Greenloop stocks the best of the best in eco fashion on the web and now's your chance to enjoy the sustainable style revolution for less! Greenloop's Annual Summer Sale is happening now through July 20th, and it is one of the best times of year to get in on our incredible selection of eco chic organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and recycled clothing. Save up to 70% on some of the best eco-apparel and accessory brands around...Stewart+Brown, Loomstate, Edun, Peligrosa, Vy & Elle, Jack & Marjorie, Toggery, Del Forte, Pi Organics, Linda Loudermilk and so many more. We will be adding new items all week long, so shop early for the best selection!

The many R's of eco manufacturing-reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, and repurpose-now get a new addition...record. That's right, Vling jewelry is turning out uber hot earrings, pins, and necklaces all made from recycled vinyl records. Lord knows we need to do something with all the T. Rex and Burt Bacharach albums floating out there like lost souls in a vinyl purgatory. Vling has managed to turn these one hit wonders into Solid Gold hits!

This chic recycled wool felt laptop bag by Carga is biodegradable, highly durable, and a slammin' choice for the meetings that matter. These fairly traded bags are designed by Mauro Bianucci and handmade in his native Argentina. They can be found at various shops around the world or online at Refinery 29.

Tom Bihn is into design. In his spare time he's reading Cradle To Cradle by William McDonough and hiking in the wilderness...these are great signs. Tom's most sustainable choice for laptops is an ultra sleek and sophisticated case with a molded cork exterior...behold The Archetype. Cork is both biodegradable and an incredible renewable resource, mostly sourced from the cork forests of Portugal. All bags by Tom are crafted by an adorable and skilled group of women at the Tom Bihn factory in Seattle, Washington. Adjustable shoulder straps made of soy in Montana (go American manufacturing!) can be ordered for your cork case or you can just slip The Archetype into your Reware laptop bag-you style magnet, you.

The solar powered Reware Juice Bag has many levels of coolness. One, you never have to run out of juice for your cell phone or MP3 player when you use this bag. Two, aside from the flexible solar panel, this messenger bag is made from recycled 2-liter soda bottles. Three, Reware bags are Made In The USA. Four, using solar energy means less coal and nuclear energy being used. Need I say more? Ok, I will...there are plenty of smaller organizational pockets and one large padded middle compartment for your laptop. They also look really cool and are an incredible conversation piece at any meeting. All your laptop-hauling buddies will be so jealous. All right, I'm done now.

The good mountain-dwelling hipsters of Livity Outernational always bring the best in eco accessories. This dope laptop bag is made of hemp canvas and sustainable seagrass. The materials are durable and the style factor is undeniable. The zippered top makes for easy retrieval of your most precious stashed cargo, including your Mac or PC. Whether you're headed out on a snowboarding trip or heading into the boardroom, the Livity Liquid Laptop Bag stands up and stands out.

India has mountains of discarded plastic bags and Conserve is an NGO that's doing something about it. Conserve makes gorgeous handbags, totes, and laptop bags from recycled plastic bags that are collected from the streets of New Delhi. The project has created jobs for urban women, while beautifying the city streets and increasing local pride.
These canvas-lined fair trade bags are durable, functional, and highly fashionable. At 14.5" across, they're great for 12-14" laptops...and newspapers.

No, we're not featured in the "Men's New Sexual Needs" article, though that would certainly indicate the complete and total saturation of eco-consciousness into society. Greenloop is instead featured in "Every Woman's Guide To Going Green," in the April 2008 print issue of Glamour magazine. They suggest shopping online rather than driving to the store...

"Shop online, too. By some estimates, every minute spent driving to a store uses 10 times the energy of doing the same shopping on the Web. For eco-driven sites so good you'll never miss the mall, visit nau.com and thegreenloop.com for fashion and econsciousmarket.com for home finds."

I was impressed to see the real deal "Eco Experts" who gave them the tips for their green guide: Simran Sethi (Sundance Channel Green TV Host), Robbie Cox (President of Sierra Club), Gina Solomon (Senior Scientist at NRDC), and Jennifer Boulden and Heather Stephenson (Cofounders of idealbite.com), Diane MacEachern (Founder of biggreenpurse.com), and Rajendra Pachauri, Ph. D. (Chairman of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.) A list like this is so validating! Thanks Glamour.

P.S. When is Glamour going to start using post-consumer recycled content in its magazine production? Keep us posted-we can't wait!

