ecofabulous Lust List: The Valentine’s Day Guide

Date: January 21, 2009 | Category: Beauty

How deep is your love? How deep are your pockets? We’ve searched long and hard to bring you the top ecofabulous picks in each price range for her and for him so there’s something for everyone – whether you’re just crushing or you’re celebrating your 25th.

FOR HER:

UNDER $25:

	1. A 100% Bamboo shawl enhanced with low-impact dyes is one way to adorn her neck without breaking the bank (and it is warmer than pearls); $25.
	2. This organic cotton kimono robe and a little massage: sublime pampering without the spa price tag; on sale for $23.99.
	3. A recycled glass vase for all the sustainable flowers you plan to give her this year; $19.95. Best of all, fill it with flowers that you pick!

UNDER $60:

	1. Due to the vibrant color, the tento seed has been called the Seed of Love – send her the right message with this necklace; $36.
	2. Raise your rose colored glass to the future of your love with Domaine Carneros Brut Rose Cuvée de la Pompadour, while toasting the fact that all of their Estate vineyards are certified organic; $33.
	3. The smell of love is in the air with Shea Terra’s Pomegranate & Chocolate Love Kit – everything is scented with their tantalizing pink guava syrup – yum; $52.

UNDER $100:

	1. Available in black with raspberry lace or natural with black lace, this organic cotton nighty from Perfectly Imperfect is the perfect combination of naughty and nice; $62.
	2. Sparkling with a green, ethically sourced sapphire, the leaf necklace shows you appreciate a green thumb, even if you don’t have one; $90.
	3. She’ll be the center of cocktail conversation all year long with the Water Is A Human Right Necklace from Linda Loudermilk; $80.

SPLURGE:

	1. Start the stackable ring tradition this year (and know what to get her for each anniversary to follow!) with Jennifer Dawes 18k Rose Gold Skin Ring, available in 3 other gold colors and thicknesses – all using recycled gold; $540.
	2. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, you certainly don’t want her to have a conflict with her compadre. These Brilliant Earth diamond earrings with recycled gold say I love you and the earth deeply; $550.
	3. Cuddle up with her in Loyale’s pomeroy throw, a luxurious, vegan faux fur blanket that will have you two lounging in bed all day long (and you can tell yourself that you are saving energy); $220.

FOR HIM:

UNDER $25:

	1. The GAP has cozy organic long john’s for your lumber jack; on sale for $9.99.
	2. Turn your macho-macho man into your moisturized mojito man with this gift set from The Grapeseed Company; $20.
	3. For the smart urbanite boy that also enjoys adventures in the great outdoors, order the Jimi Wallet in Ruby; $14.95.

UNDER $60:

	1. Give him a tee that makes a statement (made of 70% bamboo/30% organic cotton); $34.
	2. Tell him he’s king of the castle in this recycled cashmere cap by Deborah Lindquist; on sale for $55.
	3. Keep his favorite game close at hand with the refinding basketball watch – it’ll show him you’re supportive of his “sports time;” $55.

UNDER $100:

	1. Recyclable through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program, the 100% recycled polyester Velocity pullover in desert clay is just the thing to keep your man toasty warm, inside and out; $95.
	2. EcoVine Wine Club will send three bottles of organic wine to your house to sip and share – if it is just the two of you, I discovered that you may want to make the three bottles last more than just one evening; $59 each month.
	3. The Replenishing Set from Aguacate & Co. is manly and moisturizing; $72.

SPLURGE:

	1. Made from salvaged wood from the stadium seats of famous ballparks around the country, these cuff links will allow your man to wear his commitment on his cuff; $149.95.
	2. Perfect for his office or library (or apartment corner), this wine display rack made from recycled wine barrels means he can entertain in sustainable style; $120.
	3. The Logan Noon Solar messenger bag will carry all his equipment (and power it too!); $452.

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ecofabulous Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Date: November 18, 2008 | Category: Guides, Holiday & Gift

Stumble It!

Eco-Decorating: More than Your Tree Should be Green

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, green decor means more than hanging a pine wreath on the door. To start, research organic Christmas tree farms in your area by logging on to GreenPromise.com or LocalHarvest.com, both of which feature farm directories by zip code. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year, which means buying organically-grown trees is crucial in terms of reducing the amount of pesticides released into the atmosphere. Buying a live tree that can be replanted in your back yard is the best choice, but if you choose a cut tree be sure to recycle your tree responsibly. Many towns will chip trees to be used as mulch. Check earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.

To decorate your tree use LED lights, which consume significantly less energy than regular lights and last years longer. HolidayLEDS has a large selection in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes. And choose eco-friendly ornanments made from recycled materials. We love the christmas tree ornament ($12) made from recycled magazines from New Leaf Project, the angel ornament ($12) made from a recycled soda can from Ten Thousand Villages, recycled glass balls ($9 each) from One World Projects and these pretty recycled glass infused pottery ornaments ($7.50) from Paloma Pottery.

To decorate other areas of your home, check out the Organic Herb Wreath ($39.99) that you can eat after the holidays (talk about recycling!) and these amber and red recycled glass pebbles from Crate & Barrel, that can be used at the bottom of a vase, to dress up a candle holder or to add some bling to your holiday table, for under $10. We also love the Eco-Friendly Modern Menorah ($85) from Eco-Artware and these Fair Trade Menorah candles.

