Fashion with a Conscience

While wristbands have become a fashionable way to show our geopolitics we often forget that we can make an even bigger impact on poverty and the environment through the clothes we choose. Wearing eco fashion is one way we all can make a real difference. Organic cotton is one of the best examples of how each one of us can influence third world economies by encouraging fairer trade while helping preserve the environment.

A few weeks ago G8 leaders failed to set a date to end their agricultural export subsidies. While Western consumers enjoy low price clothing, they often forget that it hardly reflects the true cost of fashion. Conventional cotton is highly subsidised in countries such as the US and China. According to Oxfam, the US pays three times more in subsidies to its 25,000 cotton farmers than its budget for aid to Africa's 500 million people. These subsidies make it impossible for third world countries to compete on international markets resulting in lower export earnings and even costing some countries more than they receive in debt relief.

Beyond economics, conventional cotton production has also many negative environmental impacts. While it is often described as the "Natural Fibre", cotton requires more pesticides and insecticides than any other crops. According to PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network) cotton accounts for 10% of all pesticides and 22.5% of insecticides applied in agriculture. It takes 1/3 of a pound of pesticides to produce a single tee shirt. The same pesticides and insecticides that are linked to cancer are being sprayed onto field affecting farmers, health as well as the wildlife and the environment.

The "Make Poverty History" campaign has had tremendous success in raising the awareness of many issues facing the developing world. Yet fashion produced in environmentally friendly and under fair-trade conditions still represents only a tiny fraction of the global textile market. However, with exciting new labels and designers, eco-fashion has developed a stylish and contemporary look in keeping with our modern lifestyles.

Just launched this Summer, By Nature (www.bynature.co.uk) offers a great selection of organic cotton clothes with contemporary eco fashion for women, men, children and babies. Products include:

? Womenswear
? Menswear
? Babywear
? Childrenswear
? Toys
? Towels and Bathrobes
? Home Textiles
? Sportswear

By Nature is more than just a shop - it's about aspiring to a certain way of life: a lifestyle that combines a desire for style and quality with care for the environment and respect for people; a lifestyle that doesn't see this as a compromise; an "ethical lifestyle." Providing a wealth of information on everyday issues such as shopping, travel, investment and reducing chemicals at home, By Nature is dedicated to help consumers make to right choices for a more sustainable world.

Annabelle Randles
annabelle@bynature.co.uk

---

Does Your Make Up Bag Work?

Having our makeup at our fingertips is a number one... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - Are They Safe?

Do you want to find out how you would look... Read More

Jewelry of Semi-Precious Stones: Stylish Things of Beauty

Want to make or wear impressive costume jewelry, but running... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

No matter what their size, most women want to look... Read More

A Clothes Encounter In The Business World

Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have... Read More

Black - Fashion Constant But Do It Correctly

Fashion is changing. But one thing is should be constant... Read More

The History Of Jewelry

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

Jewelry Gifts

When it is time for a gift for someone, nothing... Read More

Ankle Bracelets: Accessories to Pamper and Adorn Your Feet

Feet are among the most the most beautiful parts of... Read More

Handbag and Purse Trends 2005

Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the... Read More

The New Wedding Band Styles

You've decided to tie the knot and now you've got... Read More

Louis Vuitton Handbags

Louis Vuitton is a name recognized throughout the world. Known... Read More

Roberto Cavalli: The Fashion King

Roberto Cavalli was born on November 15th, 1940 in Italy.... Read More

Why Fashion Matters

Fashion has suffered its share of browbeating and scorn. To... Read More

Why Ladies Craze for Women?s Sandals?

Talking about sandals in front of women is absolutely a... Read More

Does Your Watch Keep Time with Fashion or Function?

If you haven't lived under a rock for the past... Read More

Pearl Jewelry Fashion Trends in 2005

A single strand of classic cultured pearls is always in... Read More

Freshwater Pearl Necklace Sets Foundation for the Perfect Look

Have you been searching for that certain piece of jewelry... Read More

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3

It's easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but... Read More

The Pearl Necklace -- A Timeless Beauty

It has been said that of all the pieces of... Read More

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or... Read More

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

"A diamond is forever," as the old saying goes. The... Read More

Top 5 Most Often Carried Handbags

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market... Read More

Fruity Fashion Picks & Tricks for Summer

Summer is here so it's time to freshen up that... Read More

Safety Glasses Can Be Fashionable

Safety glasses have evolved from the days of poorly fitting... Read More

How to Dress for the Business World

1. Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose... Read More

Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created... Read More

Ralph Lauren 2005 Spring & Summer Collection

The Ralph Lauren Spring & Summer 2005 Collection is simply... Read More

Stylin? Safety Glasses Are Hot to Look At

What do you think of when you hear the words... Read More

The Power of Color in Business

THERE IS POWER IN YOUR CLOSET and it is in... Read More

Casual Dressing: What to Wear

Is your casual wardrobe working for you? Dressing casually does... Read More

Earrings Are A Fashion Statement!

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether... Read More

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe

We're going to discuss some specific aspects of Men's business... Read More