you to rent designer handbags on a weekly or monthly basis - so you can always be assured of toting the latest accessory, without the expense! An ideal option if you're looking for a glam clutch for a special occasion, or an out-of-reach tote.
Fair trade Purchase items from manufacturers that do not engage in sweatshop labour, pay staff a fair wage and ensure decent working conditions. As there are so many middle men in the manufacturing process fair trade is hard to police and there is no "go to" authority as yet. However, Greenpeas (www.greenpeas.com.sg) is a green lifestyle store in Singapore which sells various eco-friendly and fair trade fashion items. Currently In the process of setting up a shopfront and launching a new collection in October, contact Jay for more information. Tel: 9691 7861, Email: jay@greenpeas.com.sg
Other eco-friendly fashion finds available in Singapore include b-diff (www.bdiff.com.sg) designer tote bags, Goyad Design Singapore (www.goyad.com) bags and jewellery, Big Grin (www.biggrinorganics.com) for organic tees and baby toys and organic cotton wear from Belle & Dean (www.belleanddean.com). Before you head out to shop, take along a stylish Envirosax (www.envirosax.com) shopping bag, available online or at Takashimaya.
An ideal scenario would be the establishment of a worldwide regulatory body to endorse or label products as eco-friendly, non-toxic and fair trade. However, with no such regulatory body in existence as yet, it's up to us as consumers to research all options available and make conscious buying decisions. Don't be put off by the slightly higher price tags, an eco-friendly buy can be well justified. Consider the long-term benefits for you, future generations and for the environment
- a few more dollars now will certainly translate to a worthy investment in the long run.
