Berkeley native Tierra Del Forte put in her time working as a designer for mainstream denim companies before she launched her own line using organic cotton denim in 2006. Styles in the Del Forte Denim line are named after flowers or growing things—and they're super-stylish and available at area boutiques.

How did you start your business?

I quit my job in NY and I came back to Berkeley to launch my own company. I spent a year planning, saving, and researching and in the very early sta    ges of research I started looking at the production process, starting with fiber. When it became clear how destructive cotton farming was, I decided the first step I could take would be to make my line organic.

Best part of your job?

What I enjoy the most is meeting the people and being involved in the green design community. They're really committed and forward-thinking and I’ve met some incredible people.

What is your favorite local green restaurant?

I have so many. I have to say Chez Panisse/a> because it's such a leader and after 23 years it's still amazing. Herbivore is another I like—the portobello burger is great.

Where do you shop for organic groceries?

Whole Foods/a> and the Berkeley Bowl.. One of my favorite markets is the Monte Vista Market, a little family-owned grocery.

What are some of your favorite local green businesses?

Cliff Bar is one of our close neighbors. Organic Bouquet is another local company that’s great. Kelly B Couture does knit swimwear and tops that look fantastic with our jeans. Elephant Pharmacy/a> has an incredible selection of personal care products. And I like the personal care selection at Whole Foods..

Is there a particular environmental non-profit you support?

The Sustainable Cotton Project/a> is important to me. They’re very pragmatic and they’re involved with making a real change and they make a good bridge between conventional and organic. Plus, they support family farmers. Organic Exchange is local and I’m involved with them.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the city?

It has to be the great variety of habitat. In 20 minutes you can be in the woods, at the beach, or going for a hike in the hills. It's
so varied and beautiful and most of the land is protected so it will always be that way.

Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors?

Wildcat Canyon up in the hills. It's a 10-minute drive from downtown Berkeley and you can walk for a couple of miles and not see anyone else.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

I haven’t been on vacation in so long! But I’m headed up to Sea Ranch for a mini-vacation soon.

What’s your favorite weekend outdoor activity?

I’m getting into mountain biking lately. We go up in the hills a lot. There’s a town by Calistoga and there are tons of trails.

What's an eco-friendly gift you like to give?

My favorite eco-friendy gift this year is the Itsy Bitsy change purse from Nahui Ollin. These adorable little bags are made recycled candy wrappers and come in a variety of fun colorways.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

II think I would be a willow tree.

Describe your path to green: how and when you became eco-conscious.

Growing up in Berkeley, there was always a bit of awareness—even with the organic body products we had in my house growing up. Then came the realization that everything that can be made can be made more sustainably. Reading “Cradle to Cradle” years ago really brought it home.