When it comes to purging bags of clothes, shoes and accessories (which I regularly do), I used to almost always head to the nearest Goodwill to unload. After visiting more than one ‘unruly’ store though, it sort of became harder to imagine my once loved, still wearable clothes getting lost in those dump piles.

So, Salvation Army became my next recipient of donated goods – especially because it maintains its “thrift” store mentality and keep its prices low for low-income shoppers (which is why I never donate to Value Village…).

There are however many smaller community centres, churches and shelters that provide clothing, home goods and toiletries for needy families, young moms, homeless folk – a more grassroots approach to recycling clothing and home goods:

** please keep in mind when donating to community centres or shelters that the clothing and/or linens should be clean and wearable. Also, these places are often in need of seasonal items like winter coats, etc… **

Where to Donate Clothes, Shoes, Homewares & Unused Toiletries in Toronto

Red Door Shelters emergency shelters across Toronto - in need of household items and linens, seasonal clothing. 21 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto

The Scott Mission clothing bank-502 Spadina Avenue, Toronto 416-923-3916

Dress Your Best changes the lives of Canadians by outfitting women, men and youth with clothing for employment. DYB gives each client an average of 5 outfits – 20 to 30 articles of clothing – including shoes and various accessories. Open for clothing donation drops offs on Wednesdays between 10am-8pm c/o The Walmer Centre 188 Lowther Avenue, 3rd floor, Toronto

Good Shepherd Centre homeless shelters accepts clothing, toiletries and recreational items. 412 Queen Street East (near Queen East & Parliament Streets)

YWCA Womens shelter – Call donations coordinator 416.693.6978, ext. 231

Convenant House teen shelter – needs clothing, books, etc…20 Gerrard Street East, Toronto,  (416) 598-4898

Pick Up:

Oasis Clothing Bank (the ones with the green bins around city): Check the website to see the items they will pick up > http://www.clothingbank.ca/faqs.asp

Donate Art Supplies et al.

Sketch provides opportunities for street and homeless people between the ages of 15-29, to engage in the arts in a cross-discipline studio environment or in the community. In need of everything from art supplies to kitchen appliances to toilet paper. 580 King St. W., 2nd Floor, Toronto (416) 516-5428

Donate Toys/Magazines to your local hospital for use in the waiting rooms.

I could go on and on – so for more places to donate your stuff including ink cartridges, computers, shoes, toys…  http://www.toronto.ca/reuseit/orgs.htm

For a list of shelters and social service agencies in Toronto, check outhttp://www.211toronto.ca

New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week begins tomorrow, Feb. 11-18, 2010.

Also taking place in New York is the GreenShows Eco Fashion Week, February 14-17, 2010.

Featured ‘Green’ Designers

www.garyharveycreative.com

www.vautecouture.com

www.thieves.ca

www.joanneberman.com

www.willianonline.com

www.popomomo.com

www.samanthapleet.com

www.deuxfm.com

www.houseoforganic.com

www.cmarchuska.com

Toronto’s favorite Sustainable, Fashion Designing Midnight Bike Gang, The Deadly Nightshades are hosting one last Drunk in the Trunk Show before pre-ordering closes for Fall ‘09! Hosted by 69 Vintage Buy the Pound at 1234 Bloor St. W on May 14th from 6-9pm it’s the only way to get 20% off retail price and to ensure you get the size and colour that you want before DNS gear even hits stores!!!

Toronto Fashion Hero’s Take Over [FAT] with Female Bike-Friendly Streetwear.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to preview The Deadly Nightshades(DNS) awesome new sustainable womens line – made entirely from hand-dyed and screened eco-friendly fabrics. DNS is best known as a a group of gals who advocate both biking and eco-fashion – last year at [FAT] we premiered the Deadly Nightshades documentary which promotes responsibility in fashion.

“Welcome to Danger Palace”
This new Fall 2009 sustainable collection, debuting on Earth Day (April 22, 2009), celebrates women and biking while attempting to make a serious style statement with a combination of sustainability and sass. 
The line creates a unified feeling of femininity, fashionable sportswear and old-fashion tailoring combining the aesthetic differences and backgrounds of the designers. Fabrics include soft organic Sherpa fleece, organic cotton rip-stop, bamboo jersey and hemp silk. All fabrics are hand dyed and silk-screened.

Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week
The Distillery District – Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill Street East, Building 6

www.deadlynightshades.ca
www.nightshadesbikecrew.blogspot.com

Fashion Takes Action (FTA) is holding an online Eco Auction with nine of the sustainable garments featured on the runway at last fall’s Fashion Takes Action Green Gala.

