The Great American Apparel Diet began with 18 women who decided to diet, (it’s more like a fast, really), and not buy any new clothing for an entire year. From there, it has grown to be a global sensation.

It’s good for those who have been hit by economic challenges, and good for the environment, two of the biggest hallmarks of the current global climate. Making this commitment encourages people to use what they have, and to perhaps even creatively up-cycle items for use as accessories or new wardrobe pieces.

After a year of examining the underlying reasons they feel the need to shop, they were ready to be unleashed upon the shopping malls once again. But now they had created new criteria:
• Choose items that you really love
• Choose high quality items that can be worn repeatedly
• Choose… well, basically, Garments Without Guilt – clothing made ethically, ecologically and sustainably.

Their blogs follow the experiences of those have made the one-year commitment. For the original 18, it ended on Sept 2nd, 2010, but you can join in at any time. And for those who have completed their consumer-diet-boot-camp, the site has added a section called Conscious Shopping.

“Every one of these lines is fashionable, eco-friendly and made in the US or fairly traded. This way you can rest assured you are not hurting the planet on your shopping excursions…at least not too badly. Enjoy!”

Their list includes many labels we’ve told you about before like:

Loomstate Organic - mentioned in How Jeans and T-Shirts Can Save the World and Are Eco-Ethical Clothing Lines Taking Over?

Popomomo - mentioned in L.A.’s (Eco-Friendly!) Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week Greenshows

Playback Clothing mentioned in Playback Clothing Recycles Hues Too

Vaute Couture - also mentioned briefly in New York Fashion Week Greenshows .

And some we’re happy to tell you about now! Like:
~Indigenous – fair trade and organic

~Global Girlfriend (a Greater Good Store)

~c. marchuska

~Degree Six (ºVI)

~Ashley Watson Recycled Leather

~Liv Grn

~Good Society

~reMade USA

~ecoSkin

~ Doie

Check out The Great American Apparel Diet’s Conscious Shopping section for the whole scoop!