Earth Day was Friday April 22, 2011, a day Jute & Jackfruit takes very seriously. We hope you had a great Earth Day, filled with things large and small to conserve our planet.
Another year has passed, and we are compelled to share with you what we have done this past year to make a positive impact on the Earth while keeping style at the forefront. Conserving our planet’s natural resources, making waves in the environmental movement, and “greening the apparel industry” without compromising on personal style are what we are all about.
Why the environment is important to Jute & Jackfruit
If it were not for my travels to Asia when I was working in public health, and learning about the detrimental environmental impacts of the apparel industry, this company would not have been born. I decided that I wanted to do something to green at least one corner of the apparel industry, since I found so much of it leaving a heavy trail of toxic chemicals, not to mention the human costs of producing cheap apparel. I chose to contribute by creating a place for conscientious women to find sustainable clothing that also reflects intelligent design and compelling style. Now that I am a Mother, I care even more deeply about environmental conservation for the sake of my son’s future and those of children everywhere.
It is my goal that Jute & Jackfruit will contribute to positive environmental impacts both through the way we do business as well as through our membership in 1% for the Planet. 1% for the Planet is an organization of more than 1,000 businesses devoted to building and supporting an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet. Jute & Jackfruit aims to do its part to help preserve the Earth’s precious waterways, reduce the amounts of land and water to produce (and USE) garments, and to emphasize quality over quantity, thereby also reducing the amount of waste generated.
A few ways we are caring for the environment while running Jute & Jackfruit
(1) Carbon Offsets.
This past year we joined up with NativeEnergy to offset all of the carbon generated through the activities of the company (energy and shipping). NativeEnergy is a climate solutions innovator and recognized leader in the U.S. carbon market, offering services that reduce carbon emissions to fight global warming. By helping finance construction of Native American, family farm, and community-based renewable energy and carbon reduction projects, NativeEnergy helps communities in need build sustainable economies. They also have significant Native American ownership, providing tribes the ability to share in the business value we are creating. (I love this aspect of NativeEnergy! and I’ll cover this in a future blog post.) NativeEnergy is a member of Green America.
(2) Our continued support of Green America.
We continued our support of Green America and chose them as one of our donor recipients for our 1% for the Planet donation. Green America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982 with the mission to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.
(3) Supporting NOFA/Mass and organic farming.
This past year we chose another local organization, the Massachusetts chapter of theNortheast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass) as one of our 1% for the Planet recipients. We couldn’t be more thrilled to invest in this organization, including local programs such as their urban community gardening projects (which we love!). Due to the recent USDA decision permitting the unrestricted commercial cultivation of genetically modified alfalfa, we grew increasingly passionate about supporting organic farming this year.
Therefore we chose to support an organization that is also passionate about organic farming and is working hard to educate others to increase the number and quality of organic farmers out there. NOFA/Mass is a community including farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and consumers working to educate members and the general public about the benefits of local organic systems based on complete cycles, natural materials, and minimal waste for the health of individual beings, communities and the living planet.
(4) Continued repurposing to reduce waste.
Nearly all the packaging and boxes that we receive from our designers and other partners are reclaimed and reused for shipping to our customers. In addition, we package our clothing in tissue paper made from 100% recycled post-consumer paper, biodegradable plastic bags made from corn (to protect the products from the elements). Our shipper of choice is the United States Postal Service (USPS), of which a majority of their shipping materials are Cradle-to-Cradle certified.
(5) Last but in no way least (!), supporting our eco-designers
We are proud to work with wonderful and talented designers who work with organic and eco-friendly fabrics and materials for their designs and who employ ethical labor practices. We only carry designers that are committed to the environment as part of their raison d’etre. We are happy to report that our designers are continuing to innovate along these lines– coming up with new fabrics, making the same ones better, less expensive, and even more stylish.
