H&M's Conscious Collection

French singer, model, and actor, Vanessa Paradis, is the face of H&M’s new eco-friendly collection called Conscious. The collection officially launches in Canada on March 21, 2013.

“I like being part of something like the Conscious collection at H&M,” says Paradis. “I try my best to shop consciously, and vintage is very much part of my wardrobe. I love the style and it works in an eco-friendly way because I like to use and reuse old clothes.”

The collection is made from more sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and a material called Tencel Lyocell, which is a natural man-made fiber. The line includes fashion for men, women, kids, and babies, and even offers some accessories.

“We have our dedicated conscious collection every spring and then throughout the year we always have select garments made from more sustainable materials in all departments,” said Emily Scarlett, from H&M’s communication and press department.

H&M highlights their environmental values on their website. Their sustainability strategy includes being ethical, climate smart, and using natural resources.  Not all of H&M’s garments are made from sustainable materials, but they say they want to use more sustainable sources in the future.

“We are the world’s largest user of organic cotton and hope that by 2020 all the cotton in our range will come from more sustainable sources,” said Scarlett.

Some of my favourite picks that are already in stores include this short-sleeve lace top, made with 51 per cent recycled polyester. This top comes in natural white, khaki green, and black. Although this top is made with sustainable materials, it’s still affordably priced at $12.95.

Keeping with the natural colours, this khaki green jumpsuit will definitely get you craving springtime. This sleeveless V-neck is made out of 100 per cent Tencel Lyocell, and the sparkly bedazzlements on the pocket give a trendy flair to the earthy jumper.

 

This grey sweatshirt is made out of 100 per cent cotton and looks very warm and cozy. The flower-covered ‘C’ design, representing the Conscious collection, gives the sweatshirt a more feminine feel.

 

Keeping with their environmental values, H&M has also launched their garment collection initiative, allowing customers to bring bags of unwanted garments from any label to select stores. In return for each bag, customers will receive an H&M voucher. They state that this effort is to prevent clothing from going into landfills.