I never realized how passionate I am about funky socks until they inadvertently became a popular subject in a photographic experiment of mine. The object was to take a self-portrait every day for one year. Several times I heard friends describe it as a self-centered venture, but for me it was a project of self-discovery.
Now that it’s completed, I look at my collection of photos and noticed a recurring theme: I always wear brightly colored socks. Even on days when I’m required to dress in professional attire, you’ll find me wearing a black pantsuit accentuated by funky-colored, striped socks peeking through the top of my Mary Jane shoes.
Some women coordinate their wardrobe and accessorize with jewelry, I accessorize with socks. I love all colors, patterns, textures, and every size from ankle socks, to knee socks, to thigh-high socks, and even toe socks. If the texture and shape are the same, I like to wear a different sock on each foot to mix patterns and colors.
Cotton Socks for Men and Women
Eco-friendly recycled cotton socksMy favorite kind of socks are made from natural fibers. One of the most creative sock companies is RocknSocks, Willits, CA, whose motto is “Because life’s too short to wear white socks.” The company sells recycled cotton socks for both men and women, as well as a few other recycled cotton accessories, such as arm and leg warmers and fingerless gloves. The company’s cotton socks come from materials that otherwise would be tossed out during the manufacturing process.
Misty Reilly of RocknSocks says wearing recycled cotton socks is eco-friendly for 7 reasons. For every ton (2200 lbs) of recycled cotton yarns used, the manufacturing process saves:
- 1272.2 gallons of water
- 36.42 pounds of chemicals
- emissions of 515.37 pounds of CO2
- 512.5 kwh of electricty
- elimination of 944.53 gallons of sewage
- elimination of 1763.68 pounds of inert waste
- .4695 acres of land
By repurposing scraps of cotton that are headed to the trash, it saves the time, energy and effort to plant and harvest the crop, conserving land and reducing waste, and the manufacturing process does not include the use of harsh chemicals. As an added bonus, recycled cotton is warm and comfortable, too. More than eco-friendly, they’re fashion-friendly, too, from funky to neutral Earth tones, pastels or vibrant shades of color, available as solids, stripes or patterns.
RocknSocks are not sold in the major national chains, but they can be found in a variety of boutiques and family-owned stores across several states. They also exhibit at the Energy Trust Better Living Show in Portland, OR, held this year on March 26-28, 2010, at the Portland Expo Center.
