When you see the term “organic” do you instantly think of vegetables and poultry? Don’t worry; you aren’t alone. It took me a while to get used to seeing the word used on labels of non-edible products—-from lotions to cosmetics and clothing—-these days it’s all about being “organic.” (In our town we have a store that has an entire section devoted to “eco-friendly” products.)
In most cases if a product is labeled “organic” you can assume that it was manufactured in a way that lessens the impact on the environment. For some people buying organic groceries isn’t enough. My adult niece not only follows an organic diet she also wears organic clothing and uses organic-only beauty products. She has adopted a “cruelty-free” lifestyle, which means she won’t purchase a product if animals were used to test it or if an animal was injured during the manufacturing process. (She’s the one who informed me that a lot of makeup that is colored red uses an ingredient called carmine, which is actually crushed up beetles.)
If you think that’s extreme, consider the people who also refuse to wear clothing items that were produced in conditions that are dubbed “inhumane.” There is a girl my niece hangs out with who prides herself on wearing “fair trade” clothing. The term “fair trade” means the artisan earns a living wage, not just a working wage. So they can send their kids to school, and support their families.
I suppose you could call it “clothing with a conscience,” but most people just call it “organic.”
So can you be organic and stylish? My answer is yes. I recently saw a dress made from bamboo that was quite stylish. What’s more, it had an added health benefit of being breathable, anti-bacterial, and it also absorbed moisture.
People who are passionate about organic products (see my niece) are apt to try to get you to jump on the organic bandwagon. I told my niece that I would try making the switch one item at a time. I’m not sure I am ready to get rid of my expensive, but “not-so-eco-friendly” wardrobe just yet.
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