Hats off to our designers such as Feral Childe (featured below), Kelly Lane, Stewart+Brown, Indigenous Designs, Rebe, Earth Creations, Jonano, Turk+Taylor, and Prairie Underground who are driving the industry in such a positive direction. We are thrilled to carry your pioneering collections in our boutique.
Wardrobes reflect personal style and also values. Choose to make a difference:
“Wear the change you want to see in the world.”
 Organic Cotton Abalone Dress |
 Organic Cotton Loopy Cardigan |
As a Member of 1% for the Planet, Jute and Jackfruit, Inc., donates at least one percent of our annual revenue to environmental causes. This Earth Day, we want to thank you for your support with the gift of free music. Download and enjoy 1% for the Planet: The Music, Vol. 1, a benefit compilation featuring 41 rare and exclusive tracks from artists like Jackson Browne, Josh Ritter, Grace Potter, and Jack Johnson.
Simply visit One Percent for the Planet and enter code EARTHDAY11 for your free download. Coupon will be valid any time during Earth Day, April 22, 2011.
Many of the artists on this album are dedicated environmentalists AND 1% Members themselves, who willingly donate their time and music to create this momentous “environmental album”. All the proceeds from 1% for the Planet: The Music, Vol 1 support environmental initiatives around the world. So go ahead and enjoy this music knowing that you are making a difference in the environment as you listen!
Once you’ve had a chance to enjoy the music, please join us in giving back. This past year, Jute & Jackfruit contributed to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass) and Green America. Please consider supporting these (or your favorite environmental causes) causes this Earth Day!
One Percent for the Planet is a collective of more than 1,000 businesses (of which Jute & Jackfruit is one) which recognizes that industry and ecology are inherently connected, and that it is our job to be stewards of the environment. One Percent For The Planet was started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia and Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies.
Note: this is Part 2 of a series on Motherhood and Fashion. Check out this link for Part 1 of Motherhood and Fashion, and this link for our post on Eco-friendly Maternity Clothing.
Wearing the ERGObaby and Patagonia.
If there are two things about Motherhood, it’s the constantly changing job description aligned with your ever growing child (or children) that make it so exciting. I am someone who generally likes routines, setting up schedules, ‘to-do’ lists and planning. I have quickly come to realize however that any routines in this new job tend to not last more than a week. Anytime I start to see a trend, that trend seems to shift or change radically in a few days, so I’ve stopped trying to imagine “schedules” that don’t exist (other than 2 naps a day, sleeping, eating and pooping).
I guess this is one reason why new moms, quickly learn how to be flexible, adapt and go with the flow (of their child). For me, this adaptability has translated into other areas of my life, including my wardrobe. Often on the go, I find that I need clothing that will move easily with me and not get in the way. I also find that I increasingly prioritize comfort. Before having a child, I might have found myself sporting several outfits in a day: work, gym, out with friends, dinner date or other, and several of those might not have been the most comfortable, but if its just for a few hours, it didn’t bother me. Nowadays, I rarely have that luxury, and wearing something that is comfortable, that I also look and feel good in, makes all the difference.
Comfort is Key
From postpartum onward, I prioritized comfort in my clothing choices much more than I did before. For all you Moms out there you also know that the postpartum period involves a lot of discomfort. Your body is healing, it is exhausted, and there are so many places that hurt, including your breasts (especially if you are breastfeeding)! One often needs to be on the move, including crawling on the floor. If you are not comfortable, it is going to affect how you take care of your baby. You will likely be on night and morning duty with your baby, and your work never really ends.
Ease of Cleaning and Durability
Shana wearing Stewart+Brown and Jonano Leggings while pregnant
Durability and ease of cleaning are a must have for new mothers. Babies are constant sources of stains; it’s part of their job description. From spit up, food, breast milk, and other kid-related messes, the ability to wipe off a stain quickly and/or throw something in the wash without worrying whether the fabric will be destroyed is important. Now with a child, we wash clothes much more often, so the fabrics need to be as durable and as stain-resistant as possible.
