Fashion is all about looking good. But in these eco-conscious times, glam girls are also looking to feel good about the clothing they wear. With growing awareness of the link between climate change and the animal product industries, as well as the serious animal welfare concerns the industry raises, sustainable, animal-free fashion is definitely in, and clothing manufacturers are taking note. Fashion retailers GG2G and Mission Savvy join a long list of game-changing companies proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style or function to dress with a conscience – and they’re helping animals while they’re at it. Both companies are giving back a cut of their profits by partnering with Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, which makes our chic-animal-loving-hearts very happy.. and gives us a reason to shop til we drop.
From the toxic chemicals used to treat leather during the tanning process to the abject cruelty that animals suffer for their skins, the production of clothing presents both environmental and animal welfare challenges. More and more clothing manufacturers are nixing animal-based products, as well as toxic textile processes to promote a more compassionate lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint. And seriously, who notices the difference between a fabulous Stella McCartney purse (or the adorable affordable one below!) and those made from the skins of animals?!
Recognizing the environmental and animal welfare concerns related to the retail clothing industry was central to the founding of online clothing boutique Mission Savvy, which launched this month. Showcasing a variety of eco-conscious designers, the shop is divided into collections, each of which has a specific mission and a different animal welfare or conservation organization in mind. This year, a percentage of the proceeds from Mission Savvy’s Voice collection will go directly to support Farm Sanctuary’s work to end cruelty to farm animals through rescue, education and advocacy. The collection features items made from organic cotton, bamboo and even corn husks.
Every year, the clothing industry discards literally tons of scrap materials, contributing to overflowing landfills and resulting in a wasteful reputation. Fortunately, handbag and accessories company GG2G is rescuing these unused materials and turning them into this season’s must-have accessories. The company creates useful new items from earth-friendly and repurposed materials, from highway billboards, bicycle inner tubes, and recycled glass bottles, to P.E.T. and other sustainable fabrics. Salvo, GG2G’s new line of handbags made from discarded vinyl from the restaurant seating industry, is set to launch in April. Three percent of sales from the handbag line will be donated to Farm Sanctuary, in addition to 15 percent of sales from GG2G’s new organic cotton t-shirt line.
“Sustainable and animal-friendly labels are providing consumers with ways to both treat themselves and be kind to the Earth and its inhabitants,” said Farm Sanctuary’s Development Director Samantha Ragsdale. “We are excited to watch the evolving market for animal and eco-friendly products and are grateful for the support of emerging companies like GG2G and Mission Savvy. Whether we’re purchasing food or clothing, the choices we make at the cash register make a huge difference in the lives of animals, and it’s encouraging to see so many new companies stepping up to the plate and making conscientious business decisions.”
With any luck, this is one trend that’s here to stay. For more information on GG2G and Mission Savvy, visit www.gg2g.com and www.missionsavvy.com.
Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.