Recycled Wrapping and Compostable Cards

Whether you have a husband whose guitar skills rival those of Eric Clapton, or teenager whose mission it is to blow out your ear drums, the gift of music is one that will keep on giving (whether you like it or not). Check out the Bambuza guitar from First Act (about $400), which is constructed entirely of bamboo with a water-based finish, making it as eco-friendly as it is cool. And for the front man in your life - or the karaoke enthusiast, as the case may be - pick up Vocal E-Z Throat Spray ($10.99), an all natural spray which is guaranteed to keep the pipes in tiptop shape. Or, for the armchair rock star, pick up an iTunes gift card, a smart way to cut down on Christmas waste by eliminating the plastic wrap those CDs come in.

For the Green Thumb

What could be greener than gardening? Organic gardening, that's what! For the person in your who life can't get enough time in the dirt, a copy of Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening (under $15 on Amazon.com) is the perfect reference, especially with a gift certificate from One Green World, a nursery that has pledged to be a model of sustainability in the world of nurseries, tucked inside. And for bug bites and other mishaps that befall those whose passions bring them outside, pick up Burt's Bees Great Outdoors gift set for $15.99, which is packed with natural bug repellant along with salves to heal every outdoor woe.

A Fresh Face in the New Year

Alabaster complexions don't grow on trees, which is why skin care is such an important part of a woman's life. Pamper your lady (or yourself) with one of Zem's personal favorite's, the Terralina Skincare gift set for $100, which includes a cleanser, toner and facial moisturizer, as well as full- and travel-sized body lotions. Zem also recommends Duchess Marden’s darling skin care travel set for about $25, which is perfect for skin care on the fly. The set contains the company’s most popular products, Pure Rose Water, Foaming Cleanser and Face Crème, and will keep skin looking fresh in any time zone.

If a friend's resolution for 2009 is to use only eco-friendly cosmetics, start her off with Jane Iredale's Lip Crayons. The set of five pencils line and color lips, or in a pinch can be used to add color to cheeks. The pencils, which retail for $55, are paraben-free and never tested on animals.

For Those Who Like to be Showered (with Gifts)

Sometimes locking yourself in the bathroom is the only way to get some time alone, so why not make the time sequestered in the powder room a little bit more luxurious? There are a slew of decadent products for the bath and shower that are all natural and make amazing gifts. We love the organic Lavender Spa Set from Pharmacopia for about $40, which includes bath salts, body lotion, lavender body oil and a clean burning soy candle, all in a decorative, reusable, Fair-Trade certified, handwoven grass basket. As if that wasn't enough, all orders over $25 will receive the company's lip elixir free of change. Or check out Shea Terra's Bourbon Vanilla Indigenous Shea Butter body set for $48, which includes a Silk & Shea Body Lotion, the Silk & Shea Shower Elixir and a Shea Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub in a handmade sinimay bag. Plus, if you order now the company will include a 3.5 ounce Divine Chocolate bar with your order, which may be the only thing to keep you from sampling your shower gel.

For guys, the Pangea "Harmony" holiday gift set, which retails for $35, might be just the ticket. In gender-neutral scents like white pine and Indian green tea, the soaps, shower gels and lotions will inspire him to create his own skin care regimen. Looking for a fantastic gift for those whose idea of heaven is a tub full of suds? Pick up EO's Bubble Bubble gift set, for about $35, which is packed with three bottles of the company's certified organic bubble bath and two envelopes of its bath salts, to transport you to relaxation in a way that Calgon never could.

While you are at it, why not redecorate your little sanctuary a little bit with an organic shower curtain ($49) and bath mat ($29) from West Elm, and an organic cotton monogrammed bathrobe ($99, plus $6.50 for monogramming) from Pottery Barn.

For the Eco-Athlete & Fitness Freak

Athletic gear is finally hitting its stride in sustainability and with the holidays upon us it is just in a nick of time. For the athletic boys and men in your life, an eco-certified, vegan basketball from Fair Trade Sports for under $20 and Ethletic high top sneakers from Autonomie Project ($56) - made of organic cotton canvas and an FSC-certified sole - are sure to inspire a little one-on-one out in the driveway. For the female athlete, we suggest the Bamboo Zip-up iPod Jacket from Omala, made of 100 percent bamboo and featuring a hidden spot for her iPod on the front of the jacket ($78), or the Natural Yoga Mat from Prana, which retails for $48, is biodegradable and made with absolutely nothing toxic.

And to keep all the athletes in your life healthy and hydrated, pick up a Kleen Kanteen bottle for $18. The bottle is made of 100 percent recyclable, high-quality, food grade stainless steel, which means it is completely BPA-free and won’t leach chemicals, toxins, or funky flavors into your water, unlike some plastic water bottles. The company also makes some cool accessories, like the Bike Cage for $6.95, which clips onto a bicycle for H2O on the go.

For the Babe that Craves Bling

Has your lady been a very good girl? If so, reward her with some sustainable baubles this year. We like the Shoot Ring from Bario-Neal, a Philadelphia-based company that uses only reclaimed precious metals, ethically-sourced stones and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices. Plus, 1 percent of the $141 price tag will be donated to the Association for Responsible Mining.

