Editor’s note: Please welcome our newester writer, Victoria E. Victoria is a writer, model and environmentalist, and will cover green fashion and apparel for Green Options on Thursdays.

Maybe you heard that Levi started a line of organic cotton jeans? Maybe you’ve seen the RED Gap ads, featuring numerous celebrities trying to raise money for AIDS in Africa? With a fractional amount of media coverage compared to Al Gore’s impeccably honest documentary, eco-conscious fashion is a key aspect of reducing your footprint on the planet.

Just as important as the food you eat, the clothing that you wear each day affects more than your own health. A whole host of farmers, field workers, factory workers, shippers, and sellers are involved; each purchasing decision you make has an impact on them and their business. If there is a clear demand for planet-friendly styles, then most brands will happily comply (i.e. Levi and Gap). But wait … why should you demand green fashions in the first place?

The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens. It takes roughly one-third of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow enough cotton for just one T-shirt. With facts like these (provided by the Organic Trade Association), it is hard to believe that anyone would want to buy anything made of non-organic cotton. Over 65% of what comes into contact you’re your skin is absorbed directly into your bloodstream; makes me think twice before I buy another top. Sheep’s wool is another fiber that comes from a questionable background. Similar to issues in the meat and dairy industries, cruel acts against sheep raised for their wool have come to light recently, especially in Australia.

As savvy consumers, we have the ability to change the current state of the market by demanding safer and healthier products. Alternative fibers, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp (much softer yet still as durable as it was in the 60s), are great options for fashion brands of all kinds. Unfortunately, fabrics aren’t the only issue to be addressed in modern-day clothing production; labor issues factor in as well. Sweatshops around the world; especially in South America, Asia, and Africa; continue to produce the major of our fashion purchases. As buyers, we owe it to give the creators of our garments an honest wage, as well as access to healthy food, clean water, medical care, and safe housing. Current conditions for millions of workers do not provide any of the previously mentioned daily needs.

Every dollar that you spend can be used to make a difference by buying organic, natural, local, or sustainable goods. You might be surprised to learn that it is becoming more convenient and affordable than ever to buy green fashions. The options are plethoric and I’ll be back next week to tell you all about them. Thursday, Feb. 22nd: How to find green fashions you can afford (a.k.a. why being stylish and green doesn’t have to be expensive.