CHICAGO (WLS) — Now you can look good while protecting the planet. Clothing made from bamboo or plastic bottles may not sound appealing — or comfortable. But once you experience it, you might be pleasantly surprised. >> Read the full story
This Father’s Day go green and sustainable with gifts that support eco-friendly clothing, are made with recycled products or help de-toxify dad’s bath and body routine.
Whether dad is a rugged outdoorsman or just likes to trek around the ‘hood and occasionally go off-road, he might appreciate these Finn Vegan Hiking Shoes by Patagonia. Made without any animal by-products, they’re topped by a breathable mesh and have a footbed composed of 70 percent recycled foam containing carbon and cork bits to wick moisture and control odor. (Making for a lighter footprint!). The insole board is made from recycled polyethylene and the patented “Vibram Ecostep” outsole is composed of up to 30 percent recycled scrap rubber. Patagonia has been producing green clothing and gear for many years, so these shoes are backed by eco-experience that newer green shoemakers are still acquiring. About $100 at Zappos, which carries many more vegan shoes.
Those pretty knick-knacks and decorative items around your home likely have a history. There’s the crystal bowl that was an anniversary gift from a dear friend, or the candleholder your mom gave you before she died — they all hold great significance.
We’ve found 20 lovely decorative items with their own stories. Our picks come from far-flung nations or close to home, made by fair-trade artisans or creative artists using recycled, natural materials. Take a moment to shop our selections. (Most of the websites selling these goodies have lots of other green items to check out.)
Are you aching to put your wardrobe on the green track, but can’t see yourself wearing that pouffie bamboo eco-mini dress by the latest designer to visit the rain forest?
How about a cuddly, Earth-friendly T-shirt in “City Green” or “River Blue” instead?
Anvil Knitwear is making such eco-friendly T-shirts, in 15 styles and a range of colors — all composed of soft, U.S.-grown organic cotton. And while you won’t see them on a catwalk, they’re certain to turn up just about everywhere else you go.
Chances are you already even have an Anvil somewhere in your closet, probably bearing the name of your last sports club, bowling league, garden group or softball team. Anvil, based in New York with facilities in North and South Carolina, Honduras and Nicaragua, specializes in making cotton Ts that are nicely styled, but unadorned and ready to be customized with silk screening or embroidery. The vast majority end up stamped with someone’s group logo or motto
When getting ready for Mother’s Day, don’t forget about Mother Earth. We have gathered eight ideas that your mother will love and won’t hurt the earth.
A Gift That Blooms
1. Flowers are always right for Mom’s Day. If you are leaning in that direction, consider buying local blooms from a local florist. Picking out flowers that are grown locally cuts down on the amount of gas used to bring you that flower, and you will be supporting your neighborhood economy. If cut flowers aren’t easily found, look for a perennial or shrub in a pot.
Turning off the water while you brush your teeth, installing a low-flow showerhead, and simply taking shorter showers are all easy ways to make your bathroom a more environmentally conscious place. Choosing responsible-produced bath linens is another good step. These natural towels are extremely soft, on you and the environment. Made under fair labor conditions of organic cotton and organic dyes, their warm natural color complements most any decor.
Steelers fans are adding a new team color to their list: green.
Reebok is offering the first eco-friendly Super Bowl championship tee in organic cotton. The shirts are made from organic cotton yarn with hang tags made of recycled materials. The shirts also feature green stitching on the shoulder and inside neck seams to represent the organic material.
The championship shirts are always a best seller and “by incorporating an eco-friendly element to them, the Reebok brand and the NFL are using the global platform of the Super Bowl to raise awareness about environmentally-conscious opportunities,” said John McMahon, Director of Marketing for Reebok Sports licensed Division in a statement.
Socks, they’re a universal holiday gift. Anyone can use ‘em, and most anyone would appreciate an extra pair, which is why the Sierra Club settled on having a sock drive to help the homeless this season.
Buy a pair of Sierra Club brand socks (made by Devmir Inc., based in North Carolina) in a blend of organic cotton, bamboo and recycled synthetic fibers, and the conservation group will donate a pair to The National Coalition for the Homeless. Sierra Club also will get 10 percent of the proceeds in this mutual effort to raise money for Sierra Club and donate one million pairs of socks to people in need.
Steelers fans are adding a new team color to their list: green.
