Green Daily

Hop on the Upcycled Billboard Bag Bandwagon

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

Yak bag made from billboard vinyl Credit: Vineet Devaiah, Terracyle

When you think billboards, you probably get an image of Times Square, or another urban setting where oversized ads loom, clamoring for your attention. But do you ever wonder what happens to a billboard when the campaign is over and the space is needed for a new ad?

Many billboards are made from highly durable vinyl, which as you know is not remotely biodegradeable. According to Terracycle, in the US alone we send 3 million billboards a year to landfills -- about 10,000 tons of vinyl. The inventive upcycling company came up with a solution: partner with Yak Pak and make a variety of cool bags from the material, and sell them for under $35.

Target is also getting on the billboard bag bandwagon. They commissioned emerging artists like Michael Anderson and Josh Goldstein to create art billboards in Times Square. The billboards will be on display from Labor Day through Halloween. After the campaign, they will be upcycled into bags designed by Anna Sui, and retail for $29.99.
Award-winning designers Nicola Freegard and Robin Janson have been using billboard vinyl to make a variety of cases since 2002. Their company, Vy&Elle, offers ipod cases, pouches, wallets, messenger bags and totes at a variety of price points, from $18 to over $100.

The bags are nearly indestructable, which makes them perfect for kids heading back to school. Plus, they are all so cool and stylish that eco-fashionistas will love them. They're affordable, and fun. It sounds like It Bag for Fall 2009 is definitely going to be made of billboard vinyl!

Hop on the Upcycled Billboard Bag Bandwagon originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origins Recycles Your Old Makeup Cases

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Tips, Natural Body Care

Take your old makeup containers to Origins! Credit: Origins

Something I've been meaning to do for a while is clear out my makeup drawer. Magazines and beauty experts always tell you to replace your mascara frequently, and I have far too many odd-tasting, waxy lipsticks that will never see the light of day again.

Here's the thing: most of those makeup cases are made of weird, unrecyclable plastic. So even though there are increasing numbers of great companies, like Physicians Formula, who offer compostable packaging, clearing out the your old makeup can result in a wastebasket full of random plastic compacts, lipstick tubes and eye shadow palettes headed straight to the landfill.

And here's the solution: in this month's Self Magazine I saw an ad for the Return to Origins Recycling Program. They will actually accept your old makeup containers, and take care of recycling them responsibly, or sending them to an energy recovery facility, where they can be incinerated in a furnace with strictly controlled emissions. They'll take any brand, not just their stuff!

Here's how it works: Bring your empty containers to any Origins store, excluding counters in Nordstrom stores, anywhere in U.S. They do the rest!

Sure, it's not perfect. They don't take sponges, applicator wands or sample sizes. And the process of cleaning out those tubes and tubs still uses up resources, and creates some waste. But it's a step in the right direction, and a great display of environmental leadership from a company with a solid green reputation.

This is the only program like this, at least that I've heard of, although it's similar to the Aveda Caps Recycling Program, where they accept #5 plastic caps and recycle them into new caps, diverting them from the waste stream.

It's pretty awesome to see (relatively) small beauty companies leading the way in with these initiatives. It will be even better if it inspires some bigger companies -- with a larger reach and more resources -- to start similar programs. In this case, I'm sure Origins and Aveda would be delighted to have the competition!

Origins Recycles Your Old Makeup Cases originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going 'Poo-Free for the Environment

Cat Lincoln — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Health, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images)

I know I'm a little late to the No 'Poo Party, but I love -- no really, love -- hair product and styles and rituals. I'm a loyal salon customer, and my bathroom looks like a beauty supply store. So the thought of completely giving up shampoo puts an icy shard of fear in my heart.

Instead of indulging in the rich lather and floral fragrance of store bought shampoo, people are "cleaning" their hair with baking soda. And "conditioning" with apple vinegar. Please say it isn't so!

But loads of people are doing it, and not just the ugly hemp-ghetto girls and dirty hippies. To my amazement, the No 'Poo movement was started by Lorraine Massey, a stylist. The blasphemy! She swears that swearing off shampoo is what helped her curls become the envy of the hair world, and inspired her to write the best-selling Curly Girl, a guide to managing your waves and ringlets.

