Ralph Lauren is the newest clothing brand to invest in the globe’s eco-friendly initiative. By making a shirt crafted from recycled plastic bottles, the company also claims to use zero water in the dyeing process.

Known as the Earth Polo, these shirts are manufactured in Taiwan. It is here that the bottles are collected to make the shirts. It’s reported that each shirt uses about 12 plastic bottles in the manufacturing process, according to the Chicago Tribune.

This innovation came after Ralph Lauren committed to removing more than 170 million polyethylene plastic bottles from landfills and oceans before 2025. Polyethylene is the most common plastic produced in the world. Each year, an estimated 80 million tons are manufactured into bottles, clothing, industrial machinery, and more.

According to David Lauren, the founder’s youngest son and chief innovation officer, the shirt is just one part of a larger strategy designed to reach environmental-friendliness during the manufacturing process. When North Carolina is rated second in the nation for solar panel installation, it’s up to the rest of the world to catch up on environmental friendliness.

“Every day we’re learning about what’s happened with global warming and what’s happening all around the world, and our employees and our customers are really feeling that it’s time to step up and make a difference,” notes Lauren.

The company has also made a host of other goals in an effort to become an environmentally responsible business. By 2025 or sooner, the company also hopes to utilize 100% sustainably-sourced cotton and 100% sustainably-sourced packaging materials as well. Over 50% of consumers claim to make additional purchases from a particular brand that uses premium retail packaging.

But Ralph Lauren isn’t the first clothing and fashion company to take a strong environmental stance.

The company trails behind popular shoe brand, Rothys. The company sells flats and shoes made from recycled plastic water bottles, similar to Ralph Lauren’s newest initiative.

Even leather shoe manufacturers have started to take responsibility for ethically-sourced leather. Shoe brand Everlane will launch a new trainer called Tread which utilizes 94.2% virgin plastic soles and responsible leather supplies. For the laces and liner, Everlane has opted for recycled plastics.

The Earth Polo is currently selling for the same price as the company’s other polos. Considering 88% of consumers read product reviews, we’re sure these will be much-loved by Polo fans.

“Right now, we’re trying to make sure that what we produce is as good for the environment as possible, or at least helps clean up another problem. Are we creating a new problem? I think we’re creating solutions, or at least trying to find solutions,” claims Lauren.

As a mom it is important when you have children to provide a home that provides an environment of inclusivity. I have always encouraged all of my children to be positive, be kind and include everyone because it is not fun feeling left out! One company that I really LOVE that shows the POWER of inclusivity in a variety of ways is Justice!

Justice is all about empowering girls to be their best and encouraging them to embrace the Live Justice values: live active, positive, creative, smart, connected and together. A common theme that is woven into every value is inclusivity. Justice believes every girl is special in her own way and should be celebrated for her uniqueness.

Last year Justice began hosting their own in-store fashion shows nationwide and inviting every girl to walk the runway in an outfit that makes them feel their best! The fashion shows have become incredibly popular, and Justice has been hosting these shows regularly so that more girls can have fun and feel confident. We have been to a few of these fashion shows, and it is always fun seeing all those smiles on the Justice runway! I also love that Justice has expanded sizing options that provide options for girls of all sizes that include 10 plus to 20 plus.

In addition to the fashion shows, Justice last year launched Justice Studios, an entertainment division of the company aimed at creating positive and appropriate content for teens.  One of the pieces of content they launched was “Ultra Squad,” an original graphic novel series for this generation of girls who want to make the world a better place through teamwork and positivity. With characters that tweens can relate to, the story emphasizes inclusivity and diversity as the girls come together and find out that their unique personalities can truly make a difference in and out of this world. We can’t wait for book two to come out later this month!

Justice also has the Live Justice App, which is a safe app that allows girls to engage with inspiring, positive and inclusive content featuring the Girls with Heart Ambassadors. The platform ensures everyone feels included, and it gives parents great peace of mind as they know their girls are always safe. To learn more about Justice visit: www.shopjustice.com

This month you can now find Chamilia’s NEW Stud Earring line online and in select Chamilia retailers. This beautiful new collection includes 14 earring styles that are made from sterling silver or 14 karat gold and feature genuine Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Zirconia.

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This past Saturday, my daughter and I made a trip to Justice to check out the “We Are Justice” fashion show event that took place at all the Justice locations across the country! The Fashion Shows aimed to help empower girls to be confident and be themselves. We got there early and there was already a line of girls who couldn’t wait to walk the runway in some of Justice’s latest fashions!

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