Citizen Cashmere: For the Love of Wool and Goats

Citizen Cashmere is the GREEN face of cashmere.

Cashmere wool has been branded one the most comfortable and softest fibers out there. Cashmere gets its name from the soft wool of a certain species of goats.  In the past, mass production of cashmere clothing raised concern for eco friendly consumers. Mainly in regards to questionable unethical practices in the treatment of goats. Outlined here at Peta, a closer look into the wool industry blasts the way in which goats were sheared in cold weather and treated abusively. 

Greenies have long been upset that goats have been plied with unhealthy growth hormones in their feed or directly to promote either mass production of goats or cross breeding all in the name of made-in-china mass produced cashmere clothing. If that's not bad enough,  additions of harmful and toxic dyes to the clothing itself was just the final straw for greenies to look the other way before purchase of a cashmere sweater.  Until now...because for one company, they have vowed to do things differently.

Citizen Cashmere is taking a stand, this above is part of their constitution!

Citizen Cashmere (Paris) has taken a stand in the industry--actually having a creedo if you will, that they call their Constitution! Basically, they have green practices and want their goats to be treated fairly, and live to ripe old ages of 25!  They will wait for wool, and are using Mongolia's goats as the regions' people were for hundreds of years for such fibers. If cashmere wool production is low, they don't stress about it. They aren't going to pump their goats up on steroids like some manufacturers.  They say, "Our herders harvest cashmere by hand-combing the goat’s molting winter coat once per year. Left to nature, this fur would naturally blow away in the wind. Citizen Cashmere never uses anything that contains the non-combed fur from our own Mongolian goats. That means we are against fleece and shearling.."

Only $139.95, no matter what style you get. This is a VNeck Citizen's Cashmere sweater.

It's clear from their website that Citizen Cashmere is aimed at being greener in the manufacturre of clothing. Certainly they have integrity and values.   So I decided to dig deeper. Upon my inquiry, they issued a statement saying,, "We are doing something really unique because we own our own supply chain---so we are trying to do it right. We are super influenced from green peace's dirty laundry campaign when we started the brand. Our dyes come from Helsinki!"  In case you don't know what they are talking about, here's the video:



I really love the fact that in addition to their constitution, they have posted a strict quality control policy on their "fur"  and certainly don't cheat and use synthetic fibers. They just say NO to harmful or toxic dyes. They are on the cutting edge of fashion, offering many styles as opposed to just the traditional classic cashmere sweater.  Citizen Cashmere has found a way to offer a quality product with a green conscience.   Their sweaters are priced $139.95 and free shipping (and easy returns). They have a customer testimonial page where you share your video and may get it posted.  Here are customer testimonials.

Stylish half zip is an option as one of the sweater styles.

So now you can go feel all warm and fuzzy and soft, knowing this REAL cashmere goat sweater was made with green in mind. Now I know what I'm adding to my Christmas list.

Connect with Citizen Cashmere:
Website
Eco Friendly Store
Facebook
Twitter
See their Videos on YouTube!

Get Crafty With Sizzix Recycled Crafts

StitchesByJulia on Etsy made this sweet bracelet out of recycled purses, with the Sizzix Big Shot 

Today I drug out my Tim Holtz' Vagabond (suitcase Sizzix )and wanted to see what Etsy sellers were doing with theirs. I happened across these great Recycled Craft ideas.  It seems I've overlooked the fact that I could incorporate all kinds of elements rather than just ordinary cardboard or paper when die cutting !

Achou on Etsy uses her Sizzix to cut felt birds, that others use in craft projects. Nice!

These are just a few of my favorites. All are unique and great ideas for re-purposing old items such as leather, fabric, or even old t-shirt material! All are implementing the easy-to-use Sizzix. I can't wait to use mine!

StichesByJulia also makes lovely pins out of old sweatshirts on her Sizzix.

Now the below item is made with chipboard. Chipboard is an eco friendly alternative to using wood, as it is pressed recycled post consumer paper / recycled cardboard. Lots of crafters feel good about incorporating chipboard into their crafts.

Creations to Go offers this adorable clock face made with her Sizzix.

I also am extremely fond of this piece because you could incorporate old sheet music into your crafts, vintage watch hands, and old cloth. What a great array of things you can do with your Sizzix. I'm off to create something grand!

Eco Promotional Products: Green Up Your Business

Biodegradable Paper & Plastic Cups are 100% Compostable. Biodegradable plastic cups are made from PLA plastic derived from com. PLA plastic is a compostable material that will decompose back to organic elements.

Businesses of all sizes from corporations to Etsy shop can practice greener ways in their business. One of those ways is being aware of the promotional products they use around the workplace. Are they green?

Another BIG problems are a lot of those personalized or customized freebies they may give out.  You know the ones you receive at craft shows, trade shows, job fairs---those "go with" freebies that they give away when trying to upsell products.

Earth friendly bookmarks are handmade from 100% post-industrial recycled paper and infused with a hardy mix of wildflower seeds.

Good news!  Businesses need be not be worried about any longer. BrandedItems promotional products offers items in thier catalogue of Eco promotional products that are both Earth Friendly and Earth Conscious products. From personalized pens that have been made with recycled plastic they can give out to potential clients to biodegradable coffee cups that can be used in the workplace.

Eco Friendly material corn ball pen, made of corn starch organic materials, colored grip, wonderful promotion for your company with your logo imprint. Degradable barrel makes job low carbon.

Ordering in bulk will yield businesses more affordable item costs and business owners can rest assured they will be doing something good for the environment, their clients, and for their business.

I urge all business owners to step back today and ask themselves, "What small thing can you change to Green Up Your Business? "

All items featured available at BrandedItems click here for Eco promotional products


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Source: shop.ellapure.org via Cindy on Pinterest