Perhaps Lorraine's intentions were less about the environment, and more about her hair. But it caught on with the green crowd for several reasons:

One Less Plastic Bottle in Your Home
Those plastic shampoo bottles are exactly like water bottles, and we know where they wind up: Ground into particulate matter, floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or piled two miles into the sky in a landfill. Anything that reduces plastic bottles is good for the environment, and for people.

In a Word: Cancer
Some of the chemicals in shampoo are seriously bad for you! Common cleansers such as octoxynol-40 and sodium laureth sulfate can easily turn into ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane and even formaldehyde. Remember that whole thing about triclosan last week? Getting clean is deadly!

No, Really, It's Bad for Your Health
If that wasn't bad enough, some studies also indicate that toxins present in common shampoo brands contribute to nerve damage and abnormal fetal development. And here's what I mean when I say common: a bunch of toxin were found in baby shampoo. Sigh.

Environmental Runoff
Again, like triclosan, shampoo goes down the drain and into water sources -- from drinking water to the ocean to lakes and rivers. And all of those chemicals hang around the environment, giving frogs extra eyes and killing native wildflowers. Plus we drink it! See above, "Cancer" and "Bad for Your Health".

Our Old Friend the Carbon Footprint
Also, those chemicals, especially ammonium derivatives take a lot of energy to make, so the manufacturing process creates an additional carbon load on the environment. Which probably means Al Gore would give No 'Poo the Green Thumbs Up.

Are you convinced yet? I'm on the verge of getting rid of even my greenest, most eco-friendly, refillable glass-bottle shampoos. While Lorraine Massey's version of No 'Poo permits conditioner, most of those have the same bad for you/bad for the environment chemicals in them, so a full, 100% green hair effort means (sob) giving it all up.

That might be more than I can do, but my label reading skills are getting yet another workout, that's for sure.

Can you do it? Have you done it? Is it madness to try, or selfish to hesitate for even one second? Have your say in the poll!

Going 'Poo-Free for the Environment originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sexy Vegan Makeup is Not an Oxymoron

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by e.l.f. cosmetics)

Just catching up on my Greeading* after a week away from the "office" and SheFind's post Vegan Makeup That's Friendlier To Animals Than Hayden Panettiere caught my eye for a couple of reasons, including the fear that a dolphin had attacked her. Because that's what they do (sometimes) and also what mammal could resist Miss Panettiere?

But no, the post was about vegan makeup, which is also really fun. SheFinds reviewed four vegan brands, including one of my green favorites, von Natur. This line is amazing because it's a) totally organic, b) vegan, c) has kick-ass colors, plus d) the lipgloss has this addictive minty goodness that's hard to explain, but you want to experience it, believe me.

Also on the list was Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil, which I adore, and had no idea was vegan. Again, fantastic colors, and cruelty-free.

Not on the SheFind's list, but one of my best vegan picks is e.l.f cosmetics, aka eyes, lips, face cosmetics. This amazingly affordable line -- most items are in the $1-3 range -- doesn't have any animal ingredients, not even beeswax, and they don't test on animals. They are partners with PETA in the Caring Consumer project, and have a special "fur-free" tweezer set for $10, with half of the proceeds going to PETA.

Not to beat a dead horse, because PETA could be all over that, but see? Cool products can be green. And green products can be cool. And vegans can wear makeup and look hot. Hey, what's that banging sound? Oh, it's another nail in the Hemp Ghetto Stereotype coffin!

*Greeading = "Green Reading"

Sexy Vegan Makeup is Not an Oxymoron originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Natural and Organic is Your Eyeshadow?

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Beautorium.com)

Reader Mary G. commented on last week's All Natural Beauty Round-up post, asking how to tell when a "natural" product was really natural, especially since so many of them have some skeevy sounding ingredients.

Good question, Mary! Interestingly enough, last week's Smart 2 Be Green newsletter addressed the same question, and guess what? Your husband is right, natural doesn't always mean what you hope it means. Unless it says 100% certified USDA organic, there's no certainty that all of the ingredients are organic. And natural can mean almost anything!

