Asos Green Lounge

UK online fashion retailer Asos launched an eco-driven section on their website on February 19th. Asos features the latest trends and celebrity looks - a bit more sophisticated and mature Forever 21.It is one of my favorite sources for that bit of something different. Sign up for their email newsletter and enjoy a real treat. They sell internationally so don't fret if you don't live in the UK.

According to their blog: "...THE GREEN ROOM will fill you in on all the latest stories from the real people behind your favourite finds on ASOS.com. We'll be asking the brands who sell in THE GREEN ROOM and anyone who plays a key roll in bringing you the latest fashion that support people and the planet.

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE BRANDS – features amazing labels that promote people and planet, from Swedish Hasbeens much-feted ecologically prepared, natural grain leather footwear to the hotly anticipated Emma Watson for People Tree collaboration.

ASOS.COM OWN LABEL – We launched our first Fairtrade cotton jersey pieces back in December, here you'll find an ever increasing number of own brand creations designed inhouse by our super designers and suppliers - there will be some basics but well be dropping a few styles with a twist on site - search 'FAIRTRADE' onsite now - don't miss out! (check out the fab Chrissie Abbott designed tee). The Fairtrade status of these products ensures that the cotton farmers have been paid a fair price for their crop. Each farming community also receives a social premium that they invest in social projects such as building schools and hospitals (see one of our next blogs for commentary directly from the Fairtrade Foundation)

BEAUTY– a range of products that pamper without using any ingredients that are damaging to the environment - and of course your skin! Includes well-known brands such as Cowshed, This Works and Neal’s Yard. Lush!"

Ahh another reason to practice retail therapy online and feel good about your choices.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew.

New Year, New Decade, New Green

According to "16 Eco-Fashion Predictions for 2010" by Jasmin Malik Chua, posted 01/04/10 on ecouterre we will see continuing interest in Sustainable and Green Fashion products.

From Manufacturers analyzing supply-chain impacts to become more efficient and increase profit margins, to Designers using increasingly better sustainable raw materials and processes, to Consumers doing more with less - voting with their dollars for more sustainable products, purchasing less quantity and more quality and reusing, repairing and recycling more, all players in the Fashion Cycle will be furthering "going green".

Leaders in the movement will keep a strict eye on social responsibility as well - monitoring working conditions in 3rd world countries, purchasing fair-trade goods, maintaining ethical business practices, etc. will be an integral part of each business or personal decision.

My prediction? 2010 will see "Green" trickle further into our culture. The business side of the industry will continue to find greener processes for dealing with raw materials, waste, production and transportation. As we have discussed in the past, going green is good business with a positive impact on the bottom line. More exposure to 'Green' in the media and popular culture will continue to push individuals to embrace green thinking into their daily decision making process on the consumer side.

New Year, New Decade - A fresh start that is BRIGHT & SHINY Green!

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew