I recently read an interesting article regarding organic, fair trade clothing. Having had an interest for several years in the health benefits of living a more natural lifestyle, I have stood on the fringes of the “go-green” movement, watching in dismay as the green elite step off their private jets with their evian and tell us all to use one square of toilet paper and buy organic apples for $4 a pound. If you preach green and you live like Ed Begley,Jr. or Bill Nye the Science Guy, you have my respect. If you preach green and leave the practice of it to others…not so much.

One word: balance. Okay, two more words: common sense.

As a Christian, I do not worship the earth, as some seem inclined to do. I am aware of the Biblical prophesies regarding the earth’s future and know that we cannot “save the planet” per se, just as we cannot eliminate poverty. Nevertheless, I am equally aware that this planet is a gift from God for our use, and with that gift comes a level of responsibility. It is our duty to care for God’s creation…but not worship it, not see it as the be-all and end-all of Christian existence. Praise the Creator, appreciate the creation.

How feasible is it, in our creation-appreciation, to buy organic, fair-trade textiles and other goods. If such shopping strategies have a great impact on the earth, and if chemical-free clothing is significantly better for our health, as some claim, then why not purchase all organic, all fair-trade goods all the time?

Obviously, there is the issue of lack of availability at a reasonable price, which strongly influences the purchase decisions of this mama. It has become trendy to be environmentally responsible, and anything trendy is pricey. Fortunately, some stores are responding and bringing comparably affordable options to the masses. If, however, you shop like we do, and limit your purchases of new clothing to primarily off-season, clearance-priced steals, your organic choices are limited. Is there a better option? I dare say there is.

The organic, fair-trade clothing article I mentioned sites fashion as being a driving force in purchase decisions. That assessment is spot-on. I challenge the overly fashion-conscious with a new mindset…or, better said, an old mindset. As a point of consideration (or a point of contention, if you are a slave to fashion), contemplate this: wouldn’t it be even more eco-responsible to make do with what we already have in our closets, than to buy something new, even if it is organic and fair trade? Organic clothing still impacts the environment, does it not? Wouldn’t it be better to take advantage of thrift stores, garage sales, local barter boards, or freecycle, thus keeping items out of landfills and reducing the effect of textile manufacturing?

Remember the good ol’ days when it was okay for children to wear patches on the knees of their play pants?  Remember when parents bought clothing for their children to grow into, hoping to stretch an outfit or pair of shoes for two or three seasons if not years?  Remember when you wore a pair of jeans from the time it no longer fit your older sister (or brother, in my case) until they were high waters?  (Those are called hand-me-downs, lest we have forgotten, and my children practically live in them.) Remember when people bought jeans because they needed them for their lifestyles (farmers being a prime example), not because they were a fashion statement?

Let’s put fashion where it belongs and dress with sense (and a bit of modesty please).  Think of how tremendously that would decrease consumerism’s effect on the environment and on most people’s debt!  If you ask me, that is green.

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