Eco-Sportswear Goes Mainstream with the help of - Sarah Palin?

A recent Sarah Palin Newsweek cover generated quite a stir in the political and media world, as well as the eco fashion industry.  The cover shot was a photo of Palin by Runner's World Magazine and the publication notes that Newsweek did not have permission to use the image.  Former governor Palin found the photo selection degrading, sexist, and irrelevant, according to her Facebook updates regarding the coverage.

Perhaps the most surprised by the cover picture is eco-friendly clothing company, Icebreaker - the manufacturer of the sleek zippered top Sarah is wearing.  New Zealand based Icebreaker announced in a press release that they have  "been campaigning for consumers to switch from synthetic running tops made from oil" - unlike Palin's 'Drill, baby, drill' stance.  

Nevertheless, the company thinks  "it’s great (that) Ms. Palin has discovered the benefits of running in natural, sustainable Icebreaker merino, which doesn’t hold odor like synthetic running tops (made from oil)."

About Icebreaker

Icebreaker offers an alternative to synthetic, petroleum-based sportswear, producing a full line of natural merino wool clothing for men, women, and children.  The wool is ethically harvested from sheep farmers in the New Zealand mountains and each garment is all-natural.  

Unlike typical wool, merino fiber is soft, luxurious, and ideal for extreme outdoor conditions.  It insulates in cold weather, breathes in heat, is lightweight, and has natural odor-blocking qualities - the perfect material for active wear.  

The Icebreaker line includes everything from underwear and socks to eco-chic tops, bottoms, and jackets - all available in a range of colors.  And with Icebreaker's unique BaaCode tracking, you can meet the sheep that produced your garment.  The Baacode system provides detailed information about the farm where your fiber was sourced, allowing a look at the living conditions of the animals as well as the methods used to farm the wool.  

How to Buy Icebreaker Clothing

Icebreaker retailers are located across the nation, internationally, and online.  You can also shop directly from the Icebreaker website.  

Sources: Newsweek; Mother Nature Network; Icebreaker

Selena Gomez 'Dreams Out Loud' to Improve the Planet

Wizards of Waverly Place star, Selena Gomez is creating her own place among the growing number of eco-friendly celebrity clothing lines with a new line of eco chic fashion called Dream Out Loud.  The new styles, expected to launch next fall, reflect the 17-year-old Disney star's own personality and ethics - featuring feminine but tomboyish designs that can easily be mixed, matched, and customized for any occasion.  

About Selena

Besides acting, singing, and designing fashions, Selena Gomez is an active and adamant part of a variety of causes.  She is the youngest UNICEF ambassador, as well as an ambassador for DoSomething.org - an organization that encourages teenagers to make a positive difference.  Selena also supports the St. Jude's Children's Hopsital, RAISE Hope for Congo (raising awareness for violence against women in the Congo), and Friends for Change, Disney's charity to promote environmental issues.  

About Dream Out Loud

Hats, jeans, skirts, and jackets are just a few of the designs planned for Selena Gomez's new fashion line.  Floral prints, boho dresses, and cute accessories will feature eco-friendly fabrics including recycled materials as well as organic cotton.  To complete her desire to send a good message through her clothing line, the product tags will boast inspirational quotes from Selena's own collection.  Marketing and manufacturing of the Dream Out Loud brand is already underway, but it is still unclear what retailer will carry the line when it launches in 2010.

Source: Disney Star Selena Gomez Launching Fashion Brand