Another reason that fabrics need to be durable is that baby carriers, such as our favorite organic cotton ERGOBaby, will rub against the fabric around your shoulders and waist. Delicate fabrics simply will not endure.
Reliable choices for me in terms of durable fabrics have been heavier weight organic cotton fabrics, hemp blends, and recycled fleece.
Favorites for Everyday Wear
My personal choices for early period post-partum were organic cotton Tees and Tanks, as these were the softest on my skin and the most comfortable to wear. (Itsus and Sita Tees.) Often, I also wore the Stewart+Brown Long-Sleeve Lengthened Tees, particularly during sleep.
Though it is not made of organic cotton, the Glamour Mom Nursing bras were a go-to for me. They have a tank-top style, and are so versatile and comfortable. Layering other garments is incredibly easy. If they were made from organic cotton, I would unconditionally recommend them.
On the really hot days, I wore dresses, but generally found them harder to breastfeed in. Nevertheless, my Indigenous Designs organic cotton spaghetti-strap dresses were super comfortable, especially on the really hot days. I paired them with an organic cotton sweatshirt or cardigan if I needed to layer for warmth on the occasional cool days or in air-conditioned rooms.
Shana wearing Prairie Underground Long Cloak Hoodie and Jonano Leggings
As the weather cooled, I turned to the Jonano bamboo-organic cotton leggings (Capri or full-length Nadia leggings, depending on the temperature). Above right is a photo of the Jonano Capri leggings paired with the Stewart + Brown Dijuna Wrap. That photo was actually taken while pregnant, so you can see I have been wearing the leggings for a long time! After my son was born, I wore both the Nadia’s and the Capris throughout the winter and into spring. They are SUPER comfortable, with a low waist and soft elastic band, which is not tight at all. As your tummy shrinks or expands, these are the perfect leggings, and I also wore them during pregnancy. They have been durable and have resisted pilling. (I dry them by laying them flat, rather than putting them in the dryer, and I think that has helped.)
On the particularly cold days, or if it was raining, I would wear my Jonano capri’s as a baselayer and the Ibex Tuck pant as an outer shell. This combination kept me warm and dry during the New England winter. I also recommend the very soft, lightweight R1 full-zip fleece by Patagonia, which is another great layering piece. The R1 fleece is a frequent choice for me as it is SO soft, and easy to pull on over anything, plus it wicks water and resists stains amazingly well. We’ve taken a number of trips out to the West Coast since my son was born, and this fleece makes it in the carryon every time. (Another bonus is that it doesn’t take up much room and packs really well.)
Patagonia is a company I truly admire. Its inspiring leader, Yvon Chouinard, is a pioneering adventurer and eco-preneur. Check out his memoir Let My People Go Surfing.
I’ll leave you with a final go-to wardrobe staple for me: The Prairie Underground Cloak Hoodie and Long Cloak Hoodie (pictured left in the Silverleaf color). They are amazing wardrobe pieces precisely because they combine comfort, style, durability, and easy-of-wearing. As the icing on the cake, they are 100% organic cotton AND made in the USA (Seattle, Washington). These hoodies have been great as a stylish indoor jacket. They also work well as an outerwear jacket during the fall and spring transitioning seasons.
Stay tuned for the next post on “More Formal Wear”, and also check out our previous post on Motherhood and Fashion and Maternity Clothes.
In the mean time, let us know your favorites in the comments!
April 18th, 2011 in
About,
Clothing,
EcoGirl,
Indigenous Designs,
Jonano,
Maternity,
Motherhood,
Prairie Underground,
Stewart+Brown | tags:
ergobaby,
glamour mom,
ibex,
patagonia |
1 Comment
As many of you know, I became a mother for the first time nearly a year ago. This has been the most wonderful experience. If there are a few words that best capture it all for me thus far, I would have to say that “it is the toughest job I have ever loved,” a phrase I heard for the first time more than 10 years ago while in the Peace Corps.
