Eco Fashion Friday: Change Starts with Your Underwear. PACT

True life is lived when tiny changes occur.
― Leo Tolstoy

Some stuff you should know about cotton.

Cotton is considered our “dirtiest” crop, due to its heavy use of insecticides. More is used on cotton than any other crop.
5 out of the 9 top pesticides used on cotton are known cancer-causing agents.
It’s estimated that less than 25% of crop duster pesticides actually reach the crop. The rest just drifts on the air, settling wherever it pleases.
Pesticides actually only work for so long before the pests develop an immunity and we have to use a stronger one. They can be used before determining if they’re cancer causing, by the way. And once that has been determined, it can take years to get it off the market.

Switching to organic cotton is a no-brainer, dramatic way to make a difference today. The more organic cotton grows in demand, the more farmers will compensate to meet that demand, and the more pesticides we keep out of our air, our water, our earth. And, oh yeah, off our skin.

Remember, if it’s not organic, more chemicals are being added at pretty much every stage of production until the clothing hits store shelves. Given that we don’t know how those chemicals will react with each other immediately, or over time as they degrade, and that we’re wearing this stuff next to our skin— it’s worth thinking about.

PACT is an awesome company not only affecting change by their non-use of chemicals, but in that a portion of purchase profits supports social change.

Change your underwear to PACT’s Fall 2012 plaid?

A portion of your PACT purchase will help families with dependent children who are sleeping on the street or in their cars escape the cycle of multigenerational homelessness.

Switch to PACT’s awesome socks?

From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment. PACT is supporting 6 weeks of cooking and education classes for low-income families.

Of course, you’re paying more for these options than you are for your typical Target socks and underoos (price wise, they’re comparable to American Apparel or Urban Outfitters, I think. Based on my former purchases at those stores).

Environmental and social imPACT aside, is it worth the Benjamins?

Short answer is YES, because cheap clothing is a burden on our world in many ways. Also, check out their clearance sale. And they appear to be running a 40% off sale until October 3rd. If I were you I’d check that nonsense out.

Long (and more fun) answer:

PACT sent me some of the Fall 2012 line to try out.

Dude, I LOVE funky socks. And I am totally willing to pay a premium for socks that last. For many years, we did a Christmas exchange where you drew one person’s name and spent $20, and all I ever wanted was a pair of $20 socks. Yeah, I’m that person.

These socks are super soft, they are thick and I don’t notice the seams. (Oh yeah, I’m also weird about seams.) Based on my expert knowledge of socks— no, I’m not joking— these will hold their shape for a good long time.

They also look saucy with my plaid wingtip Doc Martens.

Socked feet. Saint Bernard feet.

I ask you, what’s more fun than sassypants and complicated shoes? Well, maybe dresses with pockets, and outfits that cause both your husband and oldest son to groan, “WHAT are you WEARING?!”

I once had a somewhat expensive Ann Taylor plum sweater dress that would have been mind-blowing with these leggings. I wore it once and it disappeared. Where it went is a huge family controversy that I won’t reopen here but I TOTALLY KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT AND IT AIN’T COOL.

Ahem. The leggings are awesome, y’all. Super soft and again, a good fabric memory. This is an ongoing issue for me as usually leggings start to stretch and sag and fall down after a day of wear; that didn’t happen with these.

If you’re concerned about pulling off pants this sassy, they also currently come in solid navy and wine 🙂

The underwear is similarly high quality and soft, and (I think) flattering. Basically, all I ask of my underwear is that I not notice it while I’m wearing it, and these do that job well.

I will spare you a photo of me sporting them. Here is a shapely model instead. You’re welcome.

In addition to socks, leggings and underwear, PACT carries V neck and rounded neck tees, and tank tops for the ladies.

I don’t know whether it’s the fact that they aren’t covered in chemicals, or whether they’re made with higher quality cotton, or what, but I always find organic cotton clothing to be crazy soft and the colors just more appealing somehow. I honestly don’t think it’s some sort of mental rose-colored glasses. They genuinely feel better against my skin.

You know I’m always asking you to vote with your dollar. This is a company worth supporting; not only because their products tread gently, but because they are striving to do good. That means something.

…with every purchase, you help PACT make a positive change in our world. Each season, PACT designs a new collection of clothing inspired by someone doing something good: whether it’s about clean water, sustainable food, or affordable housing— we stick to the basics. We invest in projects that create independence. We are solution-oriented. Optimistic. Community-based. And we make great underwear along the way. Our line of high quality, great value clothing is growing but it’s still the essentials–underwear, socks, graphic tees, with more to come. No matter what PACT does, we always stay true to our basic principles. Good design. Good fabric. Good cause.

Keep PACT in mind as we swing into the holiday shopping season (don’t worry, I’ll remind you). I suggest liking them on the Facebook or following @wearpact on the Twitters so you can keep abreast of future promotions and deals.