It takes a little work, but there are some great sites out there to help you sort through it all. For starters, there is the Consumer Reports Greener Choices eco-labels center that Smart 2 Be Green recommends. It's old school Consumer Reports meets the new eco-millenium.
I'm also a big fan of the new(ish) site GoodGuide, which actually rates products from 1 to 10 on how eco-friendly they are. Literally thousands of products are already rated, and more are added daily.

Sephora's natural and organic beauty section is pretty good, with a broad and ever growing selection of well known eco-friendly cosmetic brands. They list ingredients and information about the brands, so you can evaluate and make your decision based on facts.

If you want the beauty brands pre-screened for you, then you can't beat Beautorium. They have a well-edited selection of certified all natural and organic skin products, with complete information about ingredients, which they help you interpret with a "good to know" section. They also have the coolest samples program, and even offer personalized service to help pick the right product for you!

How Natural and Organic is Your Eyeshadow? originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Leather, No Vinyl - Are Organic Cotton Bags the Only Green Option?

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Health, News

(Photo by Target)

Okay, so I get that we shouldn't use leather, because it's (theoretically) cruel to kill animals for fashion, and the tanning and dying process is (definitely) an environmental nightmare that produces evil, poisonous sludge.

A fashionable girl can still turn to fun (and bonus: inexpensive) vinyl options from trendy bargain retailers like Target and H&M. No animals hurt here! Except, wait, the production of vinyl is sort of nasty. But did I mention, no animals hurt? Vegan? Please, can't I at least have a leather looking bag?

Apparently the answer is "No." A news alert from the Center for Environmental Health just released results from a study that found vinyl bags bought in the Bay Area have high -- dangerously high -- levels of lead in them. Great! That's where I live, and I'm carrying a fabulous H&M vinyl bag right now. Except I just dropped it like a radiation-hot potato.
Now, I'm no chemist, but why in the world do you need to use lead to produce a handbag? Is it really that hard to make something without animal products or vile chemicals? Actually I'm sure the answer is online somewhere, so let's just take that question as academic and move on to the important one: What materials are left for a stylish green gal to tote?

I just went through a sustainable vs. eco-friendly decision matrix with shoes, so it shouldn't be a surprise that bags are an issue too. Just last month I did a post on socially responsible and chic summer bags, like the black straw Kelly Starfish bag from Claire V. But now I have to wonder about the vegan Matt & Nat bags that I adore so very much because they're made of vinyl.

There will be more on this topic -- I might be willing to give up steaks once in a while, but no amount of C02 or poisonous dyes will ever make me carry a brown hemp bag. There must be a fashionable solution out there!

No Leather, No Vinyl - Are Organic Cotton Bags the Only Green Option? originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-Loved, Vintage, Reused - Stylish and Good for the Planet

Cat Lincoln — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Fashion

(Photo by monstervintage.com)

"Recycle" and "reduce" get a lot of attention in the green world, but gloomy global economic conditions are making many people take a second look at "reuse." This thrifty attitude is great for the planet -- if something has already been created, it's better to get as much use out of it as possible before you spend more energy to recycle it into something else.

Clothing is one of the easiest and most fun things to reuse. Hand-me-downs get a bad rap, but when you call it vintage? Then it's cool! Even if you don't have good local vintage boutiques, the internet is now a fab place to find treasures. Monster Vintage has a huge selection of men's, women's and "cool stuff." Be warned, if you click through, you will browse through the merchandise for hours!

"Gently used" second-hand designer fashion used to be a guilty secret, but now we're wearing it loud and proud. Online luxury vintage retailer Marion Mercer offers pristine items from designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Valentino. While the prices aren't exactly thrift store cheap, they're still considerably less than buying the big names new.

These days even gently used regular clothes are pretty cool. On the west coast -- and in Chicago! -- there is a chain of cooler-than-consignment shops called Crossroads Trading Company where hipsters buy and sell current fashions. And every city across the country has a Goodwill. Take another look, you might be surprised at the bargains you can find!

