bgreen new website will launch December 10, 2014

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We are almost there and we finally have a launch date.

On Wednesday December 10, 2014 our newly designed website will go LIVE.

For the past six months we have been working feverishly to design a new website with state of the art technology and security, creating a pleasant and seamless shopping experience for our customers.

Among the updated categories you will find Women’s Panties collection which features your favorite styles in new colors and soft elastic waistband. Our Women’s Yoga Collection made with sturdy organic cotton spandex fabric which is absorbent and breathable and as always has an amazing fit. Every 3-4 weeks new designs and colors will be added.

We will be missing the Thanksgiving Sale this year due to our launch date. Do not worry, we will be offering amazing specials as soon as our website is ready.

Meanwhile we would happy to take your orders over the phone. you can also visit our Amazon store bgreen amazon store  for a limited selection.

That’s not all. While the concept of Fair Trade has been in the DNA of our company since our inception, for more than a year we have been working closely with Fair Trade USA to develop a Fair Trade standard for the US Apparel Manufacturing sector.  With the Fair Trade structure, a fixed percentage of each item sold is paid into a separate account which is managed by the worker’s committee for any use. Last week we completed the audit process and hope to announce our Fair Trade certification in the new few months.

For more information on Fair Trade USA visit http://fairtradeusa.org/

World Environment Day

The United Nation’s World Environment Day is an annual event which celebrates global day for positive environmental action.  It began in 1972 and this year’s theme is THINK, EAT, SAVE

 

We have teamed up with UN and Textile Exchange to sponsor a completion for school children around the farming regions in Asia, Africa and South America. With the help of a local farming coop we will raise awareness of the traditional food crops grown alongside cotton. These are nutritious edibles such as sorghum, millet, chickpeas, mubovora (pumpkin) and paddy. Some of these crops have been around a long time but are at risk of disappearing. They are important for the biodiversity of our plant, adaptation to climate change, as well as for their nutritional value.

 

Each child gets to create a masterpiece of art or craft – “From the field to my plate” - looking at the different food crops, grown alongside the cash crops (cotton), that they enjoy eating on a regular basis.

We will be posting their artworks and a finalist will be chosen to compete among 11 other schools around the world for the grand prize.

Our sponsored school is located in Tajikistan and more Information about them will be posted soon.

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Seeds Of Freedom

A landmark film from The Gaia Foundation and the African Biodiversity Network

The story of seed has become one of loss, control, dependence and debt. It’s been written by those who want to make vast profit from our food system, no matter what the true cost. It’s time to change the story. Read More

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Mind Your Waste: Textile Recycling

http://www.usagain.com/mind-your-waste-infographic

We all know how important it is to recycle. For most of us, making sure our cans, bottles, and paper products make it to the blue bins is as second nature as brushing our teeth in the morning.  But what about recycling our unwanted textiles? While many of us would take great measures to ensure that every scrap of aluminum, glass, or plastic we touch goes safely into the recycling pile, we might toss our clothes and shoes into the trash without a second thought, not realizing the consequences…

Textile Waste

Did you know that around 11 million tons of textiles end up in landfills every year (according to USAgain)? If not, don’t feel too bad; 78% of people don’t know that, and as a result, textiles continue to be thrown away.  As a matter of fact, in "Fast Clothes' Versus 'Green Clothes,” by Elisabeth Rosenthal, an article from The New York Times, it is reported that the average American throws out almost 65 pounds of clothes and shoes each year, and only 15% of that is recovered for reuse or recycling. What’s worse is that nearly half of us (48%) throw out perfectly reusable textiles.

Impact on the Environment

Textile waste doesn’t just mean more waste in landfills; it is also a major strain on our natural resources. Per the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average t-shirt uses at least 700 gallons of water during the manufacturing process—that’s 140 water cooler jugs! Tossing a shirt in the trash tosses all this water out with it. But textile waste doesn’t only exhaust our precious resources; it is also a major contribution to pollution. Production of just one pound of textiles results in the emission of more than seven pounds of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur, and chlorine, just to name a few (USAgain)!

What Is the Solution?

Recycling! There are a few great ways to approach textile recycling. Thrift and consignment stores, for example, are a perfect way to thin out your closet while reducing waste and pollution. Because they are often locally owned, they are also a great way to support the economy in your community. Another easy way to do your part and support your community is to make drop-offs to clothing donation bins in your area.  Planet Aid is one great way to locate a donation bin near you. You can also check in with your local U.S. homeless shelter and ask about making a drop off.  Even another great solution is contacting your city’s recycling department to ask that textile recycling be added to your city’s program-- making textile recycling convenient a sure-fire way of ensuring its success.

But maybe one of the best ways we can do our share is to be conscientious consumers. Instead of buying high volumes of cheap, poorly made pieces that immediately come apart; we can make fewer, better quality purchases that will last longer. Bit by bit, each of these small changes will help make a huge difference.

