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Organic, sustainable, renewable ... undies?

Is it time to question what fabrics you place near your nethers? GreenDAY's Marisa Belger reveals the best brands for eco-underthings.
/ Source: TODAY contributor

Having trouble keeping up with our increasingly organic, eco-friendly world? Let me be your guide! From all-natural makeup to the best in eco-conscious jeans, I will test and review the products and treatments that are best for you and the planet.

I’ve always had a penchant for underthings. A recent count revealed that I had at least a month’s worth, making it all too easy to sport a clean pair in case I am ever run over by that ubiquitous bus.

I like them all: the full coverage cozy cotton style — good for winter outings and lazy Sundays — and the lacy, racy Victoria’s got a secret variety. So, it makes the best of sense that my exploration into eco-friendly clothing would lead me to question the garments that I choose to place on my nether regions.

In my humble opinion — humble as I, too, am still learning about all that it takes to live a green life — you’re really only as happy as your underwear is comfortable. We’ve all had those days when the elastic gives out or is just a notch too snug or when the poly-blend rubs too roughly. And if your drawers are made from conventional cotton — which many are — they were exposed to a hefty amount of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, two things that I definitely do not want where the sun don’t shine.

Enter organic undies! Today, a handful of designers are putting their efforts into creating sustainable underwear lines that are made from organically harvested cotton or renewable resources like bamboo and white pine tree clippings (more on that below). These colorful, comfortable, sweetly sexy undies are yet another strike against the stereotype of environmentally conscious clothing as itchy, frumpy and beige.

Sorry guys, I’ve listed my favorite sustainable underwear lines below and with only the occasional boxer to be found. But, if you’re looking for a present that will please you, your lady, and the earth, I’ve got you covered.

G=9.8 (http://g98.fr/): Sophie Young is a French underwear designer who knows that G=9.81m/s2 is the figure for the earth’s gravitational acceleration. She also knows that discarded white pine tree clippings can be transformed into Lenpur, a fabric that is favored for its texture (something like silk and cashmere) and its ability to regulate temperature and moisture. Young’s underwear designs come in a variety of sexy styles (bras, panties, tanks, stockings) and she also has a line of athletic wear and sleepwear — with a few pieces for men too.

Blue Canoe (www.bluecanoe.com): If you prefer under garments without bows, ruffles, bright colors or witty images or slogans, Blue Canoe is for you. The company uses organic cotton (plus a bit of Lycra — it’s what gives underwear that necessary stretch) in simple sporty bras and panties as well as in a (slightly) lacier lingerie line.

Perfectly Imperfect (thegreenloop.com): Organic cotton and in this case, a dash of Spandex, give boy shorts, panties, thongs (there really is nothing like an organic thong), camisoles and nighties just the right fit. Whether you like your underwear simple and practical or sexy and dainty (or in my case, both), Perfectly Imperfect ensures that it will be safe for both you and the earth.

Green Knickers (www.greenknickers.org): Start this Earth Day off right (April 22nd, if you forgot) with a pair of global warming knickers (a simple bikini shape with an image of the earth emblazoned in front) made from fair trade organic cotton and farmed, milled and sewn in the same place — reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing and supporting local business. Green Knickers also makes undies and boxers in bamboo and hemp.

Marisa Belger is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience covering health and wellness. She was a founding editor of Lime.com, a multiplatform media company specializing in health, wellness and sustainable living. Marisa also collaborated with Josh Dorfman on “The Lazy Environmentalist” (Stewart, Tabori, and Chang), a comprehensive guide to easy, stylish green living.

Please note: Neither Marisa Belger nor TODAYshow.com has been compensated by the manufacturers or their representatives for her comments or selection of products reviewed in this column.