How to Go Green: Choosing Clothes with a Cause

Bono campaigns for Africa. Angelina as a U.N. rep. Paul Newman's 100% donation from his Newman's Own products (yes, that's right, he donates ALL profits and royalties after taxes). Some may call it celebs starving for hype, but it's good to know that at least some good is bring done. There are many ways to do this yourself, even if you lack a bevy of personal assistants to, well, assist you. ..starting with the shirt off your back (you don't have to give it up, just make sure it's not coming from a sweatshop).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time to do some research
• Internet access

1. Sweatshop Labor Cause #1: AVOID CLOTHES MADE BY SWEATSHOP LABOR. Though they are considered illegal in the United States, many manufactures and companies simply move their factories oversease where the laws are more lax.
   Workers are frequently made to work for long periods of time at little pay, and in crowded, filthy conditions. Children and particularly women are often the targets. Organizations like SweatShop Watch and Behind the Label are dedicated to exposing companies who engage in unfair practices (check out the website below, under "Resources.")
2. 100% Non-leather T-Strap Pumps Cause #2: RECONSIDER LEATHER. Natalie Portman has always felt so strongly about this that she has just designed a line for the New York shoe boutique Te Casan But at $200 a pop, these aren't meant for everyday wear...or at least for most people. If you live in an urban area, chances are, a little hunting around will find you a Vegan store that specializes in non-leather wear. You can go online and hunt around other online stores for not only shoes, but jackets, handbags, belts, etc. I recommend DownBound for animal-friendly and sweatshop-free shopping. (See website below, under "Resources.)
3. Product (Red) CAUSE #3: THE WAR ON AIDS. Since the 1980s, this deadly virus has ravaged our world, especially developing areas such as Africa where the populations are particularly vulnerable. Bono's brainchild, Product(Red) is dedicated to fighting AIDS in Africa and has teemed up with the Gap. Particularly popular are the message shirts such as "Desi(red)" and "Inspi(red)." Even if you find the Gap bland at times, these shirts at least breathe goodwill towards others in these pessimistic times.
4. Donating your unwanted clothing CAUSE #4: GIVE WHAT YOUR ALREADY HAVE. If you are thinking that your closet needs some cleaning, why not consider donating your clothes? There are a number of organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, as well as the American Red Cross's "We Collect Clothes" (website below). The run pick ups Monday - Friday between 8:30am and 4pm, and request that you bag or package only clean clothing. You also receive a tax deductible receipt at the time of your clothing pick up.

Tips & Warnings

• When giving away clothes, make sure they don't have huge holes or tears-- remember, someone else will be WEARING these!
• Make sure any organizations you buy from, or donate to, are legitimate. Check out the Better Business Bureau if in doubt!