By Caroline Lee

Recently I’ve dedicated a few of my posts toward issues and causes around water consumption. Although this is by no means a new area of conern, it certainly is gaining momentum in the press and in philantrhopic campaigns. Join me on October 15, 2010 and participate in Blog Action Day, and help bring a voice to the estimated 1 billion people across the globe that don’t have access to clean drinking water.

Mashable’s article sums up the movement quite well, “Blog Action Day is very much about grassroots activism, taking the philosophy that a lot of ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. Change.org hopes that the volume of blog posts on October 15 will create a meme around water issues, raising awareness and creating a digital, global think tank.”

Not your usual topic of discussion or “dry” on ideas? Check out Change.org’s idea list where you will find plenty of inspiration. While you’re at it, visit this site to see “How many gallons of water does it take to make…” and you just might have to make several posts on the 15’th just to get your point across.

By Caroline Lee

This fashion faux-pas is simply not up for argument, and is not a matter of taste. In fact, the aftertaste was startlingly sour after learning about how much pollution is caused by garment dying. According to the World Bank the textile industry is responsible for 17-20% of industrial pollution. Specifically, textile coloration and dying techniques contribute at least 72 pollutants in the worlds fresh water supply. Common pollutants caused by garment dying range from heavy toxic metals (like chrome, copper, and zinc) that are known carcinogens, dioxin and formaldehyde. What’s more is that the process uses tons of water, about 75 gallons per pound of clothing. 

Considering that one third of the world does not have access to clean water, and those of us that do are polluting it at such a rapid pace, AirDye technology has come none too soon. 

AirDye technology has made it’s debut in Costello Tagliapietra’s collections, and now graces the Style Ethics section of October 2010’s Vogue. 

This new type of garment coloration is revolutionary not only in technique, but also in saving the worlds water supply. Instead of relying on gallons upon gallons of water and toxic chemicals, color is transfered by heat from paper (which is then recycled). It’s that simple. 

The technique allows for richer color, that is more color-fast, and can color the opposite side of fabric in a completely different hue or print easily. Reversible you say? Two outfits in one? Now that deserves a toast, with a tall drink of water!

Want to find clothes made with AirDye and help make traditional techniques disappearing ink? Look for the logo featured in this post on clothing and tags. 

Learn more about AirDye at http://www.airdye.com/

Follow AirDye on Twitter @AirDye with over 1,000 followers already learning about how to reduce their water consumption. According to AirDye, “The World Thirsts for It”. 

By Caroline Lee

Editor Tonne Goodman certainly has my attention in this months copy of Vogue with one of a kind dresses made from fabrics dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Not only are these dresses one of kind, they are providing hope and opportunity for women plagued by war. Designer Lauren Pierce has created five basic dress styles that can be chosen at select Barney’s locations, that are then created from fabric dyed individually by women in the DRC. Your name and the name of the women who dyed the fabric are sewn directly into the label of the dress.

For more details see the March 2010 Vogue pg. 370 or lauren-pierce.com.