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?
Tag Archives: Go Green Gina
Go Green Gina: Make Your Sewing Room Greener, Happier & Healthier!
For many of us, the idea of ‘going green’ and playing a vital part in helping to save Mother Earth from resource depletion and over consumption, is more than just a passing fancy. J&O Fabric store is doing our part by bringing in more and more organic fabrics. As each day ushers in new devastating information pertaining to the effects of global warming, pollution in our air and waters, cancers in our food supply, and the long term effects of genetically modified textile crops such as our beloved cotton, more and more of us are raising our awareness to the fragile balance and co-dependency of man and nature, and are taking steps both big and small to ensure our survival and that of future generations. One such step that we can take as seamstresses, tailors, crafters, and designers, is to make our sewing environments more eco-friendly. With the running of our machines and the burning of the midnight oil (lights) to get our projects done sometimes, the amount of energy we use in the course of a day, a week, a month, adds up. When considering that the leading cause of our eco-system breakdown is still the burning of coal to generate electricity, we owe it to Mother Nature to do our part, one change at a time.
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.
Go Green Gina: Ecologically Friendly Fashions by Gary Harvey.
30 copies of the ‘Financial Times’ folded and attached to a corset to create a ballerina inspired ‘tulle’ dress…
37 black logo tees cut up and hand stitched to create a long draped sheaf dress with corset waist and bustle…
42 pairs of Levi 501’s in various shades of indigo cut up and reconstructed to create a tiered ball gown with a corset waist…
These are just a few of the utterly creative, eco-friendly couture dresses designed and created by artist Gary Harvey. Recycling everything from laundry bags and Hawaiian shirts to rain coats and wedding dresses, this socially conscience fashion forward designer has found purpose in what is slowly developing into an ethical fashion revolution.
Go Green Gina: Water Hyacinth, the NEW Organic Apparel Fiber.
In the world of go-green eco-friendly fabrics, bamboo, hemp, and organic cottons rank on top of the popular fibers that most people know list. But just like any exposed treasure, it is only a matter of time before the possible risk of overconsumption and resource depletion start to creep into reality. With this unfortunate pattern of abuse in mind, scientists and researchers are always looking for new fiber sources and improved methods of sustainable processing. The goal being to provide an all natural and preferrably organic fiberous material that can be used in the textile industry for the use in garments, interior decorating and upholstered goods.
Go Green Gina: Celebrating Earth Day 2009!
Today J&O Fabrics and millions of other folks striving to become more environmentally conscious are celebrating the 39th Anniversary of Earth Day not only across America, but in countries like the UK, Philippines, Venezuela, Spain and Togo too. If you’ve never heard of Earth Day or the ideology behind going ‘green’, then you’re in for a treat. Today, and in the days and weeks to come, you will probably be bombarded with information and resources on how you can help create a healthier planet and give back to Mother Earth for all that she has done for you…without you even having to ask. From the air we breath, water we drink, and ground we walk upon, Mother Earth has been taking good care of us over the years, so why not show her how much she is appreciated by recycling our papers and cans, using less plastic and NON-biodegradable materials, and preserving our water usage. By just taking one step in favor of a less polluted and more sustainable environment, we can each play our part in saving our planet and ourselves!
Go Green Gina Talks About Bamboo at J&O Fabrics.
While most of our shirts have been, and continue to be made from cotton, bamboo fiber shirts are slowly becoming the popular ‘go-green’ alternative. Both are natural plant fibers, absorb moisture well, and are strong and durable. The benefit of the bamboo fiber is that it is naturally anti-bacterial and is known for its breath-ability as well. Much like cotton, it is not only comfortable, but carries an extremely soft hand too. One more thing they have in common, China. Both cotton and bamboo are grown and harvested in abundance there not only to support their building needs, but their wildlife as well.