Two weeks ago, I lost one of my favorite socks while moving to a new apartment. I'd feel pretty silly about having just a pair of sock being shipped across the country so I kept putting it off. While browsing around my local Whole Foods yesterday, I spotted Maggie's Functional Organics socks in the clothing section (which was next to the vegetables… go figure). Having checked out Maggie's site once or twice before, I assumed that since their items are being carried at Whole Foods then they must be of pretty good quality. The particular three-pack that I bought has natural cotton-colored socks made from 89% Certified Organic Cotton, 10% Nylon, and 1% Lycra, which are quite comfortable and sturdy.

Founded in 1992, Maggie's Organics has been one of the pioneers in the organic clothing industry, and has won awards from Co-op America, the Organic Trade Association, the Natural Products Expo, and more. Originally started as a marketing company for organic tortilla chips, it was suggested that adding cotton to crop rotation would help produce better corn for chips. Of course, once the cotton crop was picked, someone had to sell it.

After learning the harsh facts of conventional cotton cultivation and garment manufacturing, we began making garments a different way - using our farmer's Organic cotton. We started with socks, and then added tee shirts: simple products that would encourage the use of Organic fibers. Upholding our commitment to social responsibility, in an industry dominated by sweatshops, has forced us to find viable alternatives. By partnering with Jubilee House, a community development organization, and pledging our sewing contracts, we've been able to inspire the creation of "Maquiladora Mujeres", a 100% worker-owned Sewing Co-Operative in Nueva Vida, Nicaragua.

The Nicaraguan cooperative sews the majority of the tanks and t-shirts for the Maggie's line. Other sewing co-ops established by other organizations make the rest of the collection, documented on their website. Well-known for their socks, Maggie's offers versions for men, women, kids, and baby ranging from $6-$29. Maggie's organic baby line, started in 2006, features bodysuit and cap sets with adorable graphics for $25.50. Plain and printed camisoles for women come in a variety of colors for $15-20. Short- and long-sleeve tees, polos, and criss cross tops for both men and women come in a myriad of colors for $11.20-$26. Making sure not to waste resources, slightly irregular items are also on sale at a discount.