Another great place to reuse is cars. While everyone would love to buy the newest hybrid, the economic reality is that a well-cared for used car can be an excellent financial and eco-friendly choice. Just remember to follow the clean air/gas saving tips like making sure your tires are properly inflated, and changing your air filters regularly.

Are you a designer who feels inspired by the idea of reusing things? And maybe you want/need a car? Then check out the "Threadless Loves Pre-Loved" contest.

The t-shirt company is known for its ongoing open call for designs, with winners picked by the Threadless community. Between now and July 15th they're asking for t-shirt design submissions based on the concept of "pre-loved" -- it could be baby clothes you shared with your sister, a beautiful ring from your elderly aunt, or a previously-owned car, like the "pre-loved" Volkswagon that the winner will receive, in addition to a $500 Threadless gift certificate, plus $2,000 in cash.

It just goes to show you, the shrewd financial choice of reusing things in everyday life can also be the shrewd environmental choice. And watch out -- bargain hunting gets addictive. It starts with clothes and cars, but before you know it, you'll be trolling craigslist for used washer dryer sets and picking up coffee tables from street corners on "big trash" night!

Pre-Loved, Vintage, Reused - Stylish and Good for the Planet originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eco-friendly Wedding Ideas

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home

(Photo by Getty Images)

June is the wedding month, and my family is taking it to heart! My brother, sister and cousin are all planning weddings, so lately every family get-together has turned into an advanced bridal idea exchange.

A lot has changed since I got married seven years ago. People are much more open to the idea of eco-friendly options, like email save the dates and using recycled paper (or the kind with wildflower seeds that you can plant) for invitations.

Over at Yum Sugar, Gail Simmons from Top Chef shared her favorite eco-friendly wedding tips, like skipping all of the extra envelopes in the invitation, giving out eco-friendly reusable shopping bags as favors, and sending the floral centerpieces home with guests.
The Smart 2 Be Green newsletter recently offered up more green wedding tips, like:

use organic fruit or beeswax candles for center pieces,
stick with digital-only photography,
go on a green honeymoon.

They also had links to some awesome sites like Great Green Weddings. They have some fascinating articles and ideas, like getting rings made from recycled metal or sending uneaten wedding banquet food to a local shelter.

I was especially moved to read about Brides Against Breast Cancer -- you can donate your (gently used) gown. The organization resells the gown and donates the proceeds to help women with breast cancer. And, of course, your bridesmaids should donate their gowns to Donate My Dress, which helps girls who couldn't otherwise afford it get a special dress for a special occasion.

If you're practicing reduce, reuse, and recycle in your everyday life, there are lots of resources to make your wedding equally eco-friendly. And if you are a recent green convert, planning wedding is a great way to learn about sustainable practices that you can continue to use long after you've finished picking the bird seed (we don't use rice anymore, it's bad for the birds) out of your veil.

Eco-friendly Wedding Ideas originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be Green Down to Your Fingertips

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:13:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Health

(Photo by Priti NYC)

We can't all have a green thumb, but these days there are ways to make our fingers greener -- and if you're really fashion forward you can even make your nails literally and figuratively green!

Surprised? Of all the beauty treatments and rituals, nail polish has historically been the most toxic. That's finally changing, with most brands eliminating the three worst chemicals, toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Known as the "toxic trio," these three ingredients have been linked to cancer, asthma and reproductive disruption. Pretty scary for a vanity habit!

A new survey from the National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance and Women's Voices for the Environment found that 74% of major nail polish brands are now "Three Free." Many of them also tout their organic ingredients, which is sort of a brain twister -- I mean, it still smells like glue, so it's not like you can eat the stuff -- but also good news for those of us who want to use the least harmful products on our bodies.
Below are a few of the best known and reviewed "Three Free" and in some cases organic and natural brands. Just remember that top coats and "quick dry" will almost always have formaldehyde in them.