Labeled "the new silk" by some for its incredibly soft texture, bamboo fabric is the center of a great debate over whether the fabric is truly eco-friendly or not. Though it is lauded by many for growing without pesticides at an average rate of 12 inches a day, eco fashion fans are concerned by the harsh chemicals it takes to break down this hardy miracle plant. As more stunning bamboo designs hit the runways, Greenloop thought it was high time to get some answers to this controversy and what we ended up with was a lot more questions.

Industry insider Bruce Dear, owner of Pure Bamboo, was featured recently on White Apricot explaining how his particular company deals with this process.

Some companies, such as ours, produce bamboo fiber via what’s called an advanced “closed loop” solvent spinning process, which has minimal impact on the environment and an economical use of energy and water. The solvent is continually recycled during the production process. So, production plant emissions into the air from smokestacks and from waste water are significantly lower in comparison to many other man-made fiber operations. The solvent to digest the bamboo pulp can be toxic, but utilizing the closed loop process, this solvent is carefully reused and not thrown into local water systems. It’s also important to note that products made from bamboo can be recycled, incinerated or digested in sewage. The fiber will usually degrade completely in just eight days in waste treatment plants.

Thorough investigations by the folks at the Organic Clothing blog yielded an opposing viewpoint...

Bamboo clothing marketers have found a variety of ways to put the most eco-friendly and sustainable face on the manufacturing of bamboo fabric. The dominant manufacturing process of hydrolysis alkalization and multi-phase bleaching is generally referred to as a rather benign process utilizing caustic soda and bleach. The chemicals used are known to create a variety of health problems and neural disorders which can be hazardous to the health of fiber manufacturing workers. If the manufacturing facility lacks adequate pollution control systems – all too common in developing countries where regulations and enforcement are nearly non-existent – then these toxic chemicals can escape into the atmosphere through air vents and smokestacks and into waterways through inadequately treated waste water disposal systems.

Read More of To Bamboo Or Not To Bamboo at TheGreenloopBlog.com...

Born and Raised: Ridgewood, NJ
Founded Line: 1997
Studio Location: San Diego, CA
Number of Staff: 7
Design Heroes: hate knock-off artists, love original design concepts

Surfers are at the mercy of two of nature's greatest forces: wind and water. Cliff Drill,"El Presidente" of Splaff Flopps, is at the mercy of very little, sans his supply of recycled foam and old drag racing tires. This Jersey native has transplanted himself to San Diego, one of the world's most consistently gorgeous climates, in order to ride waves, hang with his homies, and make the most righteous eco-conscious flip-flops. Period.

What materials exactly make up the Splaff Flopp? Are they really 100% recycled?

Splaff Flopps are constructed from recycled car tires, recycled bicycle inner tubes, and natural hemp fabrics. They are approx 95% recycled content.

Tell us about the moment that you decided to turn an old race car tires into shoes?

I was on a surf trip with some friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We drove by a Huaracheria, a place where they make traditional mexican sandals called huaraches. Huaraches use recycled car tires for the soles and leather for the uppers. I asked my friends to pull over. I had always been obsessed with the concept of making the soles of shoes from old tires. I asked the owner of the shop, Jose, if he would teach me how to make tire shoes. He agreed and I apprenticed for him for 3 weeks...the rest is history.

Where and how do you source the tires?

All of our tires are recycled in the USA. We try to source our recycled tires locally. I try to keep lines out with all the local sources of recycled tires. Every year we use different tires. This year we are using old drag racing tires.

How has surfing inspired your design choices?

The surfing life style is what inspired me to make flip flops, instead of dress shoes, boots, high heels, running shoes, etc. For surfers, flip flops are the only viable form of footwear. I wanted to make very modest but durable flip flops for true hard core surfers....no flash....no big brand names....just a solid product.

Describe your work space.

Casual....messy.....kind of Willy Wonkaish...We are surrounded by recycled rubber...i mean thousands of recycled tires and tons of recycled bike tubes....then mix in surfboards, skateboards, beach bikes....and a mexican factory.

What spots in the States and/or around the world are Splaffs most popular?

In the US, Splaffs seem to be most popular in the Northwest, Colorado, Texas, Hawaii, and believe it or not, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Internationally, Splaffs are popular in France, the UK, Japan, and Australia.

Tell us about the Splaff surf team.

The Splaff surf team is made up of our friends. People who I surf and hang with. Some young, some old, some girls, some boys. People who embrace the essence of surfing life. No bling...just a day to day commitment to surfing. Although no one on our surf team would be considered high profile, we definately have some rippers on our team.

