The Action Sports Retailer ASR Tradeshow for action sports brands in San Diego displayed a great deal of concern for environmentalism with apparel featuring fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo and shoes made with less toxic materials.
While the privately-held Patagonia may be a pioneer in championing environmentalism, others are not lagging behind.
Quiksilver, the largest US maker of surfwear presented an organic line of T-shirts, while Sector 9 showcased bamboo skateboards in addition to an organic cotton T-shirt line.
Planet Earth, a division of K2 Inc. demonstrated a complete line of clothing, including board shorts, made from recycled plastic bottles.
Brands from edgy Volcom Inc to Etnies offered a range of green clothing and footwear.
Even the surfboard makers – who are dependent on foam, fiberglass and resins – unveiled a range of eco-friendly boards. Urban skateboarders showcased a number of clothing, footwear and skateboard options that are easier on the environment.
The new fashion trend has just made the beginning in the nearly $3 billion-a-year action sports clothing and shoe business.
Global companies like Nike Inc and jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co are going greener with their use of organic cotton.
The world's another biggest retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc is offering their collection of baby clothes made from organic cotton.
In this scenario, global organic cotton sales have gone up to $583 million in 2005 from $245 million in 2001, while those in the United States and Canada jumped to 44 percent in 2005.
Last but not the least, Apparel makers are also looking for environment-friendly alternatives to plastic and plastic wraps for clothing being shipped.
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