Green Efforts: 

Green printing with low-VOC inks

Organic apparel cotton grown from non-genetically altered seeds, nourished without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers is the most utilized environmentally friendly fabric.

Other alternative fabrics being explored for eco-friendliness:

• Bamboo: Considered environmentally friendly because it is quick-growing and doesn't require a lot of pesticides, bamboo fabric feels like silk. It also offers natural anti-microbial performance properties that block odor.

• Corn: Two trademarked "corn" fibers that are currently produced are Ingeo, by NatureWorks, and DuPont's Sorona. Both products are derived from plant sugars, which is why they are considered corn fibers. They rate high on the eco-meter because they are renewable.

• Hemp: A strong, resilient fiber, hemp is hardy enough to withstand weeds and bugs and can be used in the same way as cotton or wool. Today's hemp fabrics are a far cry from the stiff, scratchy materials of years past, yet are still just as durable.

• Soy: Produced from the residue of soybeans grown mostly in China, soy yarns are almost creamy to the touch and are often described as "cashmere-like." Soy fabrics also are promoted as having wellness characteristics because of soy's natural healing properties.

• Recycled Materials: One innovative recycled product on the market is Repreve, a recycled polyester. The product is made from post-consumer waste (plastic bottles) and post-industrial waste (leftover polyester).