The Nest

Eco Threads, Dry Cleaning, Frozen Foods . .

Posted Friday, June 27, 2008 4:20 PM

I’ve whined in the past in this space about the lack of great eco fashion options, but it looks like the possibilities are getting better every day. I just found out that there’s now an entire “Earth Friendly” category on Shopbop.com, the online retailer that ships the latest chic treats to every corner of the country (but which is also beloved by fashionistas and celebs—in fact, an actress I interviewed last week confessed that she has a serious addiction to late night Shopbop-ing).  They carry 20 different brands including organic cotton offerings from some mainstream labels (Juicy, C+C California, Joe’s Jeans), and entire lines from some cool sustainable designers I’d never heard of before (Larsen Gray and Beau Soleil are two). I’m especially into this organic linen dress by Theory—just steer clear of your favorite biodynamic Pinot Noir and free trade chocolate when you’re wearing it, so it doesn’t spend too much of its life at the drycleaner (btw, ALL of the drycleaners in LA are suddenly touting their “earth-friendly” methods—is that true where you are too?  This piece from the Green Guide explains the different techniques out there, and why some are greener than others).
    On to more mundane things, I also just learned about a frozen food brand that’s making strides to be earth-friendly: Green Cuisine by Contessa.  They have a new LEED-certified manufacturing plant, and farm shrimp sustainably, and claim to be aiming eco-consciousness throughout their operations.  Has anybody tried it?  Sounds like it could be a good option, since there are always those nights when you can’t muster the energy to chef up a meal of locally grown produce and heirloom grains, and, after all, the microwave has a far lower carbon footprint than the oven or the stove . .