The environmental footprint of Marks & Spencer (M&S) new Autograph Leaves lingerie is even smaller than the bra and panties. As part of M&S Plan A efforts, where they aim to make every one of their 2.7 billion products have less of an impact on the planet by 2020, the British retailer is adding a carbon-neutral bra to their lingerie line.

but how do eco-friendly bras look?

These are no frumpy, “old lady” undergarments. The Autograph Leaves line is sophisticated, feminine, and fresh. M&S used a combination of intricate lace and dramatic embroidery, inspired by the exotic foliage of the rainforest. We think these will be a big hit, eco-friendly or not.

green manufacturing and carbon offsets

The average bra emits between 1.70 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) for a non-padded bra and 2.20kg for a larger push-up style throughout it’s entire lifecycle (from manufacturing to transport to machine washing). To make this new bra carbon-neutral, M&S chose an eco-friendly factory in Sri Lanka that uses renewable energy and has programs to reduce textile waste. The factory generates about 33 percent less emissions than a traditional one.

On top of using a greener factory, M&S purchased CO2 offsets equivalent to 1,440 tonnes CO2e through a carbon credit project, which more than covers the emissions generated by the new lingerie line. The project, run by Conservation Carbon Company, is working with the International Rainforest Trust in Sri Lanka, to invest in local rainforest replanting. The project will plant over 6,000 new trees in an area that’s been stripped, plus a few thousand fruit tress to help poverty-stricken farmers earn income for their families.

In the press release, Paschal Little, head of lingerie technology at M&S said:

Nature is the inspiration behind Autograph Leaves so it’s fitting that this range benefits the environment too. As the UK’s lingerie market leader, we think it’s right that we should lead the way in exploring new, more sustainable manufacturing options. As a result of this project we know raw material production, such as lace manufacture, is a major contributing factor to the bra’s footprint, so we’re now working with our suppliers to find better alternatives for the future.

You’ll find the new bras on shelves and online this week and retail for $36. The undies are $15.50.

photo credit: M&S

Teko socks. Chances are you haven’t heard of them, but this Boulder, Colorado company isn’t offended. They just keep their focus on sustainability and cranking out great socks.

The company wants to make “the best socks on the planet, the best socks for the planet.” And that starts by making socks right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A., using a production and dye facility in North Carolina. Teko is bluesign certified, ensuring that the company meets the highest environmental standards. The dyes used on the socks are non toxic, and never include chlorine or other heavy chemicals in the production process.

Not only do they make an eco-friendly product, a portion of online purchases are donated to The Conservation Alliance. Plus, Teko uses wind power and carbon offsets at both its headquarters and production facility.

“Our goal at Teko is to produce the highest quality socks, without sacrificing ANY of our environmental values,” Ian McWilliams, Teko’s creative director and marketing manager, told us at the Outdoor Retailer show.

Beyond having American-based manufacturing and a sense of environmentalism built into its ethos, it’s important that Teko produce an high quality sock. One that is durable, but comfortable. So are these socks comfortable?

Yes they are. Backpacker Magazine said the socks are “like a terry cloth bath robe for your feet.” The socks are available in 100 percent organic merino wool, or the runners’ favorite, 100 percent recycled polyester.

People are really stoked on these socks. Sports Guide Magazine wrote, “Your feet and the planet will thank you for buying these socks.”

We’re just happy to know there is company committed to sustainability, even when it comes to something most people don’t consider effecting the planet–socks.

Last week 17 major retailers in Europe continued their commitment to sustainable business practices by signing the Retail Environmental Sustainability Code. Those companies participating include Ikea, Asda Wal*Mart (a subsidiary of Wal*Mart), and Marks and Spencer. The green code of conduct comes 18 months after the launch of the European Retailers’ Environmental Action Program (REAP).

As we’ve discussed here, European retailers have been working on improving their environmental scorecards on a variety of fronts. What’s new is that the largest retailers are seeing the benefits of and committing to more initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint across their businesses.

In a speech to the Retail Forum where the green code of conduct was approved, the European Union (E.U.) Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said:

I would like to see new, more ambitious commitments in terms of information provided to consumers. Because consumers play an important role in achieving resource efficiency, by choosing the most efficient products and by using them correctly at home. You are best placed to empower consumers to do so… As retailers you come in at a crucial – perhaps the most crucial – point in the cycle. That moment when a decision is made. Your profession is about influencing those purchasing decisions.

And isn’t this so true? As a eco-minded consumer, if the stores in your area are not carrying sustainable products how can you live a more sustainable lifestyle? With this program, European consumers will have more choices soon as companies will be putting more sustainable products on the shelves.

In addition to improved sourcing (offering eco-friendly products), the code of conduct addresses five other areas where sustainability should be improved:

• resource efficiency
• transportation and distribution
• waste management
• communication
• reporting

What we wonder is when will other countries follow suit? Yes, individual companies such as Wal*Mart are investing a lot of time and money into sustainability, but wouldn’t it be better if the entire retail sector understood that environmental sustainability is the future?

Do you think sector initiatives, such as the voluntary Retail Environmental Sustainability Code are needed? Perhaps you’d prefer to see government regulation? Or maybe the ad hoc programs like that at Wal*Mart will let the market forces choose which way to go. Share your views on what you think is the right path for the U.S. and elsewhere in our comments below.

photo credit: Rack of Clothes by plemeljr, on Flickr