Our hearts also went aflutter for the 3 Circle Flower Earrings from Alkemie, which forges all of its jewelry from 100 percent reclaimed metals. A pair costs $121. Another item she'd love to find under the tree is the Choco pendant from Brilliant Earth. Feminine without being fussy, the two-sided pendant is made from one of the first truly fair trade sources of gold from Oro Verde, responsibly harvested from cooperatives in the Choco region in Colombia, South America. It is adorned on one side with a pre-Colombian petroglyph pattern, while the other side glimmers with a rough-hewn hand-hammered finish, giving two looks for the price of one. The necklace retails for $425.

For the Style Maven & Style Master

Getting new clothes for Christmas or Hannukah doesn't have to mean the dreaded hand-knit sweater from Granny or a snowman tie from your kids. Check out these sexy and sustainable fashions for everyone on your list... and you might even be tempted to pick up one of these special somethings for yourself.

For women, we love the Cropped Round Neck Cardigan by Pure Collection, which retails for $158. The sweater is made from 100 percent sustainable cashmere and comes in six gorgeous colors. Pair the sweater with one of Chlorine's vintage refurbished handbags (we love the Long Lala Clutch, pictured) and Form & Fauna's Mommom Platinum Heels, made entirely of non-leather sustainable and renewable materials, and your girl will be the eye candy at every holiday party this season.

If greening your guy's wardrobe is one of your projects in 2009, start with the basics, like a long sleeve organic cotton polo shirt from Patagonia ($60) and a pair of Levi's eco Vintage Men's Jeans, made of 100 percent organic cotton and only $69.50. Layer on a silk scarf by Sevya, which is hand-loomed by Karnataka artisans and retails for $42.

For the Man on the Run

Life is hectic and, let's face it, we are all on the go most of the time. But just because your loved ones drink their coffee and respond to their emails on the fly doesn't mean they have to go back on their promise to lead a green life. This laptop sleeve by GreenSmart, which costs under $25 and is made entirely of recycled bottles, makes the perfect gift for the guy or girl on the go. The simple envelope enclosure is padded for protection, and comes in two sizes. The best part? At only 7-ounces, this sleeve will help lighten your load. Put this inside the Bentley Messenger Bag, made from recycled tires, and the recipient's path will be a green one. The large bag retails for $169.

Juicing up throughout a long journey is a necessity, both for the busy traveler and for his or her electronics. For the human, pick up the "I'm Organic" Eco Travel Mug ($20), which will keep coffee hot and make a statement. Made of 100 percent corn and printed with vegetable dyes, the cup will disappear in a compost bin in two months... but not until you are finished with it. For your electronic counterparts, pick up this portable solar charger, which will rev up your phone, computer, iPod or razor thanks to a handy adapter for about $170. The device will provide 20 minutes of talk time on your phone with just one hour of solar power, or it can be plugged in when you are back on the grid.

For the person who is always running from gym to shower to office, tuck a bar of Pomera5 under the tree this year. The soap-free cleanser is made only with olive oil, organic, pomegranate seed oil, herbs and essential oils. For only $18, the 100 percent organic cleanser gently exfoliates skin and leaves it feeling clean and soft, without having to tote around an armload of grooming products.

And to offset all of this running around, whether it is by car, airplane or train, consider offsetting your friend or family member's carbon emissions by purchasing points from CarbonFund.org, which supports carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, reforestation projects and energy efficiency. In fact, you get to choose which project your dollars go towards. With different options, such as offsetting car or plane emissions, it will be like your friend or loved one is staying still... even when they are on the run.

Green Gifts for the Playpen Set

Keeping the outside organic is just as important as the inside, right? Traditionally grown cotton clothing not only exposes babies to chemicals but accounts for one quarter of the pesticides used worldwide, making it one of Earth's most dangerous foes. Luckily, many companies are on board with organic cotton, making it easier and easier to dress your baby for eco-success from day one. This organic cotton sleeper from Hanna Andersson for $37.50 will surely summon Santa Claus with its festive red and green stripes. (It is also available for bigger kids and adults so the entire family can be jolly.) Or for a layer of warmth on a cold winter day, give this snowflake onesie from Zazzle (about $39), also made of organic cotton. For bathtime, we love this tiny baby bathrobe from Under the Nile, made of organic Egyptian cotton for the discerning spa baby.

Finding earth-friendly playthings is just as important since babies put absolutely everything into their mouths. We love these precious organic cotton plush toys from Under the Nile, shaped like Santa or a snowman ($10 each). Zem is also a fan of Idbids, organic plush toys shaped like rain drops and flowers and clouds, which are designed to help teach children about sustainability. A set costs $39.99. We also like the Sprig Adventures Series, eco-friendly cars and trucks that harness imagination and encourage active play through lights and sounds. Using LED lights and no batteries, they cost about $50.

