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Tips & Resources

Organic means the garment or accessory is manufactured without pesticides, insecticides, or other synthetic chemicals. While a mere one percent of cotton used in manufacturing is truly organic, 94% is genetically modified, and cotton uses 17% of the world’s insecticides. Look for these labels: USDA Certified Organic, GOTS (the Global Organic Textile Standard), and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.

Many plants can be made into alternative fabrics, such as Tencel, which is derived from eucalyptus trees, and linen, bamboo, and hemp. Look for these labels: USDA Certified Organic, GOTS (the Global Organic Textile Standard) and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.

Low-impact dyed means the color of the product is achieved using fewer, less environmentally damaging chemicals than some other processes, and less water. Bluesign® certified products use 45% fewer chemicals and 25% less water.

Fair Trade is the business practice of sustainably manufacturing goods in economically disadvantaged areas in order to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality. Look for these labels: Fair Trade Certified, Fair Trade Federation

Featured Expert: Rachel Sarnoff

Featured on The Today Show, Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is a journalist and sustainability advocate. The former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World, Rachel was the co-founder of the online magazine EcoStiletto and authored The Big List of Things That Suck. She publishes mommygreenest.com and is a partner at Give + Take Swap Boutique.

Rachel’s Picks

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gold mining generates more toxic waste than any other industry in America. Want to give jewelry that’s better for the earth? Take a look at Alkemie, which uses 100% recycled metals (from $100).

Eileen Fisher offers certified organic, alternative fabric, low-impact dyed, upcycled, and fair-trade-made garments—as well as a “Green Eileen” recycling program. Give the gift of warmth with her 70% recycled nylon puffer jacket ($398).

Vegan designer Nicora Johns kickstarted her debut collection last year. Utilizing natural fibers and biodegradable polyurethanes, vegan and non-vegans alike are obsessed with Nicora’s modern interpretations of classic styles ($199).

If you’re looking for a holiday party LBD, Kristinit’s upcycled velvet Nina—with its 1960s inspired neckline, tapered waist, and flattering draped skirt—is simply gorgeous ($350).

At Whole Foods Markets, check out PACT-certified, organic, low-impact dyed, fair-trade-made leggings—perfect for yoga and life (from $29.99).

At my Give + Take Swap Boutique in Santa Monica, CA, we discovered upcycled MixdCo bags. Fold-over for an evening bag, or slide your iPad inside, these bags make a perfect gift! ($80 fabric/$120 suede).

The brainchild of Emily and Betsy Nunez, Sword & Plough employs veterans to upcycle military gear into accessories like their Signature Messenger Bag—large enough for an overnight but small enough to take to work, in Coast Guard Blue or Army Green ($269).

The ethnic jewelry trend isn’t going away any time soon. With a certified fair-trade project that micro-finances small designers, Parcel & Journey offers authentically beautiful, handcrafted accessories—such as on-trend stackable bracelets (from $15).

Featuring veggie-tanned leather, one of Calleen Cordero’s gorgeous hand-woven multicolor belts (from $150) might just be the only accessory you need this season.

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Advertising Partners

WVE is honored to have the support of the following companies this year that helped bring this guide to life and keep it a free resource for everyone, through their generous advertising support.