The Bamboo Scene

A bamboo jungle in NYC? It seems unlikely considering the climate, yet the Metropolitan Museum of Art has made it happen. Or more accurately, two inventive artists named Doug and Mike Starn (identical twins, no less), have created the “Big Bambu” exhibit atop the Met’s roof. The exhibit which opened Tuesday has bamboo thickets with elevated paths winding through them that will cover about 100 by 50 feet when the work is completed (it’s growing daily!).

It seems as if bamboo has captured our collective imagination of late. Bamboo is now being used to make floors, furniture, rugs, dishes, fences, food, apparel and many other things.

Most bamboo clothing is made of a viscose extruded from the bamboo through a chemical process. The apparel ends up with a lovely drape and soft, luxurious hand feel. It is a nice mid-weight fabric that feels good on your body during any season. And, viscose from bamboo is perfect for travel wear because any wrinkles you may pack into a piece, fall out easily when you hang it up at your destination.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to wear a viscose from bamboo apparel piece yet, take a look at our selection. You’ll want to find something bambooesque to wear when you visit the “Big Bambu” exhibit at the Met this summer. If a visit to the Big Apple is not in your plans, enjoy your bamboo piece wherever your summer travels take you from a picnic at the local park to dinner at an exotic locale.

--Your friends at Birch

Made in Minnesota – Tessoro Jewelry

Birch is now offering earrings, necklaces and pins from Tessoro. Tessoro’s natural birchbark jewelry adds simple elegance to any outfit. We feature selections from Tessoro’s Classic, Nordic, Salon and Calder collections in our web store.

Minnesota jewelry designer Deborah Bushinski has been designing and handcrafting her jewelry using the natural beauty of salvaged birchbark since 1998. Her design composition is focused on color, texture and composition.

Tessoro’s commitment to green practices begins with the salvaged birchbark used to produce the jewelry. The bark is cured then cut or torn into the shape needed and coated with an acrylic polymer sealing the wood, enhancing the color as well as bolstering the natural durability of the bark.

Tessoro also uses reclaimed copper from scrapped car radiators. The copper is sanded and cleaned and then artfully used by Deborah to create her jewelry.

The final touches to many designs include the use of semi-precious gemstones as well as freshwater pearls, and simple hematite or sterling beads to add contrast to the bark. Sterling silver and reclaimed copper, hand hammered to create subtle nuances and irregularities, lend structure and boldness to other designs.

We think you will enjoy the unique, naturally elegant styling of our Tessoro jewelry selections.

--Your friends at Birch

Rewilding Our Style

The term “rewilding” has been used to define a concept calling for restoring ecological balance by reintroducing wild species such as bears and wolves to areas from which they have disappeared. Now some eco-psychologist types are trying to rewild the psyche. They believe that personal health and the health of the earth are connected. Healthier environment equals healthier us.

Taking this concept a step further, the term “soliphilia” has been coined for the concept of being aware of and in tune with the interconnectedness of all the components that make up a healthy environment. The theory is that communities which understand that mind and nature are not separate but interconnected are healthier and their residents more satisfied.

Recognizing the essential connection between us and the other inhabitants of this great world, both animal and plant, is key to the success of environmentalism. Connections. Those who make them fare better. That is the meaning of soliphilia.

So when people ask: Why are you concerned with organic and sustainable fashion? One answer (now that I have learned of the concept) is that it helps to create soliphilia in my community and world. Wearing clothing each day that is created with minimal environmental impact and with respect for the sewers producing it, promotes the general welfare while allowing us to look and feel our best. It brings us back to the basics, increases healthy connections and makes us more satisfied.

Rewild on! And, Happy Earth Day, too!

--Your friends at Birch

Book Review of Practically Green

With Earth Day coming up on Thursday, this is the perfect time to let you know about a handy new “green” resource that is now available. Perhaps you know someone who would like to learn more about sustainable living in an easy, straightforward manner. If so, tell them to get a copy of green blogger Micaela Preston’s well written book, Practically Green.

Practically Green is a practical guide to creating and maintaining a sustainable and healthy home. The book is divided into sections on topics such as eating, cleaning, wearing and conserving. It has up to date charts for you to cut out and keep in your purse on topics such as: sustainable seafood (great to pull out when your eyes are glazing over at the seafood counter wondering what to choose that is healthy for you and not overfished), nontoxic cleaning agents and sustainable clothing standards.

The guide is peppered with “Eco-Spotlights” - little blurbs about notable environmentally or socially responsible organizations or businesses that will tune you in to some new interesting resources.

Do-it-yourselfers will love the more than thirty projects and ideas for things to make instead of buy. And, the eating section of the book has several good recipes to try.

Practically Green is compact and well organized, so if you are looking for specific information, it is easy to find. It is a helpful guide to have around to answer many basic questions about green living.

--Your friends at Birch

The Green Creation at Birch

Birch has stocked up on some wonderfully soft, 100% organic cotton clothes, towels and receiving blankets for infants and toddlers from The Green Creation.

