I recently wrote about lighting at stores and how it effects the retail environment and mood. In a follow-up to a story I  posted, Wal-Mart, Fashion and Lighting, I came across a related article about Wal-Mart's plan to find "better (energy-efficient) ways to illuminate a store".  In a move that is certainly "on-trend" the retailer is mulling over "more–environmentally friendly ways of lighting up a space".

On Nov. 1, Wal-Mart announced at a meeting of U.S. mayors in Seattle that it would partner with the former president’s (Bill) Clinton Climate Initiative to help identify green technologies and to bring down the price of eco-friendly products such as energy-efficient building materials and lighting systems.

 

More than a mere trend this is a change with substance.  States such as California are looking at changing energy efficiency requirements for residential and nonresidential buildings. Retailers are considering LED lighting, halogen lighting and natural light to conserve energy.

Fashion boutiques often use halogen infrared reflecting lamps for accent lighting with an energy-efficient touch. Peake is president of The Lighting Collaborative Inc., a Tustin, Calif.–based lighting education group and a consultant for Southern California Edison.

source: apparelnews.net

 

According to lighting consultant Kathleen Peake, though the California law does not specify a particular lighting technology, most retailers use LED lights for landscape lighting. The benefits of LED lights include an efficiency 90% greater than halogen, and are long-lasting (more than 50,000 hours) and do not create heat.

In the wake of the controversy that has come to press about Wal-Mart, it would be good public relations to install environmentally-friendly lighting. This is a benefit that is in addition to cost-efficiency and of course satisfying legal requirements in some states. 

Eco-fashion is growing in popularity and news of  Wal-Mart being more environmentally responsible will make for good PR buzz. And at this time of high energy and fuel costs many home owners are acutely aware of the sensible aspect of this.  Get some ultra-cool and efficient lighting for your home and "dressing room space", turn the furnace down and with the money you save buy a luxe cashmere sweater to keep you warm.

Hesitant to let go of those favorite pair of jeans, even though they've seen much better days. Now you can give your beloved denim a new life as earth friendly sandals. A UK manufacturer of earth friendly sandals will recycle your jeans into the "ultra-comfortable soft, springy" podiatrist approved "…Kalahari comfort sandal. (A shoe) for women who want to improve their general posture and foot health. The sandals have a unique foot support which mimics walking barefoot on soft ground."

Simply fill out the contact form at their web site, http://www.recycleyourjeans.com/ pack up your old jeans and mail them to the company However, there was no indication on their site that they transacted business outside of the UK.

They have another environmentally friendly shoe site http://www.softwalker.co.uk/

More designers are incorporating eco-fashion into their clothing. Earth friendly fashion is more than just a trend - it is a cause you can feel good about and as a bonus wear great looking clothes. Levi's has an affordable line of jeans, Levi's eco, made from 100% organic cotton. The denim ranges from a thrifty $59.00 to a more indulgent $245. Below are the Levi's eco Organic Skinny Jean for $65.00.

The website, UnsungDesigners.com is one of many sites that showcases the talent of emerging designers. In a fashion forward mode I always like to promote the talented and yet to be discovered by the world at large. Maybe you, like I was, are just perusing the internet looking for a particular style of dress and come across a design that catches your attention. So for your viewing pleasure, some styles I liked.  Of, course they offer more. UnsunDesigners.com is an online boutique that offers for sale designer women's and men's clothes and accessories. Descriptions of the clothes are from their website. (click on thumbs for larger picture)

Organza A-Line Dress by Verrieres & Sako in grey, ivory (shown), black. 

Signature quality tailoring pays homage to the 1940's adding mystery behind every seam. Light fabrics and metallic taffetas establish an unmistakable feeling of luxury and attractiveness. Knee length silk organza a-line dress with 100% cotton lining.

$315.00

 Empire Gown by AngelRox, plum, black, or cinnamon

Full length v-neck gown with empire waistline and gently puckered half sleeves. Feels cozy, timeless & elegant. Bamboo spandex jersey. Organic, renewable & anti-bacterial.

 $228.00