Autumn is a special time of year when the climate feels a little fresher and the crumpled leaves underfoot are a reminder that we live in a truly wonderful world. But as we venture into the great outdoors, it's important to recognize that we must all do our part to protect our beautiful earth in order to continue enjoying it. Consumers are now more interested than ever in where their clothing materials come from and whether or not careful thought has been given to the sustainability of our planet.
With this in mind, M&F recognizes responsible manufacturers and has selected three products worth taking you on a guilt-free adventure.
Reebok National Geographic Nano X2 Grow
Get muddy and run through the wilderness! The Nano X2 Grow is the latest version of Reebok's award-winning Nano training shoe series, which is made from at least 50% plant-based materials. The new National Geographic version of the brand celebrates our wildlife and eliminates the use of animal-derived products. Reebok and National Geographic say they have collaborated to honor and raise awareness of much-needed care for our creatures by creating uniquely blended patterns inspired by the animals' own prints and patterns. This particular line of vegan shoes offers two different models, both available in unisex sizes:
Grow Nano X2
Courtesy of Reebok
Inspired by the world's largest wild cats, the bold graphics combine different patterns that pay homage to the tiger, cheetah and jaguar.
Grow Nano X2
Courtesy of Reebok
The graphics for this version combine patterns resembling pythons, puffer fish, poison dart frogs, scorpions, grizzly bears, and other creatures.
Price: Both National Geographic Nano X2 Grow models retail for $160 and are available in stores or directly from Reebok.
Courtesy of Tentree
Tentree Cloud Shell Shirt Jacket
Tentree calls this cozy garment "Shacket" because it has the elegant lines of a shirt while being a lightweight jacket. If you love to get outside this fall, the water-repellent fabric will protect you from the wind and light rain or snow. The Tentree Cloud Shell Shirt Jacket also features eco-friendly insulation that keeps you warm and allows you to stay in
longer outside. Around half of these PrimaLoft Black Insulation shackets are made from recycled materials. The shell and lining are also bluesign certified as they contain no artificial PFCs (per- and polyfluorinated chemicals).
Colours: Meteorite Black, Black Olive Green, Forest River Green, Jet Black and Midnight Blue
Price: $168, available in stores or direct from Tentree.
Courtesy of Tentree
Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket
If you're looking to take your exploration a little further and need a jacket that offers protection on even the roughest of hikes, the Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket has your back (and front!) covered. This jacket also uses PrimaLoft Black insulation to ensure eco-efficiency while maintaining a lightweight feel, and the TEXASHEILD PRO shell ensures 100% recycled polyester is used to offer abrasion-resistant ripstop. The Routeburn Pro Jacket is not only bluesign certified, but also Green Button certified, which means that the manufacture of the product has met a strict set of criteria that ensure fair labor conditions and environmentally friendly production. Definitely something to cry about!
Colours: Blue Pacific, Wild Brier, Greenwood, Blue Coral, Black
Price: $170, available direct from Jack Wolfskin.
With 75% of consumers now saying that ethical, social and environmental policies play an important role in their clothing choices, there's undoubtedly more that many major manufacturers can do to protect our planet, but it's great to see that many brands are working hard to make some important improvements!
