You Are What Your Wear: AHAA Living’s Ethical Coat Round-Up
Braving sub-zero North American winters can be challenging. What’s even more challenging? Keeping warm and looking great while choosing ethical garments.
Alas, search no more for the perfect, cruelty-free, yet stylish winter coat. The AHAALiving.com team has put together our picks for eco-friendly winter coats that will keep you toasty all winter long.
The Portland-based apparel company believes that business can be a force of good, and they base everything they do around that philosophy.
Their Euro-chic apparel is made from the greenest fabrics, with natural materials like 100% traceable merino wool from sheep that are treated with care, to 100% recycled polyester, and Cocona®, a renewable fiber. All of their materials are also high performance and sustainable.
Men’s: Temp Jacket
Women’s: Shroud of Purrin Trench
Patagonia is in a league of its own when it comes to corporate and environmental responsibility. Their green practices in the manufacturing of all their apparel are renowned, extending as far as encouraging consumers to buy less of their product. Patagonia also funds ongoing environmental grants, uses recycled fabrics, publishes the C02 footprint of all their garments in The Footprint Chronicles, and is a certified B Corporation.
Men’s: Rubicon Rider Jacket
Women’s: Vegabunda Coat
As a company founded by explorers and adventurers, The North Face takes environmental responsibility extremely seriously. From day-to-day business activities to the manufacturing processes, North Face minimizes its impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating waste on a broad scale, and engaging with local communities.
Men’s: Sickline Jacket
Women’s: Riverdale Trench Triclimate® Jacket
From green office practices, to restricting damaging chemicals in the fabrication of their garments, to being one of the founders of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Columbia does everything it can to minimize their environmental impact. Beyond environmentally responsible practices, they believe in giving back to the community, partnering with The Children & Nature Network and Big City Mountaineers.
Men’s: Parallel Grid Jacket
Women’s: Carson Pass II Jacket
Not only are they a “landfill free” company, they also have partnerships with the likes of the National Forest Foundation, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and Clean Lakes Alliance. They also have a bike share initiative for all employees.
Men’s: Waterproof Squall Parka
Women’s: Stadium Squall Coat
Looking good and staying warm this winter doesn’t have to cost your conscience or the environment. So, bundle up and get outside!
We’re always on the lookout for eco-friendly clothing – what are your favourite brands? Share yours here, or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
