Finding Organic Maternity Clothes
If your old wardrobe no longer fits and pre-loved is not an option, you may need to purchase new maternity clothes to wear throughout your pregnancy. Look for organic fabrics that minimize the environmental impact of the garment's production. And skip cheap and poorly made clothes that will fall apart after the first washing. Instead, save the planet and protect your overall investment by purchasing clothes that are built to last. Look for sturdy stitching, strong fabrics, and a minimum number of appliqués.
Check out your local clothing store to see if they offer maternity clothing made from organic fibers. If not, don't be afraid to ask if they'll consider carrying them in the future. Online, check out Jessica Scott (www.jessicascottltd.com), Baby Nut (www.babynut.com), Hip and Little (www.hipandlittle.com), MollyAnna (www.mollyanna.com), and Pristine Planet (www.pristineplanet.com).
One item that you may need to purchase is maternity underwear. Your old undies just may not provide the coverage they once did before your pregnancy. Check out your favorite eco-retailer to find organic cotton maternity underwear to wear throughout your pregnancy.
You will also need at least one pair of comfortable, supportive shoes during your pregnancy. Not only are you going to be putting a lot of stress on your feet, but they also may swell later in pregnancy. Look for shoes that offer both foot and arch support. Also stick with shoes that slip on easily and do not use shoelaces, Velcro, or buckles, as later in your pregnancy it may be difficult to get them on. If you need to purchase a new pair that meet these criteria, look for shoes made from organic, recycled-content, and vegan materials like those from Simple Shoes (www.simpleshoes.com).
For shoes, try Timberland (www.timberland.com), a company that makes environmental commitments that go beyond a greenwashed label. A number of the company's global retail stores are carbon neutral, they use renewable energy at several of their facilities, and they provide a $3,000 incentive for employees who purchase hybrid cars. In addition, many of their most popular products now include a Green Index label that informs consumers about the chemicals and materials used and climate-impact created to produce each item. Another company that is working toward providing friendlier footprints is Simple Shoes (www.simpleshoes.com). They have great looking casual shoes for the whole family made from organic fibers, water-based glues, and recycled materials.
After your pregnancy, as you continue to search for green clothing, look for organic and sustainably produced garments made from eco-savvy retailers such as Patagonia (www.patagonia.com), Lotus Organics (www.lotusorganics.com), Blue Canoe (www.bluecanoe.com), and Stewart + Brown (www.stewartbrown.com).