Priti -- a completely non-toxic line, they even have soy-based nail polish remover, $12.50
Zoya -- known for their funky colors and amazing long lasting shine, $6
Nicole by Opi -- no animal testing, recyclable packaging, and those awesome pen applicators, $7
Rescue Beauty Lounge -- so very Hollywood, and trendsetting fashionista colors, $18
Butter London -- the amazing "3 Free" starter kit helps you get your nails in shape, naturally, $14

Be Green Down to Your Fingertips originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Shoe Decision Tree

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

(Photo by Embodies.com)

We green, eco-friendly girls really love shoes. Back in April I wrote about a few super-cute and eco-friendly shoe options. Then last week I read a great post on the "Top 10 Eco Friendly, Socially Conscious and Vegan Shoes" by Bonny Osterhageof White Apricot, which was reposted by Veronica on the Care2 network.

Bonny found 10 fabulous flats that I would love to take home and wear out. My absolute favorite is the Form & Fauna Pleated Dove Shoe, which is so stylish and made of completely sustainable and renewable materials. Coming in a close second is the Corso Como Floral Flat, which is made of leather, which is sort of bad-in-theory, but dyed with non-toxic vegetable dyes and packaged in recycled paper.

This combination of sustainable shoes vs. eco-friendly shoes creates an interesting dillema. Now that we've moved past the era of eco-friendly shoes being totally ugly and "comfortable" (you know I'm right), should it be okay for anyone ever wear eco-un-friendly shoes?
And what about socially responsible shoes like Tom's, which also made Bonny's list? If he can manage to donate a pair of shoes for everyone bought, why can't Jessica Simpson?

I'm torn. I think we have enough options now to say, "You can find an earth-friendly shoe, put down the Louboutins made of endangered eel and dyed with mercury." But how to define earth-friendly? Is it enough to use vegetable dyes? Or do they also need to have bamboo soles? And seriously, isn't leather a renewable resource? We can grow more cows ... even if the tanning process is singularly awful.

Too many questions for me to decide by myself. What do you think?

The Shoe Decision Tree originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Socially Responsible and Chic Bags for Summer

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

With the long Memorial Day holiday weekend, summer has arrived (even if it doesn't officially begin until the solstice on June 21st) Since I'll take any excuse to go bag shopping, let's go bag shopping! Socially responsible, green bag shopping, that is.

(Photo by NY Historical Society)

NY Historical Society Bags, $35
You know those giant vinyl banners that announce exhibitions? The New York Historical Society has found a way to put them to good use once they are out of date. Working with Urban Samaritans, they're recycling them into sturdy, waterproof totes. Keep your computer or gym clothes safe, even in a summer thunderstorm!

Edun Rosetta Stone Denim Bag, $50
The casual chic of denim says, "Who me? I'm not even trying, I'm just cool." In alignment with edun's other products, this bag is made of 98% organic cotton in Tunisia. Take it to the beach, the grocery store, or on a date to a BBQ.

(Photo by Claire V)

Kelly Starfish Bag from Claire V $57.50
I love a straw bag, and I love a black straw bag even more -- it gives the summery style a little more of a city vibe than the usual, beachy beige. This one is woven from corn husks, a renewable and naturally bio-degradable resource. The perfect accessory for a rooftop fireworks party in July!

matt & nat ROYKSOPP $350
What's not to love about matt & nat? Every one of their bags is stylish, lightweight and made without any animal products. This bag, from the summer 2009 collection, is crisp, white vegan leather handbag with 100% recycled grey faux suede lining.

Stella McCartney Foldover Patent Clutch: White $795
Okay, I admit I have a serious weakness for a white bag in the summer. And this one does a different job from the matt & nat bag, which is more like a tote. This sleek faux patent clutch is sassy, dressy and beautiful, perfect to bring to a graduation, wedding, or any kind of formal summer event. If you're sort of rich, that is.

Socially Responsible and Chic Bags for Summer originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conservation Fashion - A Guide to the Species

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Activism

As weird as it would be to walk around with name tags and a big sign explaining our interests, it sure would make it easier to find like-minded folks. You're at a cookout, or maybe volunteering to do a little park restoration work, and you wonder, "Does anyone else here love endangered animals, or are they all clean water folk?"

