Globally Green Living

I had a request for more information on products made from recycled PET plastics. That’s short for Polyethylene terephthalate, a man made polymer commonly used for products like those plastic bags the stores push on us everywhere. It has the number 1 on the recycling symbol.

When PET is recycled, it’s usually made into fibers that are used for clothing and stuffing for pillows and sleeping bags. According to Waste Online, we used 20 times more plastic than we did 50 years ago and it is taking a toll by polluting the earth and hurting wildlife.

Some eco-fashion finds that use PET include this fluffy recycled plastic square bag from Hip and Zen. Crafters from South Africa scrunch up the plastic bags in this interesting design. Part of the proceeds goes to the Topsy Foundation helping children with AIDS.

If you need a new laptop bag, consider something like this recycled plastic laptop bag made from fused plastic bags. Every bag is unique so you will have a one of kind eco-friendly cover for your laptop.

Hip and Zen sell many other recycled, organic and fairly traded products such as clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Mens Clothes

Treehugger tipped me off to Bagir and their green line. The totally washable suit is a great idea for busy men and made from 50% Post Consumer Waste obtained from PET plastic bottles. Since you can wash it at home, you can bypass the chemicals used at the dry cleaners. The EcoGir™ Recycled Suit uses 100% PCW and helps reduce even more waste.

Plastic Bag Knitting

If you’re into knitting, you can create your own bags, doormats and clothing by knitting strips of bags together. They’re actually quite attractive and colorful. Here are a few good tutorials.

• Knit Plastic Bag: Instructables

• Plastic Bag Doormat Rug

• Plastic Bag Knitting Tutorial: Cocoknits

Sarah Ratty designs the earthy, ethical and environmentally conscious line of clothing Ciel. It’s so hip it has been a hit with celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller.

I love their sexy yet comfy lingerie such as boy shorts and camisole vest combo. They would be perfect for lounging around in on a hot day.

The Natural Collection has some pretty pieces too such as their organic cotton cherub underwear set.

They’re fairly traded as well so you can respect and help people, take better care of the earth and still look good.

The wackiest, yet one of the more innovative bras I came across is this Japanese bra and bag combo by Triumph International Japan.

It’s called the “No shopping bag bra” or the “No reji-jukuro bra”. Triumph has designed quite a few eco-themed bras so check out their website when you get a chance. There are a couple guys on there modeling underwear as well. They look good but not sure how friendly they are.

The excess fabric acts as padding for the bra. It could be tricky undressing and shopping at the same time but it would make for a good back up bag in a pinch anyway.

It’s meant to cut down on plastic bags and is made out of polyester fiber from recycled plastic bottles, which is surprisingly soft.

“Each year, Japanese shoppers receive an estimated 30 billion plastic shopping bags, which, in terms of the oil resources needed to produce them, amounts to two giant tankers full of oil (millions of barrels).” See Eco-friendly bra doubles as shopping bag on Pink Tentacle’s blog for more.

Sorry for the delayed posting. It’s been somewhat crazy here with the holidays coming up. I have been hiking all over and now have these horrible blisters on the back of my heels. I don’t know if the boots are no good or my feet grew. Either way I need a new pair of boots so am scoping out eco-friendly winter wear. My gloves are not going to do for warmth either.

Mittens
I found these cozy looking reconstructed mittens at Grassroots. They’re made from reclaimed clothing and salvaged fabric that was heading to the landfill. One size fits all and each pair is unique. I love the little bird on these ones.

Boots

At MooShoes, I finally found some comfortable warm looking boots. They’re called drifter and while I don’t consider myself one, I used to be. 100% water proof too, which is a must for hiking these crazy unshoveled sidewalks. They’re nice and long too. There’s nothing worse than wearing short boots and having them fill with snow before you reach your destination. MooShoes is vegan owned and they sell cruelty free boots, shoes and accessories. “MooShoes insists that one cannot have fashion without compassion.”

I had the most fun browsing Mooshoes and may get a pair of sneakers too. Shown here are shoes from Adbusters, the Blackspot Sneaker. They’re made with organic hemp and are a statement against sweatshop labor. I’m a little sick of seeing that swoosh on everything so the blackspot is refreshing.

If you would like to read more about earth friendly clothing, Natural and Sustainable has a whole listing on Sustainable Fashion Companies.