Thrift - The Cheapest Way to Sustainability

Let's face it - Things cost a lot these days. It seems that we just work to pay the bills with not much left over. When we do start making more, we seem to spend more as well. The cycle never ends. I try to stay within a budget for everything, but it can be difficult when most organic products and food cost so much more than conventional.

I am not ashamed to tell you that the bulk of my closet is actually from thrift or consignment stores. Yes, I am a "second hand Rose". I buy used clothing. I have my favorite pieces that may or may not be purchased new. I have found many great items for $10 or less, unheard of in the world of organic clothing. Sustainable isn't just about organic, it is about where the item comes from, what it is made out of, and if it has a second life. In the case of thrift, I check what the items are made out of as well as if they are still trendy. But for me, they do not need to be organic if I am buying second hand. I am giving an item new life, and not supporting the company that made the item. I am supporting a business that reuses, repurposes, and recycles. That is green in my book. Plus, I spend a fraction of the cost of new organic goods. Don't get me wrong, many times the new organic clothing is worth the price, I just can't always pay that price. So before you go buy that new organic sweater you have been eyeing, go to the local thrift or consignment store to see what you can find first. You may be surprised! You can find used clothing at:

Garage Sales
Estate Sales
Flea Markets
Antique Shops
Consignment Stores
Thrift Stores
Online Thrift Stores
Ebay

Did I miss any?

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimcorealty/9558199036/">Kimco Realty</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

Sustainable Clothing Resources for Men

I once had a friend ask me if I knew of any men's organic clothing resources, but at that time I knew of only a handful of companies that offered them. I am happy to say that times have changed, and there are many more resources out there. Living an Eco conscious life is now more than just a fad - it is a realization and priority for many of us, men and women alike. More and more designers are incorporating their values into their designs and creating trendy, sustainable clothing. More and more companies are carrying Eco-friendly goods. This is all great news for those of us who put our values behind our spending. Below are some sustainable manufacturers that make organic men's clothing, many of which you can order from directly.

M, R = Manufacturer and Retailer
M = Manufacturer only




United States

Adayak (M, R): hoodies, tees, tanks, shirts

bgreen apparel (M, R): underwear, long johns, tees, shirts, active pants, hoodie, sweatshirt

Cash Crop Clothing (M, R): tees, shirts, jackets, sweaters, coats

Earth Creations (M, R): tees

econscious (M, R): tees, hoodies, caps, beanie

Esperanza Threads (M, R): bathrobe, pajama, hoodie, sweatshirt, sweatpants

Fair Indigo (M, R): sweaters, tees, pajamas, socks, accessories

Fed By Threads (M, R): sweater, hoodie, henley, tees

ggo Clothing (M, R): tanks, tees, shorts, hoodies, jackets, shirts

Gramicci (M, R): shirts, jackets, pants, beanies, scarves, shorts, long johns

Green Label Organic (M, R): tees, thermals

Indigenous Designs (M, R): shirts, sweaters

Intertwined Designs (M, R): tees, shirts, shorts, hoodie

Lila Organics (M, R): active short, tee, and pant

Mama's Earth (M, R): tees, pajamas, robes, socks

Nau (M, R): shirts, pants, jackets, coats, blazers, underwear

Of the Earth (M): tees, hoodies, shirts, pants
No retailer locator. Available at: http://www.faeriesdance.com/shirts-sweaters-c-25_5_6.html, http://www.naturewearorganics.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=9,

Prancing Leopard (M, R): pant, tee, short, scarf, beanie

Rawganique (M, R): tees, shirts, tanks, underwear, thermals, pajamas, hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, sweaters, shorts, jeans, overalls, pants

International 

ARMEDANGELS (M, R, Germany): pants, jeans, shirts, hoodies, tees, winter hats, winter scarves, sweaters, undergarments, socks, belts

Frank & Faith (M, R, UK): trousers, shirts, tees, sweatshirts, boxers, shorts, socks, accessories such as watches, sunglasses, and belts

Hemp Hoodlamb (M, R, Netherlands): jackets, hoodies, tees, accessories, sweatpants

Howies (M, R, UK): tees, jeans, coats, base layers, sweaters, pants, boxers

Ideo (M, R, France):  tees, shirts, jackets, jeans, trousers, scarves, shorts

InKlein (M, R, Canada): sweaters, scarves, beanies

Kuyichi (M, R, Netherlands): jeans, tees, shirts, sweaters

PACT (M, R, France): undergarments, long johns, sock

Marzipants (M, R, India): fisherman trousers with matching bags

Mongrel (M, R, UK): tees

Monkee Jeans (M, UK): jeans

Nordic Naturals (M, R, Canada): shirts, tees, tanks, long johns, socks, hoods

OÖM Ethikwear (M, R, Canada): polos, tees, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, shorts

Rapanui (M, R, UK): tees, shirts, sweatshirts, polos, socks

Thieves (M, R, Canada): pants, jackets, shirts, tees, tanks

THTC (M, R, UK): tees, sweaters, polos, hoodies

Untouched World (M, R, New Zealand): tees, polos, sweaters, shirts, shorts, jeans, jackets, accessories, cycling apparel

VonWinckelmann (M, Netherlands): shirts, pants, sweaters, blazers, ties, tees, shorts

Wear Chemistry (M, R, UK): tees

Please keep in mind that just because a manufacturer is in another country, doesn't mean that it is not available in the US. You can search their site's retailer locator to find if they have a retailer near you. If you know of any other resources, please let me know and I will look into adding it to the list!

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abeslice/6112751757/">Ryan Abel</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>