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.

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! 

Green Festivals is finally in the city of Angels.

  

Green Festivals is finally in the city of Angels.

Please come and visit us during this weekend event of October 29th & 30th at the Los Angeles Convention Center for best of what Green Industry has to offer.

• Enjoy bgreen apparel specials, 50% to 70% off regular prices

• Green Fashion show

• Halloween celebrations at Green Kids Zone

• Sustainable home & Garden Pavilion

• Test Drive New Ford’s hybrid & electric models

• Free Yoga classes

• And much more

For more information on this event, check out  www.mygazines.com/issue/43763

For more information on Green Festivals visit www.greenfestivals.org/la/updates/    

Giveaway: bgreen apparel Wants to Take You Out to the Ballgame!

To show our appreciation for all of your support, we have an exciting giveaway perfect for summer in LA: free tickets to a Dodger game! We have 13 tickets up for grabs for Sunday August 28th at 1:10 pm in Section 48RS, Row J (the amount of tickets we give out to each winner will depend on how many people enter).

If you'd like the tickets, here's what we ask of you:

1. Comment below and let us know what organic clothing you'll wear to the game - it doesn't have to be bgreen apparel (although we'd be thrilled if it was!). *Let us know how many tickets you want and make sure to leave your email address*
2. Like bgreen on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
3. Extra credit: post a picture on our Facebook wall of you in the organic clothes you'll wear to the game!

Winners will be announced on August 19th.

Good luck!

LA Workin': Our Community Service Involvement & How You Can Volunteer

bgreen is excited to announce that we have teamed up with LA WORKS as their official apparel sponsor to raise funds for their projects. L.A. Works is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer action center that creates and implements hands-on community service projects - like painting murals,  planting gardens, and restoring buildings -  throughout the greater Los Angeles area. They empower Angelinos to address pressing social issues through volunteerism and community collaborations. LA Works offers individuals and organizations opportunities for volunteering that improves our communities and impacts it in a positive way.

In the next few weeks, you will have a chance to buy custom designed organic cotton Tees available on Fashion For Causes section of our website. All the proceeds from the sale of these shirts will be donated to LA WORKS. It is a great shirt for a great cause, buy one and make a difference.

Speaking of community service, join us and thousands of volunteers on Saturday July 30th for a large scale project in Leimert Park Village to support the community’s efforts to make this hidden landmark an incubator for the continued development and preservation of African American art, culture, entrepreneurship and economic development in Los Angeles. Leimert Park has monthly Arts Walk and a homegrown music and arts festival each summer, this underserved community is working to become a hip LA destination, and the upcoming community event aims to give it the extra boost that it needs. bgreen will provide organic cotton tees for the volunteers and volunteer-leaders. If you'd like to sign up for the event, click here.

Volunteer Leaders Tees:

For those volunteer leaders who have already signed up for a project with LA WORKS and need to get their T-shirt, please send us an email with the subject “Volunteer Leader Tee” and the following information: 

• your full name
• mailing address
• email address
• phone number
• T-shirt size. 

Then we will mail your shirts out to you.

If you'd like to learn more about LA WORKS and volunteer with them, please visit their website at www.laworks.com. Here's a cool video to show you how much fun you'll have:

Earth Day 2011 Video

Thanks to all the friends and coworkers who came out to make the Earth Day 2011 Community Garden Project possible.  Here is the video of the event.

LA Works Earth Day Event a Huge Success!

This weekend in the City of Watts, California, bgreen  along with over 100 volunteers joined together to celebrate the Earth Day 2011, by transforming an empty lot to a beautiful community garden.  Our dedicated volunteer teams pulled weeds, picked up trash, built trenches and painted over graffiti stained walls. The end result was a very charming garden, where residents have reserved plots to grow fruits and vegetables.  

It’s amazing to see what a great impact a small but dedicated group of people can have on the environment.  We are happy to have been a part in this amazing event and be able to give back to our community. 

More pictures and videos coming soon!  Stay updated by following our News & Events page. 



Sign -in



Passing out our bgreen tees



Happy Volunteer

Getting ready

Our team leaders preparing us



LA Works Organizer getting interviewed

 

Getting our groups together



Time to work!

Grab your tools!

Removing grafitti and old fencing...



Gloving up



Digging the trench



Painting the new Avalon Garden sign

The wall after painting

Clearing the weeds



Starting them young!



The sign is up and garden is looking good!

We can all all make a difference!

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bgreen Apparel thanks you!

bgreen wants to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth for the Go Green Expo.  It was great to get to meet a lot of you in person and we hope to see you back for future events.  

To stay up to date on show locations near you, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter... we'll keep you in the loop!











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Earth Day of Service 2011

On Saturday, April 23, 2011 corporate and community members will celebrate Earth Day in collaboration with the L.A. Community Garden Council. Volunteers will partake in an environmental service project to create a community garden and upgrade an existing garden area. The community garden is in a residential neighborhood in Watts, less than 3-miles from an L.A. Historic Cultural Monument, the Watts Towers. Activities for the existing garden include planting native, drought resistant species around electrical towers and along the fence perimeters. Activities for the new garden include extending the height of an existing fence, clearing bushes, turning the soil and installing a faucet/spigot irrigation system. Volunteers will also remove graffiti on bordering walls, newly protected by the extended fence.

As part of our commitment to environmental causes and support of local communities, we have teamed up with LA Works to be part of this amazing event.

bgreen will be bringing a team of volunteers to this event and as the official apparel sponsor of LA Works, we will be handing out custom made Organic Cotton T-shirt to all registered volunteers and volunteer leaders.

Stay tuned for picture and video updates.

For more information on this event and other volunteer opportunities LA Work offers, please visit
bgreen & LA Works.

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Exclusive bgreen Giveaway- FREE Organic Tee to Our Facebook Followers!

Earth Day is right around the corner and one of the ways we will be celebrating it this year is by giving away FREE organic T-shirts (style, color and size of your choice) to 2 of our Facebook Fans. Winners will be determined via random drawing.  'Like' us and receive a complimentry coupon valid for 20% off your order.  Sale Items Excluded.

For more info click on the link...
bgreen FREE Tee Giveaway Info

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bgreen at Go Green Expo April 15th-17th 2011

bgreen invite's you to join us on April 15-17, 2011 for the Go Green Expo- one of the nation's leading eco-trade shows for both business owners & consumers, featuring the latest earth-friendly products & services. 

For being one of our blog followers, you will receive a free gift, a $30 value, just for stopping by our booth #901. This will give us a chance to meet you face to face and say hello.

Enjoy shopping unique bgreen products only offered at the show and special discounts on our current collection.

In addition you can sample, taste, review & purchase organic food & wine, eco-building & home needs, baby products, hybrid cars, business supplies & much more. Learn from eco-friendly speakers, best-selling authors, and industry leaders about how to green all aspects of your life.

Use code: GGELA to receive $5 off your admission.
We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, visit:  Go Green with bgreen

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