2011 Heart of Green Awards

Winner: H&M, Conscious Collection
Known for bringing seasonal trends to the masses, fast fashion retailer H&M is launching the Conscious Collection, a new ongoing collection for women, men and kids made with eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, organic linen, recycled polyester, and Tencel (a biodegradable cellulose made from wood pulp). The inaugural collection hits stores April 14; prices will range from $10-$60.

People's Choice: Payless ShoeSource, Zoe&Zac
Zoe&Zac, the first collection to offer affordable green footwear for under $30—no kidding!—enlisted the help of Eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes, a 2009 Heart of Green Award winner, to help design a collection that currently includes both footwear and bags made with eco-friendly materials like recycled rubber and hemp.

Learn more about our 2011 Heart of Green Award winners!

About the Nominees

Levi Strauss & Co., WaterLess Jeans
Makers of the original blue jeans, Levi Strauss & Co. has been an innovator in creating eco-friendly denim, using organic cotton and natural indigo dyes. The new WaterLess Jeans line reduces water use by an average of 28% per pair (up to 96% for some of the 12 available styles) and represents the brand's commitment to turning blue jeans green.

Loomstate for Target and Keds
The organic men’s and women’s casual wear brand has brought eco fashion to the masses through a limited-edition Loomstate for Target collection, and other collaborations with Vans, Bloomingdales and Barneys. Most recently, Loomstate created a Safari-inspired Men’s bootie with Keds for $110.

American Apparel, Sustainable Edition and Creative Reuse
From their Sustainable Edition label, which features 100% organic cotton products, to their vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in Southern California, American Apparel has incorporated sustainability into their business model. Creative Reuse, an accessories and intimates collection made entirely from repurposed and excess fabrics, shows how they see inspiration even in the scraps.

- Emma Grady