LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 08/26/09 -- Labeling Ecologically Approved Fabrics (LEAF) has announced its public review process for fashion and apparel industry stakeholders to provide feedback on a new eco-labeling program designed to showcase environmental and socially responsible practices to the U.S. marketplace.

The review will take place online by completing a questionnaire pertaining to a recently released LEAF public review document which outlines the program goals and objectives. The purpose is to gather stakeholder feedback on a collaborative eco-labeling program for apparel sold in the United States.

LEAF intends to become a trusted, user-friendly clearinghouse where consumers can learn if an apparel product has met various environmental and social standards within its complex life cycle process. The LEAF label may be displayed on hang tags, attached to apparel, incorporated into company marketing campaigns or made available through LEAF's website.

"The supply chain of one item of apparel can be quite complex, as one particular product can be harvested, manufactured, and packaged in many different places around the globe," says LEAF founder Elinor Averyt. "A growing number of reputable apparel designers and brands are meeting comprehensive environmental and social responsibility standards, but there's often not enough communication about that fact with end users here in the U.S."

Added Barbara Kramer, Co-Founder of Designers and Agents, an independent global fashion trade event: "LEAF, as a unifying and collaborative labeling program, can provide a link for all the spokes on the wheel -- from designers, to textile mills, to manufacturers, to retailers, to media, ultimately leading to the consumer. LEAF links together leading environmental and socially responsible standards-setting organizations in an effort to accelerate this all-important movement."

LEAF is in discussions for collaboration with several leading standards-development organizations around the world, including: The Global Organic Textile Standard; Organic Exchange; and Social Accountability International.

LEAF will not perform any certifications; instead, it will verify and then communicate to consumers whether a garment has been certified by any of some 15 or more third-party certification organizations.

To take part in the public review process, please visit: www.LEAFCertified.org.