Avita Co-op's storefront has opened during the height of the green movement favoring sustainable, eco-friendly goods, but the line's designer, Amanda Shi, has been creating environmentally sound clothing for years.

Right next door to the popular eatery Toast, Avita Co-op is as light as the cashmere sweaters that hang from its racks. Stone-floored and uncluttered, a large, lone bamboo table stands at the center of the store. To the right are racks displaying Avita's collection of cashmere and bamboo knits. Fitted mini-dresses, cardigans, draping tops and sweaters in various neutral and pastel colors are amply spaced so that shoppers can properly touch and feel their softness. At the other end of the room, wooden shelves house non-leather shoes by Mink, Sophie Simone jewelry and re-worked vintage bags by De La Luna Designs. LA-based designer Amanda Shi chooses recycled cashmere yarn and has found an even earth-friendlier alternative in bamboo, which is both biodegradable and antibacterial. The pieces are priced reasonably ($85-$600), but the fact they can be recycled both seasonally and environmentally is priceless. —Enid Portuguez