In addition to footwear, you use these materials to craft handbags, belts, mirrors, and coffee tables. What's next?

Too many poachers in the market these days to share our up-and-coming ideas. All that I can say is that we have some great new products in the hopper right now and they will be out before the holidays.

Rumors have circulated that if you buy a pair of Splaffs, the staff will take you surfing in SoCal. After experiencing Cliff's laidback vibe, coupled with his sense of integrity and environmental awareness, I've gotta say, that deal sounds sweet. Even if you can't make it down to surf the Trestles, Seaside Reef, or Tabletops (local surf breaks) of San Diego County, you can still grab a pair online and follow the simple Splaff maxim...Keep On Floppin.'

Known for his equal commitment to high style and sustainability, Rogan Gregory has established a small empire of ethical design. His debut collection Rogan, introduced in 2001, is an homage to vintage workwear featuring hand detailed denim of the highest quality possible. Loomstate is the 100% organic spin-off of that line which launched in '04, before "organic denim" was even in the American vocabulary.

In 2005, along with partners Ali Hewson and Bono, the Ohio native launched Edun; a company devoted to the "Trade Not Aid" mission of bringing manufacturing and healthy commerce to impoverished areas of Africa. Also in 2005, Rogan found the time to launch his furniture line Rogan Objects (his personal assistant better be getting six figures), that uses reclaimed wood from old factories and barns in Upstate New York and tooled leather trim to create modern handcrafted pieces that are both rugged and refined.

Things got A Litl Betr in 2006, with his line of finely tailored men's suits. In 2007, Gregory made news again when he won the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. If all this wasn't enough-watch out ladies-in May 2008 Rogan is putting out an organic swimwear line for none other than Target! Rogan is actually getting an eco-minded maven like me to shop Target again. Will miracles never cease? Apparently he told the execs there, “'If you let me do it with organic, and if you let me do it in the summer, I’ll do it.' It’s sexy." This man possesses a keen sense of style, immeasurable energy, and absolutely loads of ambition...Move over Ralph, here comes Rogan.

Technically Terra Plana means flat land, but you'll be hardpressed to find much flatness with this shoe manufacturing anomaly. Inspired by a deep desire for longterm ecological survival, Terra Plana publishes the life cycle assessment for every pair of shoes they produce. They design their shoes with reparability, lightness (to reduce shipping impact), anatomic design, and durability in mind. According to Terra Plana, they "minimize waste and toxin use and maximize product use and love." They produce their line using chrome-free and vegetable tanned leathers, recycled materials of all sorts (from rubber to old quilts and parachutes), and pure latex soling materials.

Terra Plana has also debuted a more eco-conscious leather product called E-leather. It's a 're-woven' blend of leather and textile fibers practically indistinguishable from good quality leather. E-Leather is produced with closed loop water usage and best practice pollution prevention methods. These people clearly care about crafting beautiful fashion statements using only the most modern and sustainable methods possible.

And how do they look? So, so hot! Whether you're in Milano, Madrid, or the Mid-West these unique sneaks and heels will be turning heads. Priced from $50-300, a pair of Terra Plana's is a worthwhile investment in a company that's setting the bar for eco-conscious manufacturing, as well as your wardrobe.

If you want to check out a sneak peak of Terra Plana 2008, go to smartplanet.com for a look at the super-sexy strappy heels for Spring.

Photo by Ralph Hockens

For 2008, I made a resolution to bring eco-consciousness to my wardrobe and take the Gaia Community with me. Our January installment of Green Your Closet introduced the Clothing Swap, a party combining the noble task of reusing your old garments by acquiring new ones from your nearest and dearest stylish friends. For our Valentine's Day installment, we are showing you how to love your wardrobe and the planet…by taking good care of the clothing you already have. If you keep just a few simple tips in mind, you can make your “personal classics” last a lifetime. If you take care of the clothes that aren’t your favorites, you can happily pass them on to another lucky person to wear for years more. By lengthening the life of your clothes, you lessen the environmental impact of the clothing manufacturing business, which makes for cleaner water, air, and soil for you and yours. Who knew buying less could have such a big effect on the world beyond our bank accounts? We also show share a few great tips on green washing (the good kind.)

Keep ‘Em Cold
Wash your darks and brights in cold water to keep colors true and save on hot water. And keep any garments that may bleed color far from whites…there’s nothing like one random red sock to ruin a whole load of whites.

