Eco Chic Mommy

Eco Fashion World Eco-Criteria

Eco fashion is a generic term that can mean many things. To us, eco fashion is a holistic concept that refers to all fashion products that have been created in such a way as to contribute to a healthier and more equal world. On this website we use several criteria to differentiate products in our guide. For a more in-depth look at these concepts, check out our Education and Glossary sections!

VEGAN: Products that have been made without the use of leather or animal tissue products. Examples are shoes and bags made from “vegetal leather” using Amazonian rubber instead of animal skins or other recycled or man-made materials.

ETHICALLY PRODUCED: Ethical fashion is fashion that has been produced with respect for people and the environment. Although there are existing certifications for Organic and Fair Trade, we want to encourage companies who are taking significant action but don’t qualify for certification. This might include companies producing locally or on small scales in developed countries, who might not qualify for Fair Trade certification or companies working with farmers to transition to sustainable crops but who might not yet qualify as Organic (which takes a few years). The “Ethic Chic” section of each brand profile should have details on the specific steps of the brand’s ethical production.

CRAFT / ARTISAN: Products that have been crafted using artisan skills such as embroidery, which preserve the perpetuation of ancestral traditions.

CUSTOM: Also called demi-couture or made-to-order. This is a way of encouraging quality and “slow fashion” over mass-produced disposable fashion.

FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED: An organized movement that promotes standards for international labor (such as reasonable work hours, no child labor, the right to unionize, a fair living wage), environmentalism, and social policy in areas related to production of goods. Fair Trade focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries. Some Fair Trade certification organizations include: FLO www.fairtrade.net, IFAT www.ifat.org, TransFair (Canada and US) www.transfairusa.org and www.transfair.ca

ORGANIC: Natural fibers that have been grown without any pesticides and other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment. The process of organic growth can be certified by various organizations.

RECYCLED: Anything that has been made from already existing materials, fabrics, metals or fibers. These are often reclaimed from previously made clothing and accessories and reworked into new ones. Fibers can also be re-purposed from pre-existing fabric, re-spun and reused for new garments.

VINTAGE: Vintage is a generic term for new or second hand garments created in the period from the 1920’s to 1975. However, the term is often used more generally for second-hand clothes or up-cycled clothes (second-hand clothes that have been given a new life through some sort of customization).

Ecochic Mommy store coming soon! I am really excited to be working with Open Sky on this. Please check out what Open Sky does, they are awesome! I really love their business model. Supporting the little guys.

I have always been a fan of the outdoors but since becoming a mother it is different. I feel a connection to the earth that I didn’t feel before becoming a mom. I see things through a child’s eye again, like getting up close to a blade of grass or playing with a bug.
I keep thinking of the movie Wall-E and how that could be our future. From the garbage covered earth to the immobile humans relying on technology for their every need and want.

We can’t let that happen. Mother Nature deserves our respect and appreciation, she has given us everything.

I am far from perfect when it comes to being eco-friendly/green. I believe you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Small changes make a difference. Here are some easy changes to do

1.  Use the reuseable bags, make it a habit to bring with you everywhere you go. I’ll admit it took some time for me to make this a habit.

2. Buy local whenever possible, I know this is easier for some then others depending on where you live.

3. Teach your children all about recycling and reuseing – one mans junk is another man’s treasure.

4. Know where you are going before you leave your house, this saves gas. Parents check out this great website/app for help in this area www.mommaps.com If your area isn’t covered contact Mom Maps and they will add it.

These aren’t huge changes but they help and they make a difference you can feel good about.

80% recycled denim! Going to buy my next pair of jeans here.

Recycled Denim, Eco Friendly Fashion – REUSE Jeans.

The search is on. Yesterday I started my Ebay search and  today I went to two consignment stores and had no luck. Next I am going to hit the thift stores and if  I find nothing there I am going to have to go new. I really don’t want to buy a new dress that I know I will wear only once, maybe twice.  Especially since so far that only dresses that have appealed to me are $300 +

If you have any favorite online second hand stores or places to get “eco-friendly” dresses with style (non granola) please let me know! Amazing upcycled Dress below by Rainer Wolter

Not this Eco Chic