So the bottom line when shopping for eco-friendly clothing is to educate yourself about all of the variables and don’t get too caught up in the hype of claims companies make, but to measure all of these factors and do what’s right for you. Since this is indeed a tall order for many people to meet, the Federal Trade Commission is in the process of updating its current guidelines on what constitutes green items to help consumers weed through all of the information and make wise shopping decisions.
What It Costs
With so many variables out there, the prices on eco-friendly clothes span quite a wide range. If you want to invest in a few key pieces, what you can expect to spend on these items depends on what level of style, cut, quality and designer label you prefer.
Here are some examples of options that are out there, but keep in mind that there are higher, and lower, end versions you can find as well.
Eco-friendly jeans: Start at about $60 and go on up to $300 for a high-end designer version.
Green tops: Start at around $30 for a casual t-shirt and go up to $300 and up for a well-made cardigan or blouse.
Casual organic dresses: Starts at $50 and goes up to the $350 range
Light-weight organic pajamas or lounging clothes: Under $20, or splurge on a warmer designer pair for about $150
For The Cost-Conscious Shopper
If the price of green wear is simply too much for budget to bear, there is one other, more cost-effective option. Since the concept behind the eco-friendly wave is to conserve resources, the least impact you can have on the planet is to reuse what you already own. So if you shop from your own closet, you are saving money and taking a stand for the environment. Therefore, find things you love and wear them often, or give your out-of-date items new life with the help of a good tailor. Finally, when you have a hankering for something new, you can also frequent thrift stores and second-hand stores, where even high end items are more affordable. While you may not find many organic choices used, you can still buy traditionally-made items that look like they’ve never been worn and will make you a responsible consumer who just happens to be well-dressed, too.