One Fish, Two Fish, Green Dog, Green Cat

With all the love you shower on your pets you would never dream of overlooking them on your very eco-Christmas morning, would you? For feline fiends we have found the gift basket to end all gift baskets. The Cat Lover Gift Basket, which costs about $55, includes organic dry food, organic canned food, organic treats and kitty’s favorite - catnip! The set comes wrapped in a bamboo basket with a bow, so buy one for your cat and ship one to all the other crazy cat ladies you know. For dogs, one of the cutest accessories we've seen this year is the tie collar from The Good Life for $30. Made of recycled ties, your pooch will be fancy enough to head to midnight mass in this get up. And when all the gifts have been opened and everyone is pooped, your dog (or cat) will love relaxing on a Green Dog Bed, which is made from 100 percent recycled coffee sacks. Ten percent of the purchase price will be donated to Bikes to Rwanda, an organization that provides cargo bicycles to co-operative coffee farmers in Rwanda to improve quality of life in these communities through a bike workshop and maintenance program that provides transportation resources for basic needs and enhances production of quality coffee. A large bed costs $37.

Green Goodies

There is a reason that people gain weight over the holidays... the goodies, and this year we have found some deliciously organic ways to pack on the pounds. For the perfect salty/sweet ratio (with some alcohol to balance it all out) we like the Sweet & Salty with Wine gift set from Organica Deluxe ($70), featuring organic salted almonds, Dagoba chocolate, ginger cookies and a bottle of organic wine. Or to be anyone's favorite employee, give your boss an Organic Cheese Collection complete with a beautiful leaf plate that can be reused for entertaining all through the next year, all for under $75.

Gifts for co-workers and employees can be challenging but who doesn't need a strong cup of joe in the morning? Send your coworkers the Pachamama Coffee Sampler. You can choose between organic, Fair Trade single-origin coffees, blends and decaf coffees in a variety of combinations for under $20. Or, to keep your employees healthy this holiday season, why not give the gift of fresh fruit with the Harry & David Organic Fruit Basket. A five-pound basket is under $80.

Zem also loves Wink of the Rabbit Caramels from Vosges Haute Chocolate, which are handmade from the finest organic ingredients. The caramels are soft and delicious, so much so that this box of 18 petite caramel bites ($29 for 12 caramels coated in milk chocolate and topped with chopped pecans and six dipped in dark chocolate and topped with a roasted, salted pecan) is too dangerous to have in your own house. Better to tempt friends around the holidays, no?

No Wrapping Required

One of the most conscious and considerate gifts you can give is a donation to a favorite charity. There is no wrap to throw away, no ribbons to toss and even the smallest donation to charity is never the wrong size. And since your money goes straight to the cause of your choice, it is literally a gift that keeps on giving. But if you are looking for something a bit more tangible to give a friend or loved one but don't want the muss of a fussy gift (or if you have NO idea what to give) check out some of these ideas.

One of Zem’s favorite wrap-free gifts is to make a donation through ChangingThePresent.org, where you can donate money in a friend or family member’s name and decide how the money is used. For example, for $15 you can sponsor a rescued duck at an animal sanctuary. Or for $65 you can contribute to one month of intensive tutoring for a group of deaf high school students, and the list goes on.

Gift certificates to eco-friendly spas, like Epi Center here in San Francisco, or to yoga studios and organic and sustainable restaurants are certain to inspire healthy new habits. Or, pick up a gift card in the denomination of your choice. Target is offering a 100 percent biodegradable gift card this holiday season, which can go right into the compost bin when the shopping spree is over. When you give the American Express Give Green Gift Card, a portion of the proceeds benefits American Forests, the nation's oldest nonprofit citizen conservation organization, which is dedicated to growing a healthier world through healthier forest ecosystems. Cards can be purchased in denominations from $50 to $500 at Macerich shopping centers across the country.

We also like gift cards that will help save resources, like one from Audible.com, where recipients can download books online for tree-free reading, or a one-year subscription to Flikr, which will allow friends to organize their family photos digitally, rather than printing hundreds of snapshots of their thumbs.

For the Couch Potato

Sometimes the best gift you can give a family member is your time, and a Netflix subscription guarantees hours of snuggling in front of the television. Plus, Netflix now has many titles online and available for download, free with a one year subscription, which provides entertainment without the postman wasting gas to deliver them to your door. Wrap yourself up in the fluffy and fabulous Pomeroy Throw from Loyale Clothing, a vegan faux fur blanket lined with organic cotton twill fabric for $196, and settle in with one of Zem's favorite nibbles, 479° Organic Popcorn, in crazy-good flavors like Black Truffle + White Cheddar, and an evening on the couch will be elevated to a sofa event. Sampler packs featuring a variety of flavors cost about $35 each.

Great Gifts for Less Green

Recognizing the important people in your life is the whole point of gifts but being popular can be expensive. Instead of buying a mountain of expensive gifts, check out some of these Earth-friendly presents we have found for under $25:

A Slice of Organic Life by Alice Waters, is a guide to organic living, a good reference for the newly green and eco-freaks alike and it is only $25.

The Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm Gift presents your buddy with three lip balms in lip smacking flavors for $9.95.

Have a friend with a foot fetish (or who just can't stand to go too long between pedis)? Deep Steep's Candy Mint Foot Polish, is paraben-free, vegan and, according to our tester, "smells like the sky on Christmas." The lotion retails for $15.

Having the travel bug doesn't have to mean roughing it if you give a friend Hugo Naturals Lavender Travel Kit, which retails for $14.99. The kit includes shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion and a refreshing lavender essential oils spray, all packaged in travel-sized 2-ounce bottles and packaged in a clear plastic zip pouch, as per airline reservations.

