Just as the willingness of a once-small number of consumers to seek out (and occasionally pay a premium for) organic produce is now changing the face of food production and consumption, we believe that we – and more importantly, you – can drive meaningful change in the world’s product-consumption habits, purchase by purchase.

Factors that make a product “sustainable” are assessed as follows:

1. The materials used must be environmentally responsible (recycled and/or recyclable, organic, biodegradable, non-toxic).

2. The manufacturing process must be ecologically sound (efficient use of energy, materials and other resources, such as using a renewable energy source).

3. The labor employed must be treated fairly and provided safe, healthy conditions in which to work. (Must come from fairly-traded sources or low-impact sources such as FSC-certified forests).

Check out some of the beautiful, environmentally responsible objects available at Branch, including furniture, such as this chair made of 100% recycled plastic, and room divider hand-made from FSC-certified wood and cotton rope:

Looking for some pretty objects to liven up your decor? Try these Bubble Pitcher + Cups
made from recycled glass stock, processed using wind power. Or treat your feet to the Seat Slice: Pink rug, handmade from 100% virgin wool felt.

For your kitchen, I love these 100% organically-grown bamboo bowls and serving pieces!

If you are having an event that requires disposable paper goods, try these biodegradable options:

Want some decorative pillows? Here are a few pretty options, made from hand-stitched linen and cotton or 100% reclaimed ultra-suede:

Dress up your bed in a 320 thread count, organically grown, cotton duvet, printed with non-toxic water-based dyes.

What wedding registry would be complete without a few sets of towels? At Branch, you get to wrap yourself in 100% sustainably harvested beech wood fibers! 9 pretty colors to choose from!

Start growing your own plants, spices, and veges! Get started with Branch’s “Egg plants” and “Garden in a Bag” options, including basil, oregano, chives, sage, red pepper, lavender, mint, dill, strawberry, parsley, English Thyme, and cilantro.

Some of the items pictured are pricey, but there is a page for Gifts under $30 and Gifts under $100. Happy Shopping!

As well as making gorgeous shoes coveted by the likes of Natalie Portman, Beyond Skin’s philosophy is to ‘…trade in a manner that is non exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment. Using no animal products, all our footwear is hand-made to order in the UK promoting ethically-sound and less energy intensive working practices.’

Ok, so it seems that the UK has a monopoly on ethical shoewear, and the 10 shoes pictured at the Wishopt blog are actually all from the UK. Does anyone know where you can obtain shoes in the USA that meet these standards? And look this pretty?

Some use recycled rubber for the soles, or recycled vintage fabrics and trimmings. Others are produced under a Fair Trade agreement and are careful to use less energy intensive working practices. And of course, no leather, unless it’s recycled!

Another favorite eco-chic designer is Deborah Lindquist, who mixes “reincarnated” and earth-friendly fabrics to create beautiful gowns that are “unabashedly romantic, more old Hollywood siren than sixties flower child…”

Olivia Luca is a designer who creates custom-made gowns using high quality, environmentally responsible fabrics. These include silk, organic cotton and cotton prints, sustainable SBP® hemp/silk, bamboo and other environmentally responsible fabrics. (How does one make dresses out of bamboo? I have no idea, but it sounds good to me!)

Another wedding dress designer with a mission is Tara Lynn, who’s goal is to create fashionable, high quality, natural fiber clothing that, among other things:

• Enhances awareness of environmental issues
• Supports environmental organizations
• Maximizes resource efficiency
• Supports the local economy

Tara Lynn’s philosophy is that “natural clothing is sexier than lifeless textiles.” Her dresses are meant to make a woman feel “strong, smart and powerful” and, of course, stylish and beautiful:

It’s good to know where your dress comes from, according to Tree Huggers, so check out the “ethical wedding dressmaker” Wholly Jo’s based in London. Their gowns are made from organic, fair trade and cruelty-free products. Here are some samples:

Style Me Pretty points out that the greenest fashion choice for your wedding is to recycle a dress that’s been worn before. Consider having a seamstress update your mother’s gown, or check out everything from eBay to online vintage boutiques like The Frock. There’s something so romantic about wearing a dress with a history of its own!

Feature image: Designer 100% Pure Natural Silk Wedding Corset & Gown (buy it here: evening-dresses.eu)