Luce scarves and vests using vintage kimono and other recycled fabrics, Sinerji of Noosa and WA-based Charlene O'Brien's natural dyes.
Barachala from Columbia and Melbourne's Etiko produce fair-trade shoes. Sydney's Sara Victoria organic cotton range and Sahara Bloom bamboo products are stunning.
A sustainable fashion industry is important because the amount of waste and social justice in the regular fashion industry is a real cause for concern. Some very creative, innovative people are responding to these concerns - from everyday wear, to high-end designers.
To be a more eco-friendly shopper, be informed. Ignorance on the source of products is no excuse. Once you become aware of the real issue of sweatshops and the chemicals used in clothing manufacture, it becomes an easy choice.
My eco-shopping advice is to read labels. Buy good quality products that will last, rather than cheaper versions that need frequent replacing and eventually contribute to landfill. As demand for eco-friendly products, including fashion grows, the market will respond.
I am inspired by Peter Cundall. Arguably, he has done more for the organic gardening movement in Australia than anyone - in the public eye, but remaining both humble and dignified. I am also inspired by young musicians like John Butler, politicians like Bob Brown and Hugh Evans of The Global Poverty Project.
EcoHaven is involved in community organisations such as Sustainable Living Tasmania, the Global Poverty Project, the Oaktree Foundation, World Vision, Amnesty International and we host events supporting fair-trade and offer a Natural Health clinic.
The fashion industry needs to actually act as a leader in the sustainability stakes and be proactive in promoting fair-trade and sustainable fashion before it becomes an ecological necessity.
There are alternatives to sweat shops and chemically loaded fabrics. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a time when there is real choice. The doyens of industry just need to act on that choice.
The eco-style capitals of the world include Copenhagen. It has bicycle paths everywhere and good, affordable public transport. And the cyclists are usually well dressed!
Melbourne would have to be Australia's closest, and I think Melbourne is great in that individuality in style is totally acceptable.
For real eco-style and fashion, London is way ahead, but there are great designers coming from Australian cities and a lot from New Zealand.
However, we are working on Hobart becoming the eco-style hub! Why not?
EcoHaven is located at 71 Murray St, Hobart. Ph: 6234 6454 and browse online at www.ecohaven.com.au
03 6234 6454