Facing an Inconvenient Truth with Fashionable "Ecoist" Flair

What if a tree was planted every time you purchased something cool? The fashion design folks at Ecoist do just that, planting a tree with every product they sell. Ecoist’s 100% handmade handbags, belts, and accessories are all made from recycled (and unused) candy wrappers and movie poster billboards, and everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Tipper Gore is getting in on the trend.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 18, 2006 -– What if a tree was planted every time you purchased something cool? The fashion design folks at Ecoist do just that, planting a tree with every product they sell. Ecoist’s 100% handmade handbags, belts, and accessories are all made from recycled (and unused) candy wrappers and movie poster billboards, and everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Tipper Gore is getting in on the trend.

Eco-fashion has long conjured images of boxy hemp wear or clunky clogs, favored by folks committed more to the environment than to style. But Ecoist founder Jonathan Marcoschamer has put an end to all that. “We believe that style comes first,” says Marcoschamer. “When designing our accessories, we assume that no consumer will purchase our products because we are nice, eco-friendly treehuggers. However, through our brand’s awareness, we hope to enhance the planet, elevate consumer consciousness, and transmit our values, not just our sense of style.”

Ecoist recycles candy wrappers, food packages, billboards, and other materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The company is committed to finding uses for waste-bound materials and will continue to do so until those non-biodegradable materials are no longer manufactured. Apart from recycling, Ecoist utilizes organic and earth-friendly fabrics in the manufacturing of it products, and plant a tree for every item sold (in partnership with Trees for the Future). Recently, Ecoist has planted trees around the world including Haiti, West Africa, Mexico, and the United States.

In addition, Ecoist is continually developing its network of eco-friendly, fair trade suppliers and manufacturers around the world, including organizations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and India. For example, Ecoist works with a non-profit organization in Mexico called Grupedsac (Group for the Promotion of Education and Sustainable Development) who, since 1987, has helped underprivileged citizens earn a living through projects that also aim to preserve the environment.

And while that might be the reason Laurie David sports an Ecoist handbag, it’s likely that Paris Hilton only has one because they look hot.

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