Eco Voyage

green sock groupie: i'm a sock gal, i admit, if i'm in a shop browsing, and i see a cleverly designed pair of socks, i will stop in my tracks to inspect said footwear. is that a guava print? i'll take it! i love a designer who is generous with color + adds a dash of humor to their creations. here is a guide for organic + ethically produced socks for happy feet!

1} i love lowie: when it comes to bundling up during winter months, my friends + i are always on the lookout for well-made, warm socks. the lowie turkish socks were the first product ever sold in 2002 at online ethical retailer i love lowie + is still one of their most popular items. every pair of socks is hand knit using traditional methods from surplus acrylic yarn making each uniquely colorful. find lots of other fun, quality items designed + handmade by creative boys + girls at i love lowie. made in turkey

2} conscious step: crafted from the highest quality GOTS organic cotton for undeniable comfort that is as soft on your feet as it is on the environment. manufactured in fair trade certified conditions to ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for the garment workers involved {people with hopes + dreams just like you + me}. each pair of socks is partnered with a reputable non-profit dedicated to addressing social issues like poverty + hunger, as outlined by the united nations millennium development goals. this classic navy + mustard design is my fave d-good pair from conscious step. made in india

3} pact: this brand has been shaking up the apparel industry for a while now. their boldly colored, printed socks are made with non-gmo organic cotton {that means no harmful pesticides or fertilizers}; they're also made in factories that treat workers well + compensate them fairly. the masterminds behind this ethical label remind us that "robot's don't make our clothes, people do." they make utilitarian basics like camis + undies too. find them online or at your local whole foods. made in india

4} zkano + little river sock mill: fort payne, alabama was formerly known as "the sock capital of the world" with 300 knitting mills employing half of the town's residents. outsourcing has taken away from the textile industry, leaving only 7 operating mills in the small town of fort payne, however a gal with a heart for green living, gina locklear, a second generation "socker", had the bright idea to make this simple + organic product in america once again. gina's irresistible designs include polka dots, stripes + color-blocking: get 'em while they're hot! made in the u.s.a.

from seed to sock, many hands touch finished products. learn more about the farmers who make our apparel. why fair trade + organic? learn more here.

{image via i love lowie}