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.

Innovative Materials Conference at FIDM

For the last three years, FIDM has hosted its annual Innovative Materials Conference. Speakers, buyers, merchandisers, and innovators gather together to discuss the newest advancements in environmentally friendly textiles and materials, and the future of the eco-apparel industry. This year we were honored not only to participate, but to have our own Mike Farid, owner of bgreen apparel, serve as a speaker, discussing his experiences in the eco-fashion industry. While we loved having the opportunity to share what we know, we were also eager to learn from others.

Because our company is dedicated to nurturing the future of sustainable living, we are always looking for new and better ways to do exactly that. The Innovative Materials Conference brought new ideas, methods, and information to the table—some of which was very exciting. We are currently looking into working with a company we met at the conference that specializes in using rose and jade fibers—what an incredible prospect!

The future of the sustainable fashion is very bright, and we are thrilled to play a part in its growth and evolution. Many thanks to FIDM for hosting this event, and for including us in the lineup. If you’d like to check out the conference for yourself, there’s one day left! All the information you need is listed on the flyer below, or you can visit their blog by clicking here.

bgreen apparel at the Women of the Green Generation's Conference

We are very excited to be participating in this year’s Women of the Green Generation’s 3rd Annual Conference, for women who are inspiring leaders, visionaries, and drivers in creating solutions to our current environmental, economic, and social challenges!

This year’s event will feature a sustainable fashion show produced and styled by Rebecca Mink highlighting green designers including - Mink Vegan Shoes, Sita Couture by Sita Thompson, Liza Shtromberg Jewelry, Fahmina, Deborah Lindquist, Violetta Villacorta, Vital Hemptations, Anna Herman Designs, D'laff Accessories, Ecoture Clothing, and, we’re pleased to say, bgreen apparel!

The event will take place in the penthouse suite at LOFT SEVEN in downtown Los Angeles – (jewelry district), at 219 West 7th Street - Los Angeles, CA 90014 (Lobby entrance on 7th Street between Broadway and Spring).The all-day affair will go from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm and attract over 300 women and 40 sustainable businesses to an event that will ignite and inspire those who feel called to actively participate in the evolutionary transformation of the individual self, society, and our environment.

In addition to the fashion focus, the 2012 conference will highlight workshops offering attendees a chance to connect with amazing women who will be sharing their expertise and insights in a variety of green business topics, a health and wellness forum, tons of networking opportunities and more! To learn more or buy tickets, visit their website at www.womenofthegreengeneration.com 

We look forward to seeing you there!

                

Social Media: What Influence Does It Have in Our Everyday Decisions?

Facebook is going public. According to some estimates it will be worth over 100 billion dollars. Everywhere you turn, pundits claim that social media is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in our lives nowadays. We know that it allows us to connect with strangers, speak our minds, access information—the list goes on and on.

In this TED talk (below), Clay Shirky argues that social media allows us to be our own producers, directors, and editors, developing content for our own audiences without the constraints of powerful “higher ups.” It sounds pretty compelling! But how crucial is it really?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject:

1. What is the importance of social media in your everyday life?
2. In general, what role does it play when you decide to purchase  products or services?
3. How does it influence you when deciding to buy a garment?

Share your ideas, we look forward to hearing from you!

Recycled Plastic at bgreen apparel!

Here at bgreen we are continuously looking for new, innovative ways to continue our practice of sustainability.  That's why we were so excited about polyester made from recycled bottles and plastic fibers.  It's a great way to reuse what we already have, eliminate waste, and create a fabulous product.  Check out this video explaining how plastic bottles are turned into recycled polyester:

Pretty amazing!  To really see it come full circle-- check out select items in our women's hoodies and bottoms, or men's hoodies and bottoms, for some great new inventory featuring recycled polyester.  They're some of our softest yet!