Jeanne Beker's picks for the most stylish eco-conscious Canadian fashion brands

Jeanne Beker has kept Canadians in the know on fashion trends for three decades. Today, there's one thing she knows for sure: sustainable fashion is the next big thing. Jeanne stopped by The Goods to weigh in on eco-fashion and show off some great Canadian brands that are making their mark on the fashion world in a green way.

Problem: Textiles in landfills

People are buying four times more clothing today than they did in 1980, and North Americans add eighty one pounds of textiles to landfills every year.

Brand with a solution: Preloved

Jeanne wanted to highlight Preloved, a brand that's been giving new life to old sweaters for twenty years. The brand has up-cycled over one million sweaters, turning the reclaimed vintage sweaters and fabrics into unique clothing. They often buy huge lots of dead stock fabric that would otherwise go to landfills. Tops, pants, culottes, accessories – Preloved offers lots of variety, and not just sweaters.

Problem: Synthetic and non-natural materials

Cotton is the most popular natural fiber for clothing and it's in nearly 40 PERCENT of what we wear. But the natural colour of cotton is tan or brown. Unfortunately, making cotton white actually requires hundreds of harsh chemicals and pesticides.

Brand with a solution: Peggy Sue

Jeanne loves this brand because they are all about natural fibers. Every fiber is sourced from independent North American Farmers and their cottons are American Organic or up-cycled denim. Natural cotton is more resistant to fading, which means it lasts longer and is more sustainable. Cotton is grown in colour so it's never dyed with harsh chemicals, and their garments are made locally in Toronto.

Problem: Water consumption to make fashion

It takes more than 6000 litres of water to make one pair of jeans! And not only that, but a study out of Carleton University showed local waterways are contaminated with tiny pieces of plastic that come from producing synthetic clothing.                                                                                                                                                                      

Brand with a solution: Triarchy

This Canadian brand is using 90% less water for its denim. Their women's denim uses Tencel Cotton blend, a processed wood fibre made from the eucalyptus tree. Tencel cotton uses 85% less water than cotton to grow and process – so it's much better for the environment. Triarchy also uses a factory that primarily uses recycled water for their denim bottoms and jackets to help stay as sustainable as possible.

Problem: Eco fashion education & awareness

It's never too young to start being eco-conscious!

Brand with a solution: Nudnik 

Two young sisters started this label for kids. Their father is the man behind Waste Co so he has seen firsthand the importance of reducing waste. This brand repurposse and upcycles items to make bright and fun unisex clothing made in Toronto. Nudnik also collaborates with local artists to create original prints – so you can look good while caring about the planet!