Designs by Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell, Thien Le, Zoran Dobric, Nada Yousif, Thieves, Eugenia Leavitt, Carrie Hayes, AIME Luxury and current Project Runway Canada contestant Jason Meyers are up for grabs!

The FTA Eco Auction will be hosted on eBay for five days, beginning at 10 p.m. on Sunday March 15th and closing at 10 p.m. on Friday March 20th. Each garment is featured on the FTA website with a photo from the Green Gala runway, along with new photos that highlight the garments’ features. Each winner will also receive a Rowenta IS9100 Professional Garment Steamer valued at $200, to help with the care for their new eco garments.

Fashion Takes Action is known for producing Canada’s greenest fashion events – The Green Gala and the Sustainable Style Show. On April 22nd, 2009 (Earth Day), FTA will be launching as a member-based organization whose mission is to have a socially and environmentally positive impact on the fashion industry. Fifty percent of the profits raised from the Eco Auction will be given to each of the designers, and the other half will be injected into FTA’s Education and Awareness programs.

The One of a Kind Show’s Green Neighbourhood has almost doubled in size since its inception in 2007. It features some of Canada’s most innovative craftspeople including:

Rabbit Green – Dismayed by the amount of kids clothes made overseas, cheaply and in unknown working conditions, they set out create it on their own! Their original, eco-conscious and cool threads for tots are made from reclaimed clothing and each are up-cycled into an original one-of-a-kind item.

Ironwood Bowls – Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings of New Brunswick woodlands, their bowls are showcased in a form that can be appreciated by people around the world. Cutting methods from the 1800’s are used which allows for very little wasted wood.

League of Lovers and Thieves – Motivated by the evolving state of nature and natural environment, the men’s and women’s fashions are made from sustainable materials including soy blends, organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and organic wool.

Earth to Body – Earth to Body’s handmade all natural skin care cosmetics contain no mineral oils, synthetic substances, synthetic preservatives or dyes. Their products contain only medicinal herbs, essential oils, natural emollients and natural emulsifiers. These products are carefully blended with proven age-old recipes to moisturize, revitalize, and soften the skin.

Truth – Truth makes 100% animal friendly belts, handbags, bracelets, necklaces and bamboo T-shirts. A favorite of many vegans and vegetarians, all Truth products are made in Toronto.

ZUT DESIGN – Modern design with a craftsman’s touch. Keeping in mind their goal of protecting the environment, all of the products are made out of recycled rubber and are functional, long lasting and show off the latest in design. They offer products for the office, school, home and travel.

One of a Kind Show & Sale, Nov. 27 – Dec. 7, 2008

by Daniel Wilson

Maybe it was the weather or maybe, somehow, the green is the new black message still has not totally caught on. Whatever the reason, season’s Sustainable Style Show event held in The Fermenting Cellar of Toronto’s Distillery District was poorly attended. Those too scared of the rain to venture out missed Susie Love’s amazing new jewellery line made from recycled leather; Kealan Sullivan of 69 Vintage’s typically amazing finds (that woman has an eye most stylists would kill for), and great fall pieces from the recycled fashion matriarch, Preloved.

Photos (n8n media group) Jason Meyers & Liz West | designs by Evan Biddell and Nada Yousif

Fortunately for organizers, the Green Gala, held in the evening was sold out! Ten of Canada’s top fashion designers were featured – each creating 3 outfits made from sustainable fabrics that were then modelled by local celebs including City TV’s Anne Mroczkowski and Liz West; The Hills After Party host Jessi Cruikshank and Fashion Television’s Mary Kitchen.

The entire show was produced with an effort to lighten the eco-footprint – plates and cups are biodegradable, local organic floral arrangements were used and bottled water was not allowed into the events, which themselves were powered by Bullfrog Power using LED lights. Models’ hair was styled with a zero electricity policy and make-up artists were from Green Beauty, representing eco-friendly make-up artists and stylists in Toronto.

Photos by Christina Pal

Toronto-based streetwear JUZD Clothing (joost) claims to be ‘The Planet’s First Bamboo Designer Label’ – consisting of nature/Asian-inspired graphic tees for men and women.

On February 6th 2008, JUDZ previewed its latest styles with a runway show, dj/club set and high-energy breakdance performances from the ABS Crew and Poizunus.

Why we love BAMBOO
1. Antibacterial- keeps you feeling and smelling fresh.
2. Highly sweat absorbency – keeps you dry.
3. Powerfully insulating- keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.
4. One of the softest fabrics on the planet- you’ll love the way it feels.
5. Naturally UV protecting- protect yourself from skin cancer.
6. Hypoallergenic- natural bamboo does not cause allergic reactions.
7. One of the most eco-friendly fabrics on the planet.

Check out the site www.juzdwear.com for photos and designer blog.