Green Your Clean
The bulk from most laundry detergents is made up of water. The concentrated versions are good for just as many loads, use much less plastic for packaging, and require less petroleum to transport. The non-toxic powder versions packaged in recycled cardboard are my personal favorite.

Handwash delicates to keep them looking like new.

If you have to dry clean, make it green! Ask your local dry cleaner if they use “perc” (perchloroethylene) in their processing. In addition to lifting out stains with ease, Perc has also been known to cause neurological damage. Ooh…no bueno. The EPA called PERC a hazardous air pollutant and a potential carcinogen. Perc was a even used a chemical weapon back in World War I! So how do we keep chemical weapons out of our closets? Find a green drycleaner in your neighborhood at LowImpactLiving.com. Enter your zipcode and Low Impact Living will tell you where you can find your nearest non-toxic dry cleaner. If there’s not one near you, make sure your local dry cleaner is aware of the risks of Perc and that you want to see its use eliminated as soon as possible.

Photo by Miss Pupik

Hang 'Em Up
All's well that ends well. Hang your clothes on an old fashioned laundry line and use the power of the sun instead of a coal-fired power plant to dry your clothes. It keeps the color of your garments truer (especially if you turn them inside out) than the dryer; it also saves all the energy (cha-ching) it takes to run it. If you don’t have anywhere to hang your clothes outside, try one of those handy indoor drying racks.

It just goes to show you style mavens- loving your clothes is more than just an attitude, it's a way of life. Stay tuned for March's Green Your Closet, which will cover the 3 R's of a green closet: Reclaim, Reconstruct, and Reinvent. Dust off those sewing machines fashionistas-it's going to be a funky ride!

Photo: Darwin Bell

For years now I’ve found myself, a diehard environmentalist, fascinated by fashion. At first I shoved this frivolous fascination to the archives of my mind, thinking of it as a superfluous pursuit that would distract me from all the “important” work that needs to be done in this ailing world. Now and again, I’d sheepishly ponder my profound interest in online eco-fashion hubs like Eco-Chick and Greenloop (who I now blog for-yay), and finally realized why fashion really matters. Fashion is our second skin. It is our most intimate possession. Let’s face it, not even our closest romantic partner has (most likely) spent twelve hours straight attached to our pelvis the way a pair of undies does. A favorite warm sweater can be our greatest comfort on a grey, frigid day. And, unlike the bodies we’re born into, clothing gives us the opportunity to choose our hue, texture, and even our shape to some extent; all these choices directly affect how our fellow humans interact with us on a daily basis.

So how can a self-proclaimed diehard environmentalist like myself still have a closet with so few sustainably-made pieces in it? Is it not enough money or not trying hard enough? I’m on the Greenloop team, I work with Aysia Wright- The Eco Fashionista herself-and my closet is barely chartreuse. I loved Aysia's post on Closet Closet guru Barbra Horowitz and I’ve decided 2008 is the year to Green My Closet. Not only that, but I’ve decided to take the Gaia community with me- for the good of the planet! (...And our wardrobes too, let's be real.) I will be publishing a series of tips on how we can all integrate more eco-conscious behavior into our shopping lives. More clothes, less guilt. Are you with me clothes hounds? Good. Let’s get started with the fun things first…

Step #1 Beg, Barter or Bargain

Do you ever covet your most fashionable friends’ wardrobes? Make those fantastic threads your very own without spending a single dollar: host a clothing swap at your house! Gather your stylish compadres with similar body types together to trade clothes in good condition that you’ve all grown tired of…make it a cocktail party and you may find bartering for the premium picks a real breeze. It’s for the environment, right? No harm, no foul I always say.

Do your friends have completely different shapes or tastes from you? Join in a community clothing swap like Swap-o-rama-rama where you turn in a bag of clothes at the door and you get to grab as many clothes inside as you desire. As if that isn’t the greatest thing since sliced bread already, Swap-o-rama-rama has sewing and screenprinting stations to reinvent your latest acquisitions and turn your secondhand pieces into one-of-a-kind couture…and it’s all free!!! No Swap-o-rama-rama coming soon to a town near you? No problem- start a Swap-O-Rama-Rama or watch this feature of Clothing Swap Inc. on the Today Show and head to ClothingSwap.com to attend their uberfun events in 2008.

Tune back in to Greenloop's blog for our next installment of Green Your Closet 2008...