April 22 is the Earth Day. Celebrated since 1970 and officially recognized by the United Nations in 2009, Earth Day will this year be celebrated in over 192 countries around the world. In celebration of Earth Day, we feature some of the recent efforts fashion brands have taken to boost their eco-friendly credentials.
Gucci – Rainforest-friendly bags
Earlier this year, Italian leather goods supremos Gucci teamed up with Livia Firth’s Green Carpet Challenge to produce the world’s first-ever Rainforest Alliance certified handbags. The Rainforest Alliance works to halt the “major drivers of environmental destruction: timber extraction, agricultural expansion, cattle ranching and tourism.” Available in the classic Tote, Jackie and Hobo styles, the bags are made from leather that comes from ranches under strict controls to limit deforestation, maintain animal welfare, and protect wildlife habitats.
H&M – Conscious Collection
After being savaged by a series of environmental reports for its eco-unfriendly production chain, the Swedish fast-fashion brand has made a concerted effort to minimize the environmental impact of its clothes. The Conscious Collection, fronted by French pop-star and actress Vanessa Paradis, is manufactured from more sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. In fact, the brand is now the No. 1 user of organic cotton in the world.
Levi’s – Waste
Levi’s Waste3.5 million recycled bottles, which were shredded and woven into fibers to be turned into the jeans. The recycled PET pants are available in the skinny 511 shape as well as the straight leg 504 style.
Stella McCartney & Adidas – DryDye waterless t-shirt
Raised in a famously vegetarian and eco-friendly family, designer Stella McCartney has always tried her best to find innovative green solutions to fashion problems. Her latest trick? A new technique that uses pressurised CO² to dye the t-shirt fabric without using a drop of water. According to the company, “to dye the world’s clothing, the equivalent amount of water from the Mediterranean Sea is used every two years, not only depleting important water resources but also affecting the healthy future of our planet,” so every little bit helps. The t-shirts produced as part of the Adidas for Stella McCartney sportswear line hit stores last fall.
