Planet Earth Green Label
The Surfrider Foundation, SurfAid and less toxic surfboard building techniques have made the surf community one of the pioneers in protecting the planet and the oceans. However, as a business, the backbone of the surf industry is apparel. With cotton accounting for an estimated 25% of all insecticide use, Planet Earth decided to take a step in the right direction and launched the Green Label Collection in October 2006. After receiving great response, it has evolved into a complete line for Fall 2007 that they introduced at the recent ASR/Agenda Tradeshow. Made from natural, organic or sustainable fibers, the collection includes denim, cut and sew tops, boardshorts and accessories. The collection has botanical detailing and colors mostly stick to a subtle earthtone palette, befitting the collections natural roots.
A couple standouts include the Sprout boardshort (pictured above left) and the Horizon fleece (above right). The Sprout boardshort is made from a 55% hemp and 45% PET (recycled plastic bottles) blend. This eco-friendly blend had a unique texture unlike any usually found on boardshorts. A zip-up hooded sweater, on first glance the Horizon appears similar to a traditional hoodie, however closer inspection reveals much more. Featuring a tailored slim fit, it is made from 100% organic cotton, a sweater-like material that's amazingly soft, just as you’d imagine a fiber free of harsh chemicals to be.
Planet Earth plans on slowly expanding the line as they can find more ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials into this street collection. In an industry dependent on the ocean, Planet Earth is setting an example that hopefully more companies will follow.
by Andrew Potash
