Sustainable Animal-friendly Fashion

by Annie Hartnett · 2010-04-20 12:00:00 UTC
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If there's three things I love, it's animals, the planet, and clothes.

Unfortunately, clothing often isn't environmentally friendly. Leather production uses toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, and is linked to water pollution. Plus there's that whole killing animals for their skins thing. But vinyl, which is often used as a leather alternative, isn't so great for the environment either. It contains chloride and does not biodegrade.

So what can we wear as eco-conscious animal-lovers? There are few things to look for. Keep your eye out for organic clothing made from cotton, linen (flax), or hemp. These are fabrics which are easily compostable. Try to only buy clothing that can be washed and air-dried, as opposed to dry cleaned. Also, scour for companies that use recycled materials, such as rubber or plastic bottles.

Here's a few companies that have managed to get it right for the earth and for the animals:

Misson Savvy is a new clothing company that "pairs eco fashion designs with pressing issues in animal welfare." Mission Savvy donates 5 percent of profits to a number of animal welfare and conservation groups. A portion of Mission Savvy's "Voice" collection goes to support Farm Sanctuary.

GG2G is a handbag and accessories company that makes its goods from recycled highway billboards, plastic bottles and recycled bicycle rubber. They also sell organic cotton tee-shirts, donating 15 percent of those sales to Farm Sanctuary.

Bourgeois Boheme sells eco-friendly, fair trade, organic, vegan shoes, belts and bags for men and women. I'm in love with their Bobo Eve and their Bobo Estelle styles.

Matt & Nat is an "eco/vegan fashion house" that sells purses, diaper bags, briefcases, wallets, and jewelry. Handbag linings are made of recycled plastic water bottles. I've got my eye on this little green number.

My goodness, I am so obsessed with OlsenHaus. OlsenHaus is 100 percent cruelty free, and dedicated to using materials that are environmentally friendly. These shoes made of cork, cotton and faux suede are keeping me awake at night I want them so badly.

Happy shopping!

Photo Credit: gypsyfaephotography

Annie Hartnett is a writer and animal advocate who has worked for several wildlife rehabilitation centers and environmental programs.
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