For the true bleeding heart, consider purchasing a flock of chicks from Heifer International for $20. The eggs produced by the flock will help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets (and your friend won't have to clean up after a bunch of birds.)

Encourage your husband to do the cooking with a set of six organic herbs from McFadden Farm for $25. The set includes basil, chili flakes, garlic powder, sage, rosemary and lemon thyme. (Sorry, Simon and Garfunkle fans, no parsley in this set.)

Help a friend save their skin and the rainforest with the Save Your World Try Me Gift Pack. For under $15, you receive shower gel, body lotion and three soaps - all natural and paraben-free and made with organic Yerba Maté and organic Aloe Vera - in a variety of scents. The company promises that the purchase of this product will save 6 acres of rainforest for 1 year.

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Game On!

Date: July 30, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys

For decades Monopoly has been teaching our kids how to be good little capitalists: to exploit opponents in times of financial duress, to maximize mortgage-debt ratios beyond reasonable risk and to gamble on windfalls when all else fails. With all due regard for the fruits of free trade, we think it’s high time we teach our children a different game.

Enter Earthopoly, an educational board game where players compete to earn carbon credits –i.e., clean air–for their properties!

(more…)

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Gunpowder and Independence: Rethinking the Fourth

Date: July 4, 2008 | Category: Holiday & Gift, Lifestyle

A recent article in Forecast Earth had us rethinking the way we celebrate our country’s independence. Aptly enough, most of the brilliant explosions of color that will light up American skies tonight are fueled by compressed gunpowder, filling the air with “heavy metals, carbon monoxide and sulfur oxides,” writes Marcia Passos Duffy. Of course, there are safer and cleaner alternatives for celebrating American freedom with pyrotechnics. The gunpowder can be replaced by nitrogen and even compressed air, as Disney is working on, producing less soot and smoke without sacrificing the magnificent kaleidoscope of rainbow lights we’ve grown to love.

The beautiful fireworks you’re likely to see tonight, however, leave a trail of barium compounds behind that can poison our patriotic hearts. And it should come as no surprise that the majority of fireworks we sneak off to buy from local vendors are imported from China, where the regard for safe manufacturing and ethical labor practices still leaves much to be desired.

Above all else, Forecast Earth urges us to clean up after ourselves when the call to freedom has ebbed to a warm afterglow. Remember, celebrating American independence should always begin and end with promoting a healthy earth.

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Making the Grade This Fourth of July

Date: June 30, 2008 | Category: Beauty, Events, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Skin Care

Fourth of July is quite a quandary for me and many other environmentally conscious fun seekers. I love the parades, cold beers and family celebration. I even like the red, white and blue (not a year goes by that I don’t don something like a blue skirt and blue and white stripped top and red accents). Unfortunately, our independence is often celebrated at the expense of the earth, which we actually are at least a little dependent upon, no? Activities are likely to contain what we’ve dubbed the “triple ‘F’ threat” : Fun in the sun, Fireworks and Food (waste is just a given). Go from an F grade to an A by going green on our nation’s most patriotic holiday. First off, try to keep your festivities local… or carpool.

Fun in the sun is much more enticing when it isn’t at the expense of your health. Sunscreen is necessary – we keep hearing – but opt for an eco-friendly alternative like Soléo Organics, made entirely from organic ingredients with nothing synthetic. No sacrifices here, though. It works just as well, if not better, than its chemically-laden counterparts. In fact, you’ll be left feeling soft and revitalized as the sun sets with both UVA and UVB protection (3 hours in the water), not to mention a natural sun reflector found in nanofine zinc oxide. If you have oily or sensitive skin, Juice Beauty’s tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 is a brilliant solution for the face (since I have dry skin, I first apply Duchess Marden’s oil first).

Who doesn’t love a good fireworks display (well, my dog isn’t particularly keen)? But just think of all the nasty stuff they set off into the atmosphere: lead, barium, chromium, chlorates, dioxins, smoke and particulates, carbon monoxide. etc. Good news is that soon you’re going to be able to convert those un-earth-friendly fireworks to green ones that are still a blast. Chemists are developing fireworks that utilize nitrogen-rich compounds for energy and non-toxic metals for color variation, thus eliminating the massive black clouds that litter post-spectacle skies (of course we’re vastly oversimplifying this here). When these hit the market (hopefully by next year), it’s up to us to get our communities to switch over.

A BBQ is the quintessential Independence Day observance. But as patriotic as slapping hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill is, consider that the sole thing you can do to benefit the environment is cut down on the consumption of animals. Here is where I confess that I too like a little sirloin, and since this is the ultimate BBQ season, the 4th is usually when I cannot resist (but I always think free-range and antibiotic-free). Eggplant, Portobello mushroom and corn on the cob can taste divine when grilled (and even more amazing when they come from a local, organic farmer), and there are tons of faux meat options. Just as important, serve up those veggie delights on anything but a conventional disposable plate that will be used for mere minutes before hitting the trash. Toting your china around may be unrealistic, but check out the compostable, all natural platters, plates and bowls from VerTerra. They are made out of fallen leaves from plantations in an enviro-consciously manufacturing process. These are the chicest single-use tableware we’ve seen. I guess it could be that we are being brainwashed by the Dharma Initiative, but the whole office is giddy for these hexagonal beauties. Apparently they can be reused for serving but I am tempted to create some sort of art project – like covering an entire wall.

