The growth of "ethical fashion" that is environmentally responsible signals increased public interest in organic and green living, but no one is sure whether it's a sea change or just another trend.

	Dress ($29.99) and scarf ($16.99) from designer Patrick Robinson's new limited-edition collection at Target. Click photo for larger image.

Stella McCartney, Eileen Fisher and Liz Claiborne are among a growing number of designers and brands that make earth-friendly lines. Anthropologie in Mt. Lebanon stocks a variety of chic eco-friendly clothing, for example, while Dina Ellen in Shadyside carries the Sworn Virgins line of ultrasoft jersey womenswear spun from biodegradable bamboo fibers.

Meanwhile, several companies in the fashion and beauty industries are having product launches and special events to mark Earth Day on Sunday.

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care celebrates its 40th anniversary and Earth Day with a limited-edition face care kit that includes cleansing cream, facial toner and rose day cream in a gold tin engraved with founder Rudolf Hauschka's signature. It's $59.95 now at drhauschka.com and later at Whole Foods.

Marc Anthony True Professional hair care has nine products in its new aloe-infused Aroma Organics line. Three shampoos, three conditioners and three leave-in styling creams are formulated with awapuhi to moisturize, tea tree oil to volumize or bamboo to smooth. They're $9.99 each at Ulta through June and at other select retailers later.

H&M's spring line of 25 organic cotton pieces ranges from A-line dresses for women to denim jeans for girls and boys and "onesies" for babies.

On Earth Day, Dallas jeweler Patricia Tschetter will lead other independent jewelers across the nation in a silent "Moment of Promise" to draw attention to what they consider irresponsible mining practices.

The "No Dirty Gold" international campaign -- supported by Zales, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and 16 other major retailers -- is intended to pressure gold suppliers to take social and environmental responsibility for unsustainable mining practices. Organizers point to this year's Toxics Release Inventory, published annually by the Environmental Protection Agency, that reports that it takes 20 tons of waste to generate enough gold for one ring.

The report also said that multinational companies that mine minerals and metals such as gold, silver and copper produce more toxic waste than any other industry in the United States. Campaign organizers reason that because nearly 80 percent of the gold that is mined is used to make jewelry, jewelers are in a position to directly pressure suppliers to provide an alternative.

Although many jewelers know where their gold is from geographically, they don't know if it was mined without causing harm to the environment and local communities. Retailers often purchase their inventory from independent jewelers like Ms. Tschetter.

New line at Target

Patrick Robinson is the latest big-name fashion designer to roll out a limited-edition women's line as part of the GO International collection at Target.

Casual and bohemian, the 48-print and neutral-colored pieces range from swimwear and shorts to dresses and tops. Prices run from $12.99 to $44.99, and they will be available at the department store and at its online counterpart May 6 through July 15.

Mr. Robinson, 40, started designing at the age of 14, when he made surfer clothes for friends in Southern California. He graduated from the Parsons School of Design and was named one of Vogue's 100 rising stars in 1996.

The Memphis native has enjoyed an extensive professional career, including assistant to Patrick Kelly, a stint with Albert Nipon, design director for Giorgio Armani, senior vice president of design, merchandising and marketing for Anne Klein, creative director for Perry Ellis women's sportswear, and currently artistic director for Paco Rabanne.