Eco-fashion: good values without sacrificing style

You've probably heard of "ethical fashion." But what exactly does it mean?

Clothing is called "ethical" when the rights of the workers who make it are respected. Ethical fashion bans businesses that don't give their employees the right to decent wages, a safe working environment and the right to form trade unions. Ethical fashion also rejects slave and child labour throughout the world.

"Ethical" is also a term used to describe organic or fair-trade clothing.

When clothing is called "organic," it means that the fibres used to make it were grown and treated without using any chemical products.

When clothing is called "fair trade," it means that the workers who made it were treated fairly by their employers.

Confused? That's okay! For now, perfectly "ethical" clothing doesn't exist. It's very hard to find clothes that meet all these standards. So we call clothing "ethical" when it meets one of the criteria.

Simple actions for ethical consumerism

When it comes to clothes, being a responsible and environmentally-friendly consumer is easier than you may think. The next time you feel a shopping spree coming on, check out these tips for some inspiration:

• Instead of buying brand-new clothes that are just like your friends', dig up some unique and original clothes from thrift stores. The 80's are back and second-hand stores are bursting with clothes from that decade.
• Buy more durable clothing so you consume less. This may mean paying a little more to get a better quality item. But we're not talking about brand names here, we're talking about quality. There's a difference.
• Instead of going shopping at the mall, organize a clothing swap party with your friends and your friends' friends. The idea is simple: everybody brings the clothes they want to get rid of, puts them in a big pile and trades for new outfits. The more people who join the party, the more fun it will be!
• Revamp your old clothes to make a bold new fashion statement. Learn to use your mom's sewing machine and get creative. A few snips with the scissors and you could turn an old t-shirt into a really cool top!

Designers Réc'UP

Do you remember K, the eco-reporter on the Tête@Kat show that aired on Radio-Canada a few years ago? Her personal site, Vous êtes ici, includes a directory of clothing designers that recycle used materials to make their creations. There are trendy stores to visit throughout Quebec and Ontario.