Hey, conservation people have cliques, too!

Of course, in a way we do self-identify, wearing message tees, hats with patches from National Parks, and flashing fancy logo water bottles. Us activist-types -- we like to raise awareness about heartfelt causes.

Endangered Animal Folks
I'm a proud member of this sub-genre, and in unguarded moments you may well find me wearing something that supports these groups:

(Photo by Orangutan Outreach)

Old school: You can get a hat with the iconic World Wildlife Fund panda with a $25 donation, although I prefer the very cool tote bag for $50!
A little artsy: One of my favorites t-shirt designs comes from Orangutan Outreach. Because everyone loves orangutans and the graphics are even cool enough for non-nerds.
Young but involved: It's never too early to get your kids, or grandkids, indoctrinated in the visual language of conservation! These sweet onsies from DodahDoodles are decorated with suitably adorable images of whales and tigers, and are great gate-way conservation apparel!

The Sacred Rites of Rights

(Photo by ONE)

This mainly boils down to us (people) or them (animals):

Animal rights people: Easy to spot, with a can of red paint, a worn "meat is murder" t-shirt and a necklace that says "Vegan" from the talented jewelers of PETA.
People rights people: Even toddlers can protest poverty, in a tot-sized, organic "One" t-shirt not produced in a factory by a child worker.

Environment Savers
Sure animals are important, but they aren't much good without a habitat! These people are tuned into the world around them:

Serious biologists and conservationists: An understated oatmeal colored t-shirt with green logo from the Nature Conservancy.
The outdoorsy: Any self-respecting mountaineer carries his or her own BPA-free Appalachian Mountain Club water bottle -- even when merely trekking to the independent coffee shop.
At least they're trying: There's an important message buried somewhere in this "Conserve water, drink beer!" t-shirt from Prank Place.

Naturally this is just a start. There are as many sub-genres of green people as stars in the CO2-filled sky, or fish in the rapidly acidifying ocean. And most are easy to categorize, if you just pay attention to the signs -- or read the message on their t-shirts. Maybe we'll get to tattoos next time.

Conservation Fashion - A Guide to the Species originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 18 May 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everyone Wants a Fabulous "Plarn" Bag!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home

(Photo by BethelWY on etsy)

Are you in on the plarn bag phenomenon?

First, how fun is it to say "plarn"? For anyone uninitiated out there, it's yarn made of out plastic bags, and the newest ecool material.

Seriously, how ecool is it that crafty, DIY folk are taking yucky plastic bags and transforming them into something so groovy? It's the very pinnacle of upcycling-chic.

Sure, reusing is good, but a plastic bag gets torn easily, plus it's rare to find one that's pretty. And those handles might as well have tiny razors built into them, they're such hand cutters! But thanks to a bunch of smart, creative people out there, it's relatively easy to take those plastic bags and turn them fashionable, functional and fun tote bags -- all of the directions are online, and anyone can do it!

Seriously, it's easy, even if a trip to Michael's Crafts doesn't make you tingle all over.

First, you need raw materials: the plastic bags. In San Francisco, and like-minded cities, that's actually getting a bit difficult because grocery stores aren't allowed to use them anymore. Fortunately, there's still the protective blue plastic bag from the New York Times, and any number of pink bags from the "variety" stores and bakeries in Chinatown. Color is key, as is weight and texture. Remember, what you put in is what you get out -- if all of your bags are dingy grey, the final product will be dingy grey!

Once you've amassed and sorted your bags, it's time to turn them into plarn. Rather than try to explain this simple but amazing process, I encourage you to check out this excellent "how to make plarn" video tutorial from Lemonade Mama. She also has a very cute finished bag on her site.

I was also blown away this bag by by Holli Friedland from the Baltimore Knitting Examiner. She has amazingly detailed directions, perfect for you smarty knitting types.

For crocheters, here's another bag and pattern, from My Recycled Bags.

If none of these bags are quite your style, or you want one but seriously just don't do crafts, go to etsy and search "plarn." You will find dozens of fun bags, all of them creative, affordable and gentle on the planet.

