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Some people believe saving the earth has to involve hugging a tree or spending a fortune on organic products. For those who don’t want to become hippies or wear tie-dye T-shirts while holding others’ hands in a circle and sing “Kumbaya,” designer Greg Alterman has the perfect solution. Alterman, the CEO and creative director of the successful brand Alternative, has created Alternative Earth, an eco-recycled organic line that would make any treehugger look cool.

The best thing about Alternative Earth – besides that it feels great against the skin and is also easily versatile, combining comfy casual with stylish bohemian all in one T-shirt – is the fact that it helps other environmental organizations. After Alterman created the line in July 2007, he partnered his company with the Wildlife Trust Organization, and he also recently formed a relationship with the Gulf Restoration Network. Part of the sales of any Alternative Earth item are donated to these foundations.

All of the apparel from Alternative Earth is made from 100 percent organic cotton and Alterman has made sure that everything and everyone in the process is eco-friendly, including the cotton and dyes. About 75 percent of the manufacturing process occurs locally in Los Angeles to control the method of dying fabrics. Alterman even uses recycled polyester thread to make the garments.

Alternative Earth’s efforts are making an impact. Actor and celebrity Jason Schwartman has become a supporter of Alternative Earth and has chosen the line to make a limited number of tees for his new band, Coconut Records.

For himself, Alterman always tries to choose organic products, whether selecting food or cleaning products. “You become more aware of what you are putting on your body,” he says. Alternative Earth’s headquarter offices in Atlanta, Ga., use all recycled materials, such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning materials. “If you can’t do it all, do a part,” Alterman says. “Make a difference with what you wear.”

And that doesn’t have to include tie-dye.