If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly these days, you can do so by bringing some green into your fashion and lifestyle.  You can do your part for the environment by putting into practice some of the following tips:

    Shop vintage!  There are many great finds at consignment shops and vintage stores.  If you live in or are traveling to Europe this summer, check out vintage stores such as Kiliwatch in Paris and Beyond Retro in London.  While there are numerous consignment stores that sell women’s clothing, it’s a bit tough for guys to find vintage shops that cater to men.  Among the small handful of men’s consignment shops in the U.S. are two great ones that men flock to from miles away, one in Nashville, TN called Flip! and another in Charlotte, NC called Revolve.  Another way to “recycle” clothing is to have a party with your friends where you all bring your clothes that you no longer wear and exchange items that fit with each other.  Anything left over you can take to a clothing donation site or to a consignment shop where you can get a little extra cash to buy some tunes online or some vintage LPs!

    When shopping, look for garments that are made of eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo.  You can also find garments that have been made of reclaimed and recycled materials such as plastic bottles.  In fact, celebrity musicians such as Keith Urban are now ensuring that the merchandise sold at their concerts is made from recycled materials.  Take it a step further and look for clothing that is carbon neutral, meaning that the carbon footprint set by a clothing manufacturer’s production and delivery has been offset in ways such as the company’s commitment to plant trees in order to counteract their environmental impact. 

    Finally, shop clothing stores and designers that are making efforts to be “green.”  You can find several eco-friendly clothing retail stores in the U.S., Canada, and Europe by visiting EcoBusinessLinks.com.  Popular designers and clothing labels that have been around for years are also making the shift to more eco-friendly fashions including McGregor Fashion Group and Linda Loudermilk.  Look for labels with symbols that indicate a designer’s or manufacturer’s efforts to protect the environment. 

For more fashion and lifestyle tips from Play Music City Fashion Editor Lori Bumgarner, visit her blog at www.panashstyle.com