Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield, and Byers, the top gun VC behind such companies as Google, Amazon, Travelocity and others is putting it’s massive resources to use funding green technology companies. The KPCB Greentech Initiative is dedicated to funding emerging technology companies focused on solar power and alternative fuels. Thus far, the Greentech portfolio page of KPCB lists just two companies, but a recent investment in Altra, a biofuel manufacturer, appears to bring the total to three.

Tierra Del Forte is the founder of Del Forte Denim, a company on the leading edge of the eco-fashion movement. For her take on the use of organic cotton, evolving denim styles, and more, check out the interview below.

Pangaya: There are numerous designer denim lines on the market. Why should people wear Del Forte?
Tierra: Our customers feel good about buying Del Forte because because of our commitment to using 100% organic cotton, our fair labor practices and our partnership with the Sustainable Cotton project, but it’s the great fit that makes women fall in love with our jeans. Women no longer have to sacrifice one ounce of sex appeal to be ethical consumers.

Pangaya: Where do you see denim styles evolving over the next few years?
Tierra: Jeans with slimmer legs, higher rises and cleaner washes have been the trend for the last few seasons, and I think this look has real staying power because it’s so wearable. At Del Forte Denim, the next few years will be really important in terms of fabric and wash development. As consumer demand for eco-fashion grows, we are going to see a greater variety of organic cotton denim on the market. We are adding a couple of great new fabrics to the Del Forte line for spring 2007. I also expect to see a lot of innovation in the washing technology as development facilities respond to this growing demand. And of course, I see denim made with organic cotton increasing in popularity.

Pangaya: Are there other designers that you look to for inspiration, whether it be for their sense of style or their business/management insight?
Tierra: I think Stewart+Brown is the epitomy of eco-luxury, their deliciously soft knits and both luxurious and sustainable and very sexy in an understated way. I can easily see our customers wearing a Stewart+Brown sweater with a pair of Del Forte jeans.

Pangaya: What was the catalyst for your decision to use only organic cotton and U.S. based manufacturing?
Tierra: For me, as a denim designer, it was learning about the effects of conventional (non-organic) cotton farming has on the environment. We tend to think of cotton as this natural and pure fiber, but the reality is cotton is most of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. It takes 2/3 of a pound of pesticides to grow the fiber used to make just one pair of non-organic cotton jeans. When consumers choose to buy organic cotton products, they are making a significant, positive impact on the environment. Look around you – how many people do you see wearing jeans? Quite a few, I bet! What an impact we could all make if we chose denim made with organic cotton. At Del Forte Denim we are providing a more environmentally friendly option for style-conscious women who demand the best fit and highest quality. I choose to do my manufacturing in Los Angels for two reasons: LA is home to some of the most innovative wash development facilities in the world. LA is also a leader in anit-sweatshop legislation and enforcement, so I feel confident that the people who work so hard to make Del Forte Denim garments are being treated fairly. I personally spend a lot of time in the factory and am able to witness the conditions on a day to day basis. This level of personal involvement would not be possible for a company the size of Del Forte Denim if we were manufacturing overseas.

Pangaya: Are there any celebrities or cultural icons wearing your denim yet?
Tierra: Model, TV host and social entrepreneur Summer Rayne Oaks has this to say about Del Forte Denim: “I have to say they fit PERFECTLY, beautiful detailing on the backside, might I add!

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to Pangaya, Del Forte Denim! The DFD collection is made in Los Angeles from 100% organic cotton and is part of a growing trend which interprets luxury as a combination of both exquisite beauty and ethical production.

Each piece features beautiful detailing and is ready for a night on the town, or a casual morning at your favorite coffee shop.

Visit the Del Forte Denim Collection

Light up your patio or deck with solar power courtesy of Hampton Bay and Home Depot. This umbrella contains panels that charge throught the day and then provide enough power for up to four hours of LED lighting when the sun goes down.

No cords, no energy use, and it costs just $99. It’s exclusive to Home Depot and only available in-store.

In a move that will lead to a reduction of tons (literally) of pollution not being spewed from yellow Crown Victorias in NYC, the taxi commission voted to increase tenfold the number of hybrid cabs on city streets. Considering the poor gas mileage of Crown Vics, and less than efficient driving habits of cab drivers, this is a tremendous development in public transportation and health.

Full Story from CBS News

Joining about 100 other cities across the country, Oakland has taken the admirable step in banning plastic foam takeout containers from city eateries. Citied as a contributor to blight, pollution, and landfill mass, these containers will be a thing of the past come January 1^st.

Next on the list…mandate that all containers are made from biodegradable and compostable materials.

Full Story from the Contra Costa Times

Torn ligaments, corns, and bruising are just a few of the things that women are dealing with in today’s quest for fashion perfection. This article from MSNBC highlights a few women and their personal accounts of bodily injury as a result of five inch heels, body shapers, and other madness.

If comfort AND style are more your speed, check out the latest from Stewart+Brown and Undesigned.

You eat organic food, recycle your bottles and cardboard, and may even catch a ride on public transportation once in awhile. But how does your community rank as a whole? Does the local government drive green initiatives? How is the air quality? Is the city easily navigated on foot or bike? The team over at SustainLane recently published their list of Sustainable Cities and it’s no great surprise that Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle lead the pack.

To read detailed reports about each city and to see how your community ranks, visit the SustainLane 2006 U.S. City Rankings.

Summer is just starting to heat up which means the fall collections will be rolling in soon. In order to make room for the new styles, we need to clear out current inventory. Lucky for you, this means big discounts! Save up to 70% on great styles from the leading eco-fashion designers.

As always, shipping is free on orders $75 and up!

If you are reading this post while sitting in your drab cube and wondering
“what if…?”, you may want to check out some of the opportunities in the exploding natural/organic foods franchise industry.

We are squarely in favor of the small family run restaurants and cafes, but if
you are looking for something with a bit more stability and marketing muscle, these may be a better fit. While franchise owners are certainly under the thumb of the corporate umbrella, you still get to call most of the shots, and best of all, you’ll be spreading the gospel on living a healthy lifestyle.

Read full article on MSNBC.