One thing I spend a lot of time thinking about for this site is what it really means when we call a product, company, or service “green,” “eco,” “environmentally-friendly,” or “organic.” It seems that there are an increasingly large number of companies jumping on the “green” bandwagon, but how do we know if what they are offering is actually green or simply marketed as such?

When I research and write about green companies and products for this site, I try to pay attention to the each company’s environmental and human rights policies, look up sourcing information on the materials used to make products, and concern myself with the entire life cycle of a “green” product – from conception to delivery. In doing so, I’ve certainly thrown out some “eco” products that weren’t all that green upon further examination.

I’ve been reading more and more recently about the “Zero Waste” movement. Zero waste is a concept whereas all of the materials required to manufacture products are used in various ways. In doing so, the externalities of the manufacturing process are significantly reduced, waste is removed from the manufacturing process, and new goods are created using materials that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill or incinerator. By creating zero waste products and working within a zero waste manufacturing system, companies can ensure they are participating in the highest form of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” possible.

If you’re interested in finding clothing that’s been produced using the Zero Waste mentality, there are a few cutting edge designers and organizations out there in whom you might be interested. London-based designer Mark Liu rolled over his Singularity Point Collection at the London Fashion Week in February of this year. By employing a unique cutting technique, Liu saves over 15% of the fabric needed to create his designs, and therefore reduce the amount of fabric needed and waste produced in the manufacture of his high-end clothing line. Liu’s fashions aren’t cheap (they fall into the – “if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it” price range), but are fun, eco-friendly and very sexy!

Another of these cutting edge Zero Waste designers is Caroline Priebe of the 5 in 1 Studio in Brooklyn , NY. Priebe designs under the Uluru label, and works in cashmeres, silks and hemp fabrics. When creating pieces, Priebe saves every scrap of fabrics and “upcycles” all of the previous years’ scrap remnants into the details and finishings on her new garments. By ensuring that every possible piece of fabric is used in some way, shape or form, Priebe is able to bring her Zero Waste collections to market. I like the $200 Cashmere Dress (on the left). It’s made with 100% cashmere and finished with a black silk scarf that was most likely salvaged from the trash!

The Zero Waste philosophy of fashion design is still in its infancy, and the cost of these products reflect the fact that this may become the next big thing for high-end fashionistas. Like most fashion trends, Zero Waste clothing will probably come down in price over the next few years – and like most things – is most affordable if you can make create your own personal Zero Waste line! I’ve listed a few sites below if you’re interested in learning more about this emerging trend and finding out about other designers who are turning their minds to reducing waste and designing the most eco-friendly clothing possible!

Zero Waste – The Newest Eco-Fashion from Planet Green

Zero Waste Designers by Laurel House of White Apricot

Related articles by Zemanta

• How to Turn Unrecyclable Waste Into an Asset
• A Challenge For Toronto: Go Zero Waste
• Zero Waste: The Newest Eco-Fashion Innovation?

It’s summer again and time to wear as little as possible! If you’re looking to heat up your summer evenings, you might try doing so with a sampling of sexy eco-underthings. As more and more people turn their attention to the plight of the environment, more and more companies are responding and creating goods with sustainable materials and with environmentally-friendly practices. Show your special someone what an eco-fiend you are by picking up a pair of panties or a silky nightie that not only looks fantastic, but is made with guilt-free materials and practices!

Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers is a British-company that designs lingerie using all natural fibers for women of all shapes and sizes. When Pom Lampson founded the company in 2004, she did so with the vision that all women deserve to wear high-quality underthings made from natural fibers and accessible to women from all walks of life. Bras, panties and other delicates from Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers are built using silk and cotton wherever possible, but do sometimes contain synthetic materials where needed for support and comfort.

If you have some extra cash and are looking for the perfect panties to blow it on, you might consider these 100% silk Viva Nighty Knickers. While pricey at $50 per pair, these panties come in storm, purple, or silver and look like they’re as comfortable as it gets when it comes to what you’re wearing underneath your clothes. If you really want to splurge, consider pairing your new knickers with the company’s matching Viva Nighty. For an extra $129, you can slip into bed wearing nothing but silk against your skin and feeling as sexy as possible.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual this summer, you might like these Boy Shorts from the British company Ciel. Made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex (for added stretch) these Boy Shorts come in a range of muted colors (coffee, blush, mulberry), and are finished with a fine-tulle French lace. And you can always add the matching camisole if you want to round out the set.

When designing and manufacturing their lingerie, Ciel follows a sustainable and ethically-minded eco-philosophy. Ciel products are made using a mix of sustainable (organic cotton and bamboo), man-made (certified with ‘Oekotex’ & ‘Confidence in Textiles’ labels), and recycled/reclaimed materials. The company also works with local manufacturers in the UK, and ensures that their products are all produced under Fair Trade practices. Ciel is considered to be a highly ethical company and is certified as such from a range of organizations.

Less practical, but certainly just as adorable, is the Annabel Shorty Set (to the right) from Enamore. Designed with 100% organic silk, this 2-piece set comes with a ruffly camisole and knickers trimmed with candy pink bows. Enamore is another British lingerie company, and makes clothing using organic, sustainable and vintage fabrics. Look to Enamore i f you enjoy luxurious lingerie made from silk, organic cotton, bamboo and soya fabrics.

Another store I like is Perfectly Imperfect. Though they have somewhat of a limited lingerie selection, the organic camisoles and panties that they do make look as comfortable as underwear gets! Perfectly Imperfect’s Sweetie Lace Cami is made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex (again for that stretch!). The company is committed to producing products that don’t harm the earth, and makes all of their company clothing right here in the USA.

While there still aren’t as many organic/eco-lingerie boutiques out there as I might like, the number of designers and manufacturers who are starting to incorporate eco-principles into their products is increasing. With a little bit of savvy and a strong hold on Google searches, you can find almost any eco-lingerie that you might like to wear. And while these goods do still tend to be pricier than their non-organic counterparts, you can always use it as an eco-excuse to splurge a little and buy the softest, highest-quality underthings you could possibly desire! Happy Shopping…