There’s nothing homespun about the latest innovations in eco-friendly fabrics. Soft, silky and supremely wearable, they are made from renewable plants like soy and bamboo. Not only infinitely easier on the environment, the latest in ‘greenwear’ is also becoming more stylish.
Apparel makers from environmentally friendly Patagonia to designers for smaller high-fashion boutiques are exploring the possibilities, including organic wool and
fabrics made of soy, bamboo, hemp, corn, wood pulp and repurposed plastics.
Although some are expensive to manufacture, improvements in global distribution and fabric processing technologies have made sustainable fabrics more common and increasingly affordable — and they’re made using less toxic production methods that limit pesticides. So, next time you’re ready to do a little shopping, try something eco-friendly without sacrificing the hip factor.
In addition to Singapore, here are nine other palatable places that have made concentrated efforts to incorporate culinary tourism into sustainable economic development in their regions. They have identified their unique raw materials, promoted them to those businesses that could either package or use them, and in turn promoted them to attract the culinary tourist. Now doesn’t that make you want to be one?
Women’s Synchilla® Vest. 87% recycled fleece. Recyclable through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program. $70.00 www.patagonia.com
Bamboclothes.com Women’s Hooded Sweatshirt. 70% bamboo, 25% organic cotton, 5% spandex stretch French terry. $42.00 @ www.bambooclothes.com by EcoDesignz
Food centers, also known as “hawker centers,” are found in every single one of Singapore’s residential neighborhoods, and are often connected to a “wet market” selling fresh produce. At last count, we found more than 120 hawker centers for a mouthwatering total of 16,000 delectable food stalls! Why are there so many? Because these places are where most Singaporeans go for their breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper — and whenever a craving hits in between!
The Hempest_Men’s hemp hoodlamb synthetic lambwool liner. Hemp/cotton shell. $259.00 http://store.hempest.com
Argentina — beef
New Zealand — lamb
Oregon — berries,
hazelnuts, wine
Scotland — whiskey,
salmon
Sonoma County,
California — wine
Vancouver Island,
British Columbia —
cheese, lamb
Vermont — maple,
cheese
— Melody Johnson, vice president of the International Culinary Tourism Association, www.culinarytourism.org
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