Everyone Wants a Fabulous "Plarn" Bag! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 04 May 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging More Common, Still Tempting

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:11:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Sephora)

I'm so excited to see so many cosmetics companies have embraced earth-friendly and sustainable practices. Clearly they finally figured out that it's a money maker -- I know I'm twice as tempted by organic eyeshadow when it's in a bamboo package!

Physicians Formula's OrganicWear line is sold in completely recyclable packaging, from the paper compact holders to the corn-based brush handles. Sephora is offering a "Pure Palette" of 95% natural ingredients, and at least 10% organic ingredients. It comes in a compact made of sustainable bamboo and recycleable metal.

The latest cosmetic temptation to catch my eye is the Mother Earth Palette from Smashbox. It's has four subtle and versatile eyeshadows that are certified-organic, as well as a peachy blush that will compliment most skin shades.

The compact is made from sustainable materials, and for each purchase Smashbox will plant a tree through Trees for the Future, a global non-profit that dedicated to sustainable agroforestry. You can take home this sweet, limited edition palette at Sephora for $45.

While you're shopping for "green" makeup, check out some other Smashbox products that have earned the Sephora natural seal, like:

O-GLOW -- a cheek color with Goji Berry-C complex and pomegranate seed
Bionic Mascara -- ionic mascara that contains aloe, silk and wheat proteins to make your lashes long and healthy
Photo Finish Lipstick with Sila-Silk Technology -- super smooth, silky, long wearing and organic

Earth-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging More Common, Still Tempting originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway Winner - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by The Sak)

One of the many ways we celebrated Earth Day here at GreenDaily was with a fantastic combination giveaway:

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton in hot caynne red
The Unity Collection from Altru -- a collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor
Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup-- a full collection of this new and incredible line of natural makeup!

There were loads of entries, but we could only pick one winner, Angie, who shared these Earth Day plans:

I have actually already started celebrating Earth Day! On Sunday, I attended Columbus, Ohio's Earth Day Celebration in Goodale Park by visiting all the many information tents and enjoying a vegan hot dog. Tomorrow, my hubby and I (he is taking the day off from work) are going to start the foundations of our new organic vegetable garden! I can't wait!

We hope she looks and feels awesome while working in her new garden and enjoying her eco-friendly prizes!

Earth Day Giveaway Winner - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway Reminder!

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by The Sak)

We have an eco-tastic double giveaway for you this week, in honor of Earth Day. The prize pack includes an amazing eco-friendly bag from the Sak, filled with amazing natural treats for your home from Altru, and gorgeous organic goodies for you from Physicians Formula. Check it out:

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton in hot caynne red
The Unity Collection from Altru -- a collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor
Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup-- a full collection of this new and incredible line of natural makeup!

And best of all, we're giving away another whole set of these prizes at sister site, StyleList! So when you're done entering here, go and enter there, too, for a second chance to win.

To enter, visit the original post before 5pm EST today and tell us how you celebrated Earth Day. It's that easy!

Earth Day Giveaway Reminder! originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Physicians Formula)

In honor of Earth Day, we have a truly eco-fantastic giveaway this week. It's an amazing eco-friendly bag from the Sak, filled with amazing natural treats for your home from Altru, and gorgeous organic goodies for you from Physicians Formula. Everything in the prize is earth-friendly!

(Photo by The Sak)

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- You'll love the look of this fabulous and fashionable bag, which is made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton. As always, you can count on the functional SAK interior, with two pockets and a zippered pocket. It also has some eco-cool bling: a hand carved and painted mandala made of sono-wood, a sustainable wood from Indonesia, attached with traditional Indonesian prayer beads.

The Unity Collection from Altru -- Make your home an oasis with this collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor, a combination of burmese woods and honey. The collection includes a soy blend wax candle in hammered copper, interior fragrance oil with diffusing reeds, and rich exotic incense sticks.

Altru, which was created by Manuela Testolini, is commited to social responsibility through it's support of Perfect World, a non-profit organization that she also created, to help children become "compassionate, socially conscious and responsible leaders."