Here’s to honoring and protecting the land of the free this Fourth of July!

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Dreaming of a Green Wedding

Date: June 22, 2008 | Category: Guides

A wedding is a very personal occasion. It can mean a trip to city hall or an extravagant event that takes a year of planning and careful execution (or anything in between).

It’s not an eco-sin to want that fantasy wedding you’ve been dreaming of ever since you saw your first Disney movie (though you are probably relieved that you aren’t sixteen like Ariel). Just as your union should be sustainable, so should the wedding. These days it is easy to wed like a Kennedy in heels or elope in sandals while minimizing your ecological footprint. Here tips and resources to help make your occasion as ecofabulous as possible!

Team ecofabulous did double duty looking for the details that make the big day such a big deal. Special thanks to Eliza Thomas, editor of LIME.com. Her quest for her own green wedding provided extra insight into what is happening right now on a very practical level.

And So it Begins

Before any festivities can commence, “Save the Date” cards (this is for the real planners – it wasn’t even a possibility for my shot gun celebration) and invitations are posted the old fashioned way. Sending thank-you notes for gifts is common etiquette, too. Here are some of our favorite green printers and bearers of eco-friendly salutations.

Yellow Owl Workshop will collaborate with you to design the most personal artsy wedding paper goods imaginable – we’re talking WAY beyond font and color scheme. Then, they’ll screen-print them by hand with non-toxic inks on 100% recycled paper.

If you’d rather design your own creations (I envy you creative types), the Greener Printer is the perfect place to get it hot off the presses. They’re total pros and will give you a quote online. Plus, they’re 100% wind powered. Our bride-to-be was blown away by the quality of her cool “Save the Dates”.

Smock Paper provides truly elegant invitations, sustainably printed on “luxury” bamboo paper in upstate New York. Smock Paper is the proper choice, if you are looking for a more traditional, sophisticated appearance.

And for you paper haters, nix the pulps and move your wedding correspondence 0nline. Smilebox offers “creative messaging” and designs that can be personalized with photos, video, music, words, and style.

Another tree-friendly option is to direct guests to your wedding website for details like directions and accommodations. This way, you save paper and printing costs. Invitees can also RSVP via your site and browse your green gift registry. WedShare.com is a fast and easy place to get your site up and running.

What to Wear

Annatarian is an “Eco-Effective Design Company” driven by Cradle to Cradle principles. The designer works with brides-to-be to develop a unique custom gown made from vintage and organic materials.

Gaia House, based in the U.K., specializes in customized special-occasion dresses made of elegant, flowing “peace silk.” For those of us stateside, Gaia offers a selection of ready-to-wear gowns in vegetarian, organic fabric.

Designer Wai Ching’s name means wisdom and virtue in Cantonese. She lives up to these principles with her avant-garde gowns. Everything is hand-selected, hand-dyed, and hand-constructed.

Budget Bridal Gowns offers an online catalog of “used” dresses, including runway samples, closeouts, and previously owned or rented items (worn no more than three times). Or you can just rent from them. They have a diverse selection of lovely dresses (and some not-so-lovely ones). Once I find a place that uses non-toxic pigment, I plan to dye my white wedding dress green. It’s been nearly eight years, though, and still no resource, so let me know if you have any tips!

As for shoes, go with a pair that will make its debut at the wedding, but not its finale. Consider shoes that you can dye later. Beyond Skin hand-makes the classics — stilettos that never go out of style. They’re vegan, PVC-free, and incorporate various eco-friendly (vintage, organic) materials. Yet, were I to get married today, I would definitely walk the isle in a pair of Chamone’s stunning Cinnamon velvet heels in black (really more silvery gray) or bordeaux (deep wine). They are like foot candy with their satin ruffles and can certainly be worn to many future events. Then again, I am a big fan of brightly hued footwear – I wore pink velvet to my wedding.

For the fellas, Boll Organic makes a beautiful organic cotton dress shirt. And Conscious Clothing will have a groom looking dapper in an impressive hemp tuxedo (don’t be intimidated by the dreadlocks on the model). Otherwise, consider vintage for him. We’ve heard of some good finds from Vintage Swank. Tell us your sources too.

And for your little flower girl? She’ll look absolutely adorable prancing down the aisle in a Misha Lulu ensemble, made from Skal-certified organic cotton with retro-modern designs inspired by nature.

What About Rings?

Wedding tradition calls for something old and something new. Perhaps the ring is the perfect place to explore the “old” category. There’s nothing more meaningful — or more eco-friendly — than a timeless vintage ring.

Fourtane in Carmel, California, carries an exquisite collection of vintage jewelry — it is where I found my Edwardian engagement ring, but they have a splendid selection! Another amazing place to find vintage rings and all things bling is Lang in downtown San Francisco. (It’s also a favorite of style maven Gina Pell, from Splendora.) You can view the bulk of their extensive collection online, as well.

Sometimes marriage doesn’t work out, and people are left holding the ring box. What to do? Sell the abandoned band to some other hopeful fiance(e). I Do Now I Don’t is an auction site where one person’s misery is another person’s joy. If their karma isn’t of concern, you might score a great deal.

But for those who prefer a newfangled ring on those newlywed fingers, you can make sure that the quintessential symbol of your love does not support violence, human rights violations, or environmental destruction by supporting ethical jewelers.

Brilliant Earth will lead you through the process of designing the perfect, one-of-a-kind ring and deliver it to you with a certified stamp of ethical approval.

Recycled gold, conflict-free stones, locally produced. I am smitten with the elegant array of rings from Dawes Design. Her stacking rings are magnificent and make a wonderful anniversary gift – no reason not to think ahead.

Don’t take their word for it: Through its Green Assay program, Green Karat provides info about the ecological characteristics of all of the materials that make up each ring, so you really know about your ecological fingerprint too.

What to Serve

As always, keep it organic, local, and seasonal. If you want to make the ultimate commitment to the earth, make your wedding a vegetarian or vegan affair.

After many meetings, our betrothed confident went with Springloaf Catering, which serves the Bay Area. “They’re this perfectly adorable Euro couple,” Eliza cooed. “And they compost!”

Another green caterer getting rave reviews around the Bay is Work of Art Catering. They hand-pick their produce and divert over 90% of their waste.

How about a company that revels in the details? Living Room Events will create the sumptuous, stylish menu of your eco-dreams, proving that precision pays. I have used them for a number of glamorous parties myself.

A few others that top our list:

Lucid Food in New York makes sure everything is ethically procured. They compost 100% of their organic waste and even offer a no-waste or low-waste option to clients. Seedling Catering in LA focuses on vegan and macrobiotic menus that are healthy and eco-friendly, while Portland’s Phresh Organic Catering caters to a more omnivorous crowd devoted to farm-direct and artisan ingredients. Herban Feast, with seasonal menus or regional growers, and local, organic Ravishing Radish are two tasty options in the Seattle area.

Check the directory on Portovert (one of our favorite green wedding sites) to see if there’s an eco-friendly catering service in your area.

Oh, the Cake!

Since most wedding cakes are custom made, you can probably request that your cake artist use strictly organic ingredients. Just tell them “gourmet and organic” are like “husband and wife.” You can also ask that they source local ingredients. Yet, since details add up, here are a few eco-confectioners that need little direction.

Nana Pearls, serving the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), offers vegan and organic selections.

So does Lotus Cake Studio in Northwest Philadelphia. They’re known for their super-innovative cakery (like the iPod cake in pictured here).

Cake Obsessions in New York is more than willing to bake you up a delectable eco-cake.

And for those of you in the SF Bay Area, The Pastry Princess can bake it vegan and delicious with certified organic ingredients. Or she’ll whip up a hormone- and antibiotic-free creation from humanely produced ingredients. Love the Cupcake Tower!

If we didn’t hit your neighborhood, check out this extensive Vegan Wedding Cake Directory.

Florify With Greener Greenery

It can take a lot of flowers — and a lot of cut stems that start withering during the reception — to pull off some people’s idea of a picture-perfect ceremony. One thing you can do to leave a lasting impression: Use potted centerpieces that double as take-home favors for your guests. Also, Flowers for Rent offers silk arrangements that won’t fade (a perfect metaphor for your love).

Otherwise, find a local florist who specializes in or is willing to do organics. Local Harvest is a good place to look for green businesses. Inquiries with flower vendors at your local farmers market can be fruitful.

If you are having trouble finding a local organic floral offering, check out Organic Bouquet and California Organic Flowers to see what certifiably eco and ethical blooms they have.

Giving Is Receiving

When less is more, register with the I Do Foundation. Just like a gift registry, this charity registry informs your guests about which causes are in your good graces. You can also register with their partner stores (Gaiam, Target, and more), and up to 10% of guests’ gift purchases will go towards charity. Like both ideas? Let your guests make the choice — great for reigning in your more uncontrollable family members.

ChangingThePresent allows couples to register for charitable gifts to hundreds of leading nonprofits. Some of the neater gift opportunities include planting trees in the couple’s name, protecting wildlife, and funding research. Not to mention, the site also has over 1,000 green gifts that are perfect for the wedding rush.

For couples who really do need all those essentials to jump-start their lives together, consider registering online with VivaTerra.

Wedding favors are also a perfect opportunity for you to think about what sort of message you’d like to convey to your guests. Make yours thoughtful and green with something like the Peace Love Earth Seven Wishes Bracelet. It’s made from recycled sterling silver and surplus (or organic cotton) string. Your guests put the bracelet on and make a wish. Once it falls off, their wishes are supposed to come to fruition. Manifest!

Blushing Brides

Brides are should radiate beauty as they walk down the aisle, no matter what type of isle they choose. Most of them need a little bit of help getting that glow, though. Use the Innersense Spa & Salon Locator to find your local purveyors of organic beauty.

Where, Oh Where?

When selecting a venue, first you need to decide what type of wedding you want. Ideally, consider where most of your guests are coming from, and choose a spot that is local for both the wedding and the reception. Holding both events in one location is key for cutting down on transportation. Another thing to consider are are LEED Certified sites, or buildings that have been built to meet various eco-friendly standards. Check with your local chapter for options in your area.

For getaway ceremonies, check our travel guide.

More, More, More
We’ve obviously only scratched the surface of what’s out there with our ecofabulous picks. Delve deeper through these plenteous portals. They’ll steer you in the right direction for practically everything wedding.

portovert.com
zahzoom.blogspot.com
everythinggreenweddings.blogspot.com
ecochicweddings.com
earthfriendlywedding.blogspot.com
greatgreenwedding.com

And check out our Ecofabulous Travel Guide to get those honeymoon plans in the works!

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Diamonds are a Girl’s Ex-Best Friend

Date: May 22, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Jewelry

Every time a friend is about to get engaged I get a frantic call about the token of their commitment – the ring. There are some excellent eco-options available now, like Brilliant Earth or Jennifer Dawes Design (both use recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds), but we just discovered a genius new socially responsible and eco-friendly alternative: I Do… Now I Don’t, which hosts a community for buyers and sellers of diamonds, engagement bands, wedding bands, and other jewelry, whose plans didn’t work out quite the way they planned. And if you are one of the people selling (no need to memorialize a failed commitment), you might want to consider this altruistic idea: you can sell your “baggage” to someone creating a new love line, then donate the proceeds to an environmentally responsible charity. Talk about a unique way to turn something bad into something good… Or just take the money and buy yourself a new  pair (or pairs) of sustainable shoes.

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The Brilliant Earth Vow

Date: February 22, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Holiday & Gift

Did you and your sweetheart have a killer Valentine’s Day that may have placed thoughts of an engagement on the not-so-distant horizon? Time to start checking out some ring options, eh? Brilliant Earth’s Create Your Own Ring program makes purchasing a conflict free, environmentally sound ring an effortless reality, and does so in an utterly gorgeous, one-of-a-kind sort of way. Sourcing your diamonds from a reputable jeweler is a moral must – that is if you don’t want the emblem of your love to support civil wars in Africa, environmental degradation and horrendous labor practices (for more on this, click here). Brilliant Earth will lead you through the process of designing the perfect ring and deliver it with a certified stamp of ethical approval. We like to think this will improve your “yes!” juju.

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Wrapped up with the Holidays

Date: December 5, 2007 | Category: Holiday & Gift, Lifestyle, Media

Well, it’s no surprise the holidays are the most wasteful time of year, what with all the gift-necessitating and jolly decorated festivities and front lawns. The EPA estimates that 25% more waste is generated between Thankgiving and New Years than the rest of the year, amounting to a million extra tons of trash each week! Of course, there are scores of culprits, but four million tons can be attributed to shopping bags and wrapping paper alone. If you want to go green, all you need is a little bit of creativity. Putting thought into giving earth-friendly gifts is the most important step. Gifts of online memberships to music sites like Rhapsody or a donation to an earth-friendly non-profit on behalf of the recipient will be appreciated just as much, if not more, than bulky, heavily packaged, material items. Think less packaging, less wrapping. Did you know that almost 1/3 of the waste in the US comes from packaging (all year round). But good green gifts do abound; we’re digging on the Yahoo! Green Gift Guide, and of course don’t forget about our very own ecofabulous gift guide. If gorgeous wrapping paper is critical to your gift giving, as an alternative check out the holiday selection from Fish Lips Paper Designs. Their gift wraps are all 100% post-consumer recycled, processed chlorine-free and use soy-based inks. Plus, they are beautiful. You could also use paper from old fashion or design magazines and tie a found object from your garden to the top, such as a leaf or pine cone (for the craftier amongst you). And this year when you receive wrapped gifts, consider keeping the materials for future use. If it is important for you to send physical greeting cards to those you love,  go with these cute recycled cards with water based inks from Paper Source or Cradle to Cradle’s tree-free cards that brilliantly allow you to send them back to Shaw to be used as carpet backing. But the least destructive way to share your sentiments would be sending e cards. We like OneTrueMedia’s offering. Photobucket is great for sharing on social networks (which could also save you a lot of time). If Santa frequents your abode don’t forget to make his cookies and milk of the organic variety. And if you lit your first candle last night, we hope it was beeswax or soy!

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Diamonds That Won’t Leave You Conflicted

Date: August 23, 2007 | Category: Fashion, Jewelry

Thanks in no small part to fellow Global Greener Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent role in Blood Diamond, the dirty business of where we get our bling is getting difficult to ignore. The only way to ensure the would-be rock on your ring finger will not support violence, human rights violations and environmental destruction – that is, it’s not a “blood,” “conflict,” “dirty” or “war” diamond – is to make sure it’s thoroughly tracked from the mine to your doorstep and bought from a reputable dealer who uses independent sources of certification. Unfortunately, certain measures taken to clean-up diamond trafficking (like the Kimberley Process) have questionable efficacy at best, so it’s important to dig deep when seeking an untainted symbol of your love. Brilliant Earth is a shining example of what you can do – it teaches about diamond-related issues, offers gorgeous solutions and gives back by supporting the Diamonds for Africa Fund. Their diamonds are exclusively mined in Canada according to strict environmental laws, and – taking it a step further – they also use reclaimed precious metals (refined to be identical in quality to newly mined metals). Alternatively, you can search estate jewelers for fabulous finds. Lang is the ecofab fave. Happy hunting.

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