Green Daily

Many students unfortunately do not have extra cash floating around, except maybe from the bank by way of loans. Money can be a very limiting factor when it comes to 'going green.'

All too often, our purchasing options steer us towards less environmentally-sound options. As an example, let's consider underwear. While one might fully agree that certain fabrics like organic cotton are much healthier, both for the environment and for our bodies, we can't all afford $20 per pair or more.

Besides, it's not as though students are known for their stringent laundry schedules, so four to seven pairs at a minimum of $80 to $140 just isn't going to cut it.
This becomes especially apparent when looking for panties that are a little less like our grannies'; maybe we can't all import from that stylish eco-conscious online boutique in the UK.

At this point, we're perusing the shelves of large companies like Wal-Mart and La Senza or even Victoria's Secret, because comfort, style, and our wallets are putting on the pressure.

Now that Wal-Mart has begun purchasing organic cotton as well as transitional cotton from farmers in order to produce cheaply made organic cotton products, it's even more tempting to shop there.

Sure, they are encouraging farmers to make the switch, and even supporting them while they do by purchasing transitional cotton; many farmers previously would have opted out of changing their practices because their crops can take up to three years before they are certified as organic. This means up to three years of increased costs for them, without the ability to sell their crops for the price that certified organic cotton fetches. Does this compensate for their other, more questionable business practices?

Of course, if your wallet can only stretch so far, the injection of more environmentally friendly products into large chain stores is a positive. If you cannot afford to shop elsewhere, at least now they are offering more options, including locally grown produce, organic apparel, apparel made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, and more.

Learn more about their Earth Month (April!) campaign or check out the new environmentally-friendly section of their website.