Go Green Gina: Fast Fashion vs Ethical Fashion

We are living in the age of fast fashion vs ethical fashion , where textile mills and design houses are now belting out new fashions almost 52 times a year instead of at the standard semi annual rate. Where the fashions are cheaper and the mentality cultivated  in consumers is one of waste. The desire for instant gratification and an embedded, incessant need for the latest ‘in’ thing means once a new trend comes in, the easily affordable fashions are now disposable before they really had a chance to get any wear really. And since the new fashions are more accessible to the masses, what’s the incentive in saving them anyway? Do we really need to over-consume like this to make us FEEL rich or successful inside? And are we taking a moment to even question what the price being paid is on the other side?

Go Green Gina: Top Natural Fabric Dyes.

In the world of eco-friendly dyeing, there are several traditional and modern-day sources of coloring used to bring just the right energy and aura to a fabric. And whether you are a do-it-youself kinda crafter or are content with purchasing your material already naturally dyed, here is a list of some of the more common plant, animal, vegetable and/or mineral agents for those vibrant yellows, burnt oranges, indigo blues and deep reds that call out to us from across the fabric isles.  

Go Green Gina’s: Natural vs Synthetic Dyeing on Fabric

In the world of eco-friendly dyeing, use of natural dyes and is not always enough to ensure its benefits over harsher, chemical based dyeing techniques. From the dye source, to the final step of color retention, much can occur in the manufacturing process that environmentally conscious consumers need to be aware of before purchasing what is considered to be a ‘safe’ fabric.