Rated G for Green

Okay, so we have labels that tell us nutritional information, washing instructions, and Surgeon General's warnings. There's even legislation for automobiles' MPG, and smoking ordinances to cut down on second-hand inhalation. So, why on Earth has it taken this long for clothing manufacturers to fess up to their products sustainabiltiy and ethical accountability?

According to Ecorazzi (for all your green gossip, apparently), a coalition of manufacturers, including Walmart, J.C.Penney's, and Timberland, has formed to rate the sustainability of globally sourced items, and the companies who sell them. The score reflects not only the ecologic impact of the item, but also the working conditions under which the item was made.

The New York Times reported that the coalition was working toward, “developing a comprehensive database of the environmental impact of every manufacturer, component and process in apparel production, with the aim of using that information to eventually give every garment a sustainability score.” With any luck, one day you might pick up t-shirt in Walmart, and find not only a size and price, but also a sustainability rating right there on the tag.

To top it off, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition also plans to impart a little knowledge to label executives about what goes into global sourcing and product manufacturing. After all, knowing is half the battle.

Even better than a great eco rating are items that barely warrant rating. For worry-free retail therapy, Livia Firth (Mrs. Best Actor Colin) has a fantastic little shop in Chiswick, London, that sells ethical and upcycled accessories and home decor. Mrs. Firth is dedicated to ethical fashion, and recently completed a "Green Capet Challenge" to wear only such creations to awards ceremonies, culminating in an Oscar gown pieced beautifully together from eleven vintage gowns, dating back to the period where her husband's movie was set. Wow.

This week, to celebrate Mr. Firth's new statuette, the shop, Eco Age, is having a sale. Each day, a different piece will receive a discount with a promo code. Today's piece is a lovely necklace, designed by Livia Firth, herself.