(Photo by Altru)

Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup -- this is an incredible line of natural makeup available at drugstore prices. It's 100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives or parabens, comes in eco-conscious packaging, and contains 100% certified organic ingredients. The prize includes a huge set of Organic wear(R) products, including the yummy Superfruit lipgloss and the mascara with the green leaf applicactor that everyone is talking about!

And even better? We're giving away another whole set of these prizes at sister site, StyleList! So when you're done entering here, you can go and enter there, too, for a second chance to win.

Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day with all of this schwag? Then let's get this giveaway rolling!

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us how you're celebrating Earth Day.
The comment must be left before 5pm EST on Friday, April 24, 2009.
You may enter only once on each site.
One winner will be selected from each site in a random drawing.
One winner from each site will receive a SAK bag (valued at $89), a Unity Collection of home fragrance from Altru (valued at $135) and a set of Organic wear(R) makeup (valued at $150).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
Click here for complete Official Rules

Earth Day Giveaway - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Shopping for Eco-Friendly Shoes

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

(Photo by Payless)

A series of sunny days has given me a powerful craving for fresh springtime shoes. Since I'm trying to control my carbon-footprint -- especially with Earth Day next week -- I decided to dig up some eco-friendly shoe choices. It turned out to be easy to find cute, environmentally responsible choices!

zoe&zac at Payless -- I'm dying for the purple zoe&zac Tigerlily Espadrille. Besides all of the shoes in the collection being super cute, you'll like:

Payless will contribute $1 to The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Campaign when you buy any zoe&zac item
recycled rubber soles
organic cotton uppers
amazing under $30 price tag

Keds Green Label - I totally want these green kicks in black! Good things about the collection include:

100% organic cotton uppers
dyes made with non-toxic inks
shoe laces made from 100% water bottles
eyelets are nickel-free and the insoles are recycled

For years I've been into Simple for eco-friendly shoes, even though some of their styles have run to a sort of, um, more earth mother aesthetic than I usually wear. Lately they've come up with some more fashion forward looks, like the women's Teetoe in organic cotton, a rocking gladiator sandal. It also comes in a preppy-cute striped silk that screams summer at the beach.

So many fun shoes! Now I just need to take a quick trip to Goodwill to drop off last spring's impulse buys to make some room for all of my new shoes!

Spring Shopping for Eco-Friendly Shoes originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt & Nat Vegan Bag - GreenDaily Giveaway Reminder!

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:08:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

I don't really want to give this bag up, but you know you want to win it! This week the Green Daily giveaway is an amazing Matt & Nat vegan bags "leather" bag.

The design is the so-in-style Hamburg, in the perfect shade of grey for spring. And it can be yours, if you get on over to the original post and leave a comment telling us about your favorite vegan snack.

Then, because it's one of our awesome double giveaways, go to StyleList and leave a comment there to win the equally gorgeous Camden in magenta.

You have until 5pm ET to get your comments in, and as always, use your real email so we can tell you when you win!

Matt & Nat Vegan Bag - GreenDaily Giveaway Reminder! originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt & Nat Vegan Bag - Green Daily Giveaway!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion

Vegan and omnivorous fashionistas- alike all agree: Matt & Nat bags are to die for. Looking through the fashion-forward, all vegan line of accessories, you'll want to order one in every color!

Lucky for you, this week we're giving away the gorgeous Hamburg in grey from the Japanese Paper collection. This vegan "leather" bag is lined with 100% recycled grey faux suede lining. It is perfectly sized, with a zip pocket, cell phone and PDA pockets on the inside.

Even better? This is another one of our "more chances to win" giveaways -- you can also enter to win a different Matt & Nat bag on sister-site StyleList!

Want to give this bag a good home? To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your favorite vegan snack. Then go to StyleList, and enter over there, too!

The comment must be left before 5pm Eastern Time on Friday, April 3, 2009.
You may enter only once on each site, for a total of two entries.
One winner will be selected from each site in a random drawing, for a total of two winners.
Each winner will receive one Matt & Nat bag bag (valued at approximately $275).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winner will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!

Matt & Nat Vegan Bag - Green Daily Giveaway! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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