The company that makes those brightly colored "comfortable" shoes, Crocs, is now creating a cloth, made of the same synthetic material, using it to make a line of Croc clothing. I've found no one, not even the biggest admirers of the shoe (which I am most certainly not) that thinks this is a good idea.

While the styling alone will be questionable, does anyone really want to wear some lab-created mystery threads? Science has given us heaps of great things, but it seems that when it comes to things going on your body, the more natural they are, the better. When it comes to the products we use in our personal grooming to the clothes we put on our backs, the motto should be "from the ground good, from the lab bad."

And that's why it's great that I've stumbled upon two local companies that provide these clothing and grooming needs with ingredients that come from the earth and are eco-friendly. With NuSpun Apparel and the Reed Johnson Salon & Spa, you're helping the earth while helping yourself.

Yes, it's true that most clothing you will buy will be from something nature has provided; obviously cotton didn't come from a test tube, but the pesticides used on most cotton fields were. The damaging effects these chemicals wreak on our ecosystem have created a different part of the cotton industry--ones that don't use any synthetic chemicals.

So, just like you have organic vegetables, you can have certified organic cotton, which ensures that no harmful products were used on the crop at any point. And this is what NuSpun t-shirts are made from. Well, that and bamboo, a material with a surprisingly smooth texture. Bamboo is also anti-bacterial and, according to the information I received from NuSpun creator Brandon Anthamatten, resistant to mold. This is a quality that intrigues me.

NuSpun has been in the making for more than two years. Anthamatten, a local Tulsan, had an interest in fashion and creating something that could have a positive influence. He's found the product that has meshed well and that creation is the company pronounced "New Spun." It took some energy and a few lawsuits to get to this name, but it is fitting for a brand that offers a new spin on a classic t-shirt.

Anthamatten wanted to create something that wasn't "granola looking"--a stereotype that sometimes is tagged to items that are earth-friendly--but these tees quickly shatter that old-school style of thought. The t-shirts are simultaneously just like any other shirt you've worn but, at the same time, like nothing you've ever worn.

Not only are the shirts created in a way that's eco-friendly, some graphics are made with water-based ink. This relatively new process is much safer than the chemicals typically used to make t-shirt graphics.

It's also so new that it's hard to come by, but Anthamatten says that soon all the shirt graphics will be made with the water-based ink. This eco-friendly creation is also consumer friendly because the fibers are pre-shrunk and the dyes used maintain their color from fading--all this for less than $25.

There are currently six different designs on two different t-shirt colors: dark brown and light blue for women, white and royal blue for guys. Women have the option of bamboo or the organic cotton tees, and the company is currently working to provide the bamboo option for men as well because of the high demand it's received.

The three designs you'll find right now are the NuSpun logo on an Oklahoma license plate, the NuSpun logo of a brown "N" with an evergreen-like tree growing from it and a tall California redwood growing vertically on the side of the shirt. Anthamatten is aiming for five to six new designs on two new t-shirt colors before the holiday season comes around. In addition, he's also looking to expand NuSpun Apparel to include bamboo polos, hemp hoodies and hats and yoga wear.

The goal of NuSpun Apparel is "to inspire, educate, and support our world in becoming more environmentally responsible and conscience in its everyday action." And if you are inspired, you have the opportunity to submit your graphic ideas to the company for future graphic considerations.

Anthamatten says that several local artists have already contributed ideas and the NuSpun website extends that chance to anyone.

The shirts are currently available at Dwelling Spaces in downtown or on Cherry Street in the new boutique Sideways. The shirts will also soon be featured at Earth Friendly Goods. The popularity of the company is allowing Anthamatten a chance to expand the shirts nationally. In fact, the shirts featuring the redwood tree are a big hit in northern California.

Get Thee to a Salon

While I have told you about clothing before, I've never really gone into the details that make up the rest of your personal style. These two elements go hand-in-hand. Throwing on a decent outfit does nothing if everything else about you looks sloppy.

Whether or not you spend an extensive amount of time each day glamming yourself up, it's important to keep up with the maintenance. This is why men and women alike should have a salon and spa that they visit on a regular basis.

What sets apart a salon and spa from the average place that offers hair cuts is the experience. It's not pretentious; just the opportunity for you to relax and treat yourself. When you can do this with products that aren't harmful to you or the environment, you've found a place that you can go to for guilt-free indulgences. This is what you find at Reed Johnson Salon & Spa.

Co-owners Toni Johnson and Amy Reed opened the doors to their salon back in February, but their experience in the industry goes back years.

Johnson, a stylist for nearly 20 years, was the former owner of The Head Room Salon. Last year, she and friend Amy Reed, a stylist for nearly nine years, decided to expand and create a new salon. Located at 1336 East 15th Street, right above Jason's Deli, the salon and spa has a staff of over 20 and a menu of services from head to toe.

The large, open, loft-like space of the salon is decorated in relaxing earth tones, with windows that overlook Cherry Street. Reed said they knew it was the perfect location when they walked in. With the location decided, they had to determine what kind of products to use in their new salon. Reed had been a long time user of the Aveda line of products and the company's reputation for organic, eco-friendly products sealed the deal.

Aveda has a nearly 30-year history of creating skin care, hair care, hair color and body care and make up. While I still haven't wrapped my brain around it, they also offer air care. Hmm?

The products are 97 percent organic and come from various fair trade farms from around the world. In addition to having Aveda products, Reed Johnson uses eco-friendly stations from a company called Etopa, who also boasts having facilities with no dumpsters because nothing is wasted. As Johnson points out, this is a company that you won't find in the body care aisle at your local drug store; Aveda has managed to keep their products at a high quality without outrageous prices.

Reed Johnson also participates in the teachings that Aveda continually offers, so they're knowledgable on the products they're offering and what's best for you personally. For a look at the menu and to learn more about the company before giving yourself over to their services, you may visit www.reedjohnsonsalon.com.

While preventing further negative contributions to our ecosystem, Reed Johnson also gives back through charitable philanthropy, donating time and energy to the Parkinson Benefit, United Way and the Lung Association, each of which has upcoming events the salon is helping to sponsor.

Another important event is being held at Reed Johnson Salon: a benefit to help the Amber Rogers Foundation. This foundation raises money to benefit the victims of violent crime. This 18th Century themed gala will feature a hair show with models in elaborate period costume and hair style and offers a silent auction.