EarthPositive apparel is a good example of taking it to the next level. Yes, they are just basics likely to be used for promotional means (think band t-shirts and convention give aways) and not something we are going to see gracing the runways of any fashion week...ever, but given the mainstream appetite for t-shirts and hoodies, I think these guys are on the right track. Yes, cutting back on promotional items that no one really ever wears anyway (except perhaps to paint in or clean house) is ultimately where we need to go, but in the mean time, this is a step in the right direction. Here's what they have to say.

What are CLIMATE NEUTRAL T-shirts?

Climate Neutral means our industrial greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced to pre-industrial levels through low-
impact (low emission) organic agriculture and carbon neutral industrial manufacturing, achieved through substituting energy use
from fossil fuel powered power stations (grey electricity) with clean renewable 'green' energy from wind turbines and solar power.

What is EarthPositive?

EarthPositive is a green revolution in promotional apparel.The humble T-shirt, the most basic canvas for communicating a
brand name, corporate identity, or political slogan, and especially through youth audiences, has become the environmental product. EarthPositive T-shirts and sweatshirts will give consumers a familiar and readily understood medium through which to take action on climate change, just by wearing what they feel comfortable in. In business, Carbon Neutral EarthPositive T-shirts will make sustainability a competitive advantage for switched-on promotional apparel re-sellers and their customers. These new products will allow businesses to compete on their competitor's traditional turf and lure away key accounts.

Why?

In response to the growing concerns for climate change, we are able to manufacture EarthPositive apparel solely using sustainable
energy generated from wind and solar power. We do not burn any fossil fuels, and all manufacturing processes are done in one
location to minimize transportation. The organic cotton is planted and harvested by hand, without mechanization, and because organic
farming does not use petroleum based chemical fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides, it is less reliant on fossil fuels.
EarthPositive apparel is made to demonstrate the highest possible environmental and social standards, in one of the world's most
environmentally damaging industries, and to provide the promotional garment industry with an everyday medium to promote
awareness and take action on climate change.

In addition to these lofty standards, EarthPositive has a pretty impressive list of 3rd party certifications. Their apparel is certified 100% organic under the Global Organic Textile Standard, not an easy standard to meet I might add, they are licensed by the Soil Association, and they are certified Class I by the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard. The Oeko-Tex 100 standard sets restrictions on harmful substances which can be found in a finished textile product. While their apparel is made in India, they state that, "EarthPositive apparel is made as ethically as possible. EarthPositive manufacturing facilities have been audited by the Fair Wear Foundation, certified by GOTS, and are being licensed as Fairtrade / Max Havelaar by the FLO". Finally, in addition to manufacturing in climate neutral facilities, the final product is "distributed through carbon neutral warehouses in London which use only renewable green electricity.

The shirts and hoodies do come in a variety of vibrant shades, which might leave you wondering about the dying process, which is that end of the production process most in "sustainable" apparel that is still in need of improvement. According to EarthPositive, the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard applies particularly to the dyes used to color their garments, meaning that the dyes are guaranteed to be safe for human health, and they are also approved for use under the GOTS. The processing of the dye effluent takes place in a controlled, "closed loop" purification system, which uses treatment ponds, carbon filtration and reverse osmosis top convert the waste water into drinkable water.

Pretty impressive I would say. Now let's hope they stick around and set a new standard in apparel production.