Magnifeco: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Ethical Fashion and Non-toxic Beauty

by Kate Black

In the wake of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh—the worst garment industry accident in recorded history—the words "fashion disaster" acquired a new and much more sinister meaning. Commentators suggested that the tragedy was completely predictable in a sector with a shocking track record of rampant environmental damage, the use of toxic chemicals, and chronic human rights abuse.

Now the industry is undergoing a shift, and many of us are questioning our buying habits. The rise of socially and environmentally responsible retailers like Patagonia and The Body Shop has led to dramatic changes in the eco and ethical fashion landscape. Magnifeco is the Fast Food Nation of the fashion world—your guide to making a difference too. In this guide, author Kate Black:


Examines non-toxic beauty and ethical fashion
Recommends a multitude of ways for consumers to make better decisions
Introduces the brands and designers leading the way along this socially responsible path
With this complete head-to toe guide covering everything from hair and beauty products to shoes and footwear, you can feel better about everything you put on your body and be—magnifeco!

Kate Black is the founder and editor-in-chief of Magnifeco.com, the digital source for eco-fashion and sustainable living. She has lived and worked in the major fashion centers of the world, has written over one thousand articles about designers and ethical fashion, and speaks regularly at regional and national green living events.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Fashion

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2015

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Reviews

[Carson Harkrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! I try hard to be a conscientious shopper, but have struggled over the years to find sources for ethically manufactured clothes, and for non-toxic makeup. This book has good information on why we should buy fair-trade and organic goods, but what's so helpful is that it goes the next step to suggest multiple sources for where to find and how to buy these kinds of goods. I was a little worried that the book would be a downer, but it's been the opposite. I've spent a few hours looking up the brands mentioned in this book and have already bought some great things online from People Tree and PACT. The brands suggested in this book are at various price points, some are more expensive but there are a number that are priced similarly to what I would normally spend, and a number of the brands have full websites with plenty of different styles, which is what I've struggled to find in the past. It was also a lot of fun reading about and looking up beautiful collections sourced from artisans around the world. A big thank you to Kate Black for writing this wonderful book!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource. Even if you can't afford to switch completely to a fully ethical and eco friendly lifestyle, this is an excellent place to start. Aside from the shopping guides and particular brand recommendations, the most interesting and informative parts are the backstory and explanations behind what makes different facets of the fashion and beauty industries so dirty. The book didn't feel overly biased and gave credit where credit was due, even in parts of the industry that aren't yet ideal. Overall, it sends the message that change starts with us as consumers, and the industry will follow what we dictate. So the more informed we are, the better! (And reading this book will definitely help)

[MrsIcarusPain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starting point

What I enjoyed about this book was that Black was informative without being preachy. I learned a lot about different chemicals that have probably been rubbing on my skin my whole life. What was a little disheartening was that it seems like being frugal and being good to the environment are antonyms. You can't be eco friendly and expect to not buy a sweater for 250 minimum.