Raw Denim – The Environmental & Green Choice

Rightfully so, one of the most trending topics over the past x-years is the impact we (as consumers) are having on the environment.  Around this time last year, a group of 100-some apparel companies formed together to produce a software tool that measures the environmental impact of their products, called “The Eco Index”.  Although the project is driven by the “Outdoor Industry Association” and still in beta, one company that has stepped up to help champion is Levi’s Strauss & Co.

Levi’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability Team, Colleen Kohlsaat, has said they are more than willing to pool their resources with other participants to produce a uniform measurement tool.  The end goal from this initiative is simple – reduce the overall environmental and human rights impact of the apparel industry (see previous post – “Raw Denim – The Respectable and Ethical Choice“).

To illustrate, in terms of to stonewashed Levi’s 501 denim, some statistics provided:

One look at all this and it’s clear what has the heaviest “environmental” impact – washing.  Of course this is all still preliminary and many other factors are left out, but what does raw denim not stand for?  Well, pretty must just that…

So, on top of raw denim being more authentic, personalized, and ethical, we think it’s only fair to deem it more environmental and green.  Agree?

Additional Resources:

Stay Raw (and Green),

-Nick
@heddels