The Green Creation is an eco-conscious company that creates hip/stylish clothes and accessories for little ones with sizes from newborn up to 24 months.

Your child will love the adorable tees, pants, bibs and bodysuits with fanciful graphics. And, the organic cotton towels, washcloths and blankets have a perfectly soft feel for your baby’s tender skin.

We love the “above and beyond” attitude of this company towards sustainability. The entire line is made of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified 100% organic cotton. GOTS certification gives the added assurance of ecological and social responsibility throughout the production process from knitting the yarn through producing the garment.

Not only are their garments GOTS certified but The Green Creation makes their clothing line in India using paddy husk energy for manufacturing. The company’s Smitha Prasad explains: Paddy husk is a major by-product of the rice milling industry and at present around 540,000 metric tons of husk is produced annually. In the majority of rice processing areas, husk is considered as waste material and disposed. But a few companies, including The Green Creation, reuse the husks as a source of energy thereby minimizing its “disposing impact” on the environment. And a productive use has been found for the ash that comes out of burning the paddy husk – the “black ash” can be used as a fertilizer in paddy farming, and the “white ash” in banana and other vegetable cultivation.

The Green Creation works to minimize any adverse effect on the earth while creating adorable baby apparel and accessories. The products are priced nicely from $4.99 to $29.99. We invite you to take a look at these sweet clothes and accessories for infants and toddlers.

--Your friends at Birch

Sustainable Style - Art to Wear

I came across a textile gallery by the name of Moonstruck Art, full of inventive apparel and accessories when I was visiting Silver City, New Mexico recently. I was drawn into the space by a colorful jacket made of recycled saris hanging on the back wall that I could see through the shop window. The exceptionally friendly owner, Pat Bouchard, enthusiastically told me about the artists and the handmade art to wear throughout the store.

I was particularly drawn to the handwoven scarves by Cary Wilcox. I found the distinctive patterns, texture and colors she creates irresistable. I chose a beautiful handpainted medium weight scarf made of tencel and silk to take home with me. It is a perfect weight for spring or fall. Plus, it is nice and long so I can wrap it and wear it several different ways.

Art to wear is an especially delightful part of the slow fashion movement and sustainable style. Art, of course, sustains our essence, our spirit, our soul. The garments are one of a kind accent pieces that the wearer will treasure for years and are often locally made. And if you see something you like that is not quite the right color or size, the artist may be able to custom make a version for you to your specifications.

If you are ever in Silver City, New Mexico stop by the Moonstruck Art Gallery and let Pat tell you about how, where and by whom all the scarves, jackets, jewelry, hats and more were made. As a bonus, she’ll also let you know the best restaurants and coffee shops to visit while you are in town.

--Your friends at Birch

Sustainable Style –Update on the Uniform Project

Sheena Matheiken decided to wear the same black dress for one year beginning in May 09 as an exercise in sustainable fashion and to raise money to send underprivileged children to school in India. We reported on her adventure in dressing through The Uniform Project in an earlier post.

Well here it has been almost a year now and Sheena is still finding new ways to wear her one basic dress. Pictured is her outfit for Thursday, April 8th. And, she has raised almost $70,000, enough to send 193 children to school!

I like Sheena’s approach to sustainable style because she makes sure the outfit meets her functional needs, (deep pockets to hold gear) speaks to her style sense (by looking through and analyzing her current wardrobe when designing the dress) and that the dress will work in all seasons (by choosing a durable cotton fabric that is trans-seasonal). And arguably most important, Sheena did not neglect the importance of fit in creating her sustainable style piece. The designer, Eliza Starbuck, who made this all happen, also made sure the dress fit Sheena perfectly.

A perfect fit makes all the difference in whether or not we reach for a garment from the closet in the morning. If we could find a practical and reasonably priced way to have our clothing custom fit, I’m convinced everyone’s closet would be a lot leaner.

Sheena has given us one possibility for creating a custom wardrobe – limit yourself to one perfect dress. Note that Sheena’s one dress is actually seven identical dresses- one for each day of the week. That practicality makes her scheme for dressing more workable.

--Your Friends at Birch

Made in Minneapolis

We love sourcing locally. But with apparel it is not always easy to find appealing items that are made in the USA much less in our own community. So we are especially pleased to let you know about Sassy Knitwear made in our very own hometown of Minneapolis.

Sassy Knits are designed and produced by Molly O’Brien Black and Sarah Grudem. These two women create fun, comfortable, contemporary pieces for women and for babies/toddlers.

We feel happy whenever we wear a Sassy Knit piece and we think you will too. Each item is made out of soft and sometimes quite colorful organic cotton knit in flattering designs.

Whether you are looking for a cute sleeveless dress, the perfect yoga top or pants, or something for heading out on the town during these lovely spring days, Sassy Knitwear has it. And don’t forget to put some kick in your little ones wardrobe with a soft, comfy, organic cotton piece for your baby or toddler.

--Your friends at Birch