Resources

http://www.usagain.com/

http://www.smartasn.org/

http://planetaid.org/what-you-can-do/donate-clothes

Five Great Reasons to Buy American

At bgreen apparel, we take pride in producing quality garments from start to finish, right here in Los Angeles. The recent U.S. Olympic uniforms debacle (all made in China), has drummed up a lot of buzz around buying U.S.A.-made, and it begs the question: What is the value of buying American? Some reasons may be obvious, others… maybe not. Here are five to consider:

Honest Pay for an Honest Day’s Work

1. In contrast to some lax foreign labor standards, we know that as Americans, we are legally ensured safe, fair work conditions. Beyond U.S. borders, workers can be subject to harsh and unsafe work conditions, poverty-level wages, and child labor practices. This is particularly true if they work for a manufacturer who doesn’t implement a code of conduct on worker rights. Buying American means supporting the basic right to safe and fair employment.

Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives

     2.  Manufacturing in the U.S. is consistently regulated to ensure environmental protection. However, many other countries, China and India in particular, are notorious for production practices that are extremely detrimental to the health of the planet. In fact, together, Chinese and Indian cities comprise half of the top ten most polluted cities in the world. Purchasing U.S. made products means keeping our planet cleaner for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children.

Investing in Our Financial Future

    3. As production increasingly moves out of the U.S., our overall capacity to manufacture decreases. If this process continues, it will be difficult to sustain our economy in the long-term. According to Save the Garment Center, just 5% of the clothing sold in the U.S. is actually manufactured in the U.S.  Buying American means investing in our financial independence.

   4. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. trade deficit reached $49.9 billion in June of this year. Such a tremendous debt leads to unsustainable borrowing from other countries. By seeking out Made in the U.S.A. goods, you play a hand in preventing this cycle of debt, and strengthening our economic stability.

    5.  According to a 2011 study by the Economic Policy Institute, the U.S.-China trade deficit has eliminated or displaced nearly 2.8 million jobs, of which 1.9 million (or 70%), were in manufacturing. With manufacturing jobs moving out of the U.S., Americans are having more and more trouble finding relevant employment. Buying American keeps you, your friends, and your family earning a decent living wage. 

Buying American is a powerful way to improve lives in our country. By being conscientious of where our dollars are spent, we can build stronger communities at home, ensure that what we consume was produced honestly and fairly, protect our health and the health of our planet, and revitalize our economy by creating jobs and reducing debt.

Not sure where to start your search for U.S.-made products?  Here are some great sites to help:

www.buydirectusa.com

http://spendusa.com/

www.bgreenapparel.com Offering quality apparel that looks good, fits comfortably and leaves the world a better place.  Organic ~ basic ~ essential styles for men and women.

New Men's T-Shirt Styles: Perfect for Summer!

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to replenish your wardrobe with bright colors, short sleeves, and light fabrics.  Lucky for you, we have just the thing!  Introducing our new Men’s T-shirt styles that will keep you looking and feeling great all summer long…

The Classic Crew Neck and V-neck Tee

The name says it all: the all-time classic, relaxed fit, made with our signature organic medium weight jersey, bio-washed for extra softness. They are light to keep you cool and comfortable, but strong to last well beyond the summer months.  Stylish baby cover-stitching makes an attractive addition at the bottom and sleeve hems, and the shoulder-to-shoulder tape ensures enhanced reinforcement. These shirts are tagless with no hanging labels. The brand and care instruction is printed directly onto the neck to ensure comfort and avoid irritation. Choose a color from our bright summer palette, or from our selection of time-honored basics.

The Joshua Tee
While our Classic Crew was designed for a casual, relaxed look, this stylish crew was designed for an excellent, tailored fit.  Made with our signature organic medium weight jersey, and bio-washed for an extra soft feel, our Joshua Tee combines comfort and strength with a sleek, trim design.  The unique shoulder seam and back yoke stitching detail create an appealing, contoured appearance for a custom feel.  Contrast cotton twill tape lines the back neckline for heightened style and durability. This Tee has baby cover-stitching at the bottom and sleeve hems to create a more sophisticated look and add strength. Try our new summer color sky blue, or opt for a more classic dark navy or gravel heather.

The Griffith Henley

This henley is an excellent complement to the Joshua and Classic Tees. Like our Joshua Tee, it is designed with a trim, tailored silhouette.  Again, using our signature organic medium weight jersey and bio-wash method, the Griffith Henley is guaranteed to have a luxuriously soft hand while maintaining the ultimate in quality and strength. The attractive three button front placket provides ventilation for superior comfort, and the stylish center back seam and back neck detail give this Tee the appearance of a distinct, contoured fit. Cover stitching at the bottom and sleeve hems provides additional style and extended durability. Opt for a summer look in pacific blue, or for a traditional dark navy or grey.

On Saturday May 19th 2012, we attended the Women of the Green Generation Conference in downtown Los Angeles. A diverse array of eco businesses gathered together to educate, share, and mingle with the public in the beautiful Loft Seven penthouse-- everywhere from designers, to healers, to chocolatiers were in attendance.  We enjoyed the opportunity to share our latest looks, talk about the benefits of organic cotton, and discuss our progress with the Haiti  School Project.  

It was also fun visiting the other booths to learn about sustainable jewelry, therapeutic oils, and vegan shoes. One highlight of the day was the fashion show, which showcased the sustainable designs of nine different designers. Everyone in attendance brought great energy and inspiration to the event. Thanks again to Women of the Green Generation for inviting us to participate. 


Stay tuned for updates on future sustainable living conferences and trade shows where you'll be able to find bgreen.