Green Living: Winter fashion

Now that we're halfway through October it feels like Bonfire Night, hats and scarves and cosy nights in front of the fire have replaced sunshine and summer in the blink of an eye.

The only good news about the dark nights drawing in is that it gives us an opportunity to show off our autumnal fashion sense. Happily there are also plenty of ethical brands and labels out there hoping to keep you wrapped up warm without causing any unnecessary warming on a global scale.

Howies is the quintessential ethical label for the younger generation. Its autumn and winter collection includes the Fireside jumper, a contemporary take on a traditional knitted sweater.

Wool is a good sustainable choice as it's biodegradable and chlorine free. Ironically, the thing that puts a lot of people off wool - the hand washing - is also a sustainable feature, as it means you avoid energy use of a washing machine.

People Tree is another ethical brand which has been in the news lately, notably for recruiting Emma Watson as the new face of the range. People Tree use Fairtrade certified organic cotton for all of their clothes.

Unfortunately you'll have to wait until spring/summer 2010 to see the fruits of its collaboration with the Harry Potter star.

In the meantime you can enjoy the current range, which includes the Anoushka jersey dress (pictured). With celebrity backing, some great designs and a sustainable supply chain they could be shaping the face of how we dress in years to come.

- Do you or your company have an environmentally friendly product or service you'd like featured in this column? Let us know by contacting Seventeen, a sustainable alternative for your event management needs, at andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk.