By this point we've all heard how important it is to buy eco-friendly products, and that includes fashion. But is it all just hype? Just another marketing gimmick employed by corporate America to try and get us to spend more dollars but feel less guilty about doing it? Many companies have been accused of greenwashing, and it's certainly true that buy buy buy is not the way to help our environment.

No matter what though, people will always want to dress in a way that makes them feel good about the way they look. We shouldn't have to compromise style in our quest to save the planet. Sure, we need to adjust our habits, but that doesn't mean that we'll all end up looking like a bunch of dirty hippies. Here's our list of the top 5 ways to really green up your wardrobe.

I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Merle OBrien, the Aspen, Colorado-based designer behind a line of eco handbags called OlovesM, which were recently handed out to celebs attending the Sundance Film Festival. These fashionable and environmentally friendly bags feature predominantly recycled materials, including a snazzy sport/diaper bag made from repurposed yoga mats.

How did you get started as a designer? I was in yoga class and the idea for my bags just popped into my head, so I ran off my mat and started doing a ton of research, and cut and sewed a lot of prototypes until I figured it out. I am one of those people who is always thinking about ideas, and some seem to work, while others just help me learn more do's and dont's about business!!

I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

One of my favorite alternative clothing designers is Lori Marsha, who got her start designing handbags and jewelry almost ten years ago and has more recently expanded her work to include some stunning revamped and recycled wearable works of art. Her pieces aren't for everyone, but for those who aren't afraid to stand out and who are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind look, Lori Marsha's designs are absolutely inspiring.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I design one of a kind garments and accessories from primarily recycled components. I work from my home in Redlands, California and enjoy the solitude and joy that comes with the creative process.

With the demand for earth-friendly consumption on the rise, designers are looking to find ways to create clothing that has minimal impact on the earth. In addition to using organic cotton and natural dyes, one of the most innovative ways to go green is to utilize discarded materials.

Several fashion mavens on the cutting edge of eco-style showed off their innovative creations at the Dana Centre during London Fashion Week.

From vintage tweed suits to car seat leather, companies like Terra Plana and Again NYC have made it their mission to create treasures from other people's trash. As a result, cast off materials enjoy a second life as dresses, shirts, shoes and handbags.

Based on the fact that this show took place during London Fashion Week, I'm led to believe that this trend is steadily shifting from a niche industry to a mainstream force in the retail industry. In an era of cheap, disposable clothes, it's comforting to know that some designers choose to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Holly Anne Mitchell's newspaper jewelry is like nothing I have ever seen before. Mitchell fashions her earrings, brooches, bracelets and cufflinks out of newspaper, lottery tickets and sweetener packets. Crossword puzzle fans and Sudoku junkies can wear the object of their obsession around their wrists. There is even a necklace called "Shattered Dreams" which is made entirely of losing lottery tickets rolled up into bead tubes. My favorites are these Sweet and Low Packet earrings. They have faceted Swarovski crystal trim and the packet beads are sealed and protected by a water-resistant coating. They are a bit pricey at $89 but guaranteed to provoke conversations.

[via American Inventor Spot]