Shana Yansen during her time in Honduras with the Peace Corps
The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love
Often walking 5 – 8 miles a day for my work in the beating sun and pouring rain along mountainous roads to teach classes and facilitate community health meetings, this phrase made sense to me. Without electricity, telephones, computers, life in the small Honduran village was incredibly challenging, but also more rewarding, rich, and full of life than words can describe.
However, now that I am a mom, this new job takes the cake. What I also love about the job is that millions of women across the world have all experienced it, and are experiencing it now! I am thrilled that we have this in common (across so many cultures and societies), and it inspires me even more at Jute and Jackfruit to empower women in less fortunate corners of the world to have access to better work opportunities and a better life for their children to grow up in.
The incredible joy I feel as a mother watching my son grow up and change every day is coupled with an enormous amount of work and responsibility. For those of you who are Moms, you know this all too well! The job is constantly evolving, ever demanding and the daily rewards can sometimes feel small. Particularly in the earliest months, as your child is entirely dependent on you and oh-so-very demanding, the opportunities for rest, sleep, and taking care of yourself are few and far between. (There is a reason why torture techniques include sleep deprivation.)
In the end, though, I imagine that most of us agree that all the pain and hard work is more than worth it when you see your child laugh, smile, and grow!
Now, back to fashion and clothing:
As a mom and boutique owner, I naturally reflected on my clothing choices over the last 10 months. I’ve thought a lot about how my clothing choices changed, and I’d like to share my thoughts here, with the hope of sparking a dialogue and perhaps helping others. When time is in extremely short supply, sometimes it is nice to hear suggestions from other Moms. (This is the kind of advice I turn to all the time.) And even though time to ourselves decreases to a near minimum, I have found that, it is still important to take care of oneself and looking and feeling good are all part of that equation.
So let’s start out with priorities.
Comfort is key
On the move with organic cotton dress by Indigenous Designs
There are so many lifestyle changes that come with having a baby, and those shifts do include our wardrobe. For me, what stands out most is the need for comfort. From postpartum onward, I prioritized comfort in my clothing choices much more than I did before. The postpartum period involves a lot of discomfort. Your body is healing, it is exhausted, and there are so many places that hurt, including your breasts (especially if you are breastfeeding)! One often needs to be on the move, including crawling on the floor. If you are not comfortable, it is going to affect how you take care of your baby. You will likely be on night and morning duty with your baby, and your work never really ends.
With the daily demands so high, the last thing I need is to worry about is fabric bothering me, or an outfit requiring a lot of maintenance throughout the day. Soft, moveable fabrics have been a staple for me.
Ease of wearing, durability, breathability
Not far behind comfort falls ease-of-wearing (i.e., does it take a long time to put the outfit together), durability and breathability. By breathability, I mean a fabric’s ability to regulate temperature and wick moisture (both of which are quite important in New England). Finally, since I have been breastfeeding, the ease at which I can breastfeed without much hassle is also key. Cross-cutting each of these criteria are style, fit, and overall appeal of the garment.
Thinking about these criteria, I reflected back on the last several months on what some of my absolute favorite go-to pieces have been. After reading this, I hope you will share your favorites in the comments. Many of these choices are not carried by Jute and Jackfruit. Regardless, they are from companies that I admire and whose principles are in line with those of Jute and Jackfruit, so I am very happy to share the love.
Considering the many different activities and environments in which we all work and perform “Motherhood”, I’ve structured this list of favorites into three posts for the coming days (so stay tuned!):
- Everyday wear
- More formal wear (which would translate into work outfits, evening wear, special occasions, etc., depending on your needs)
- Active wear (e.g., outfits you will want to wear out on long walks, day-long events or outings, and exercise)
In the meantime, let us know what your favorites have been in the comments! And, in case you missed it, check out our post on maternity clothes.
Update: Here’s a link to Part 2.
