Green Week Finale - Eco-Living

What a week! I've talked about anything and everything on eco-products. From cosmetics to shoes, we have learned about the importance of saving the planet using products that are made in a sustainable way. To wrap up Green Week I'll bring you Eco-Living. Eco-Living is more than the ever growing trend we have been seeing lately is a way of life, a philosophy, and it seems that more and more people are getting into it. Who doesn't know about the now infamous "I'M-NOT-A-PLASTIC-BAG" bag? It can be said, arguably, that that was the bag that started it all! Now accessories house Hayden-Harnett came up with an eco-bag to support politician turned environmentalist Al Gore. The bag was inspired by Gore's documentary on global warming "An Inconvenient Truth", and the proceeds go to help environmental causes. Even big companies, like uber-chic retail store Barneys, came up now with their own line of eco-clothing. Barneys Green, a line of eco-sportswear, will continue to develop the line with collaboration of guest designers. Hot Topics is stocking in Zoe Tees made with earth-friendly fabrics. Also kudos to jeweler John Hardy who's very much involved in a bamboo reforestation project, sustainable workshops and even a complex of green villas to be built at his property. How visionary is that?! So to help you jump in the green van wagon in style here's the latest you can find in green living, from clothing to home-decor. Have a happy earth, have a happy heart.


Barneys


Loomstate for Barneys Green Slave Mini Skirt $138.00. Available at www.barneys.com


This skirt is certified organic and benefit 1% for the planet.


Green With Glamour


Green With Glamour " Perfectly Imperfect" Cami Dress $117.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

This dress is made with 100% certified organic cotton.


Anna Cohen Pleated Shirt $375.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

100% organic natural colored cotton.


GWG Barrel Bag Red $270.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

This accessories company are redefining vintage! They reuse and re-purpose materials from other vintage designs.



Charmoné Espresso Been Ginseng Heel $315.00. Available at www.greenwothglamour.com


Charmoné Grass Print Ginseng Heel $315.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

These shoes are made using a high quality Italian microfiber that feels just like leather so no cows were harmed during the making of these shoes. Vegan Power!



iWood Eco Designs Tigerwood Aviators Sun Glasses $315.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

These super chic sunglasses besides from being 100% UVA/UVB protection, are also made with eco-sustainable wood.


Deana Bracken Float Like A Butterfly Pillow $175.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

This whimsical pillow is made with 100% organic sustainable cotton.



Woodson and Romefield Sunset Scalloped Mirror $1890.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

A beautiful touch for any room and it is finished with non-toxic paint.




Michael and Nora The cocktails and Lace Chandelier Lamp $3250.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

Beautiful!



GWG Gardenia Soy Candle $23.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

Deliciously scented, this clean burning candle will fill the room with gardenias, white flower and a hint of Jasmine.



The Sustainable Kitchen Cook Book $25.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

Cooking responsibly never was so delicious. This book will teach you how to take advantage of locally grown products in your kitchen.



Hitoshi Tanaka Natural Edge Shallow Cherry Bowl $160.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

This bowls are made with cherry tree wood from trees that had already fallen due to storms.



Esque Decanter and Cups $598.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

The company making these work in a wind powered studio designed to reduce waste and gas consumption. How great is that?!



Vidreco Recycled Glass Pedestal Bowl $65.00. Available at www.greenwithglamour.com

Made with 100% recycled glass and so pretty!

Prius from Toyota Hybrid $22,175.00. For more information visit www.toyota.com

As everybody knows this baby is very planet friendly and gas efficient since it runs on an electric motor also for less gas usage and emissions.

GE Energy Smart CFL Lightbulb 13 Watts (60 watts equivalent) 12 pk $19.76. Available at www.walmart.com

These bulbs use 2/3 less energy, generate 70% less heat and if every home in America replace just one bulb we will save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a whole year and prevent green house gases equivalent to 800,000 cars!

Now the light bulbs contain mercury which can be harmful but only if you break them. Although the bulbs are quite sturdy, just to play it safe, DON'T BREAK THEM!

Now there you have it everybody. This was Green Week a small effort to help create a conscience on the need to save the planet. I hope I'd touch someone. I hope I'd at least get someone curious about what's going on so they can dig and ask and find out by themselves and hopefully they will want to do something. It can be done, you don't have to do everything just whatever you can, that's all. Even if it's just changing ONE light bulb.

Have a happy earth, have a happy heart!

My Apologies

My apologies to all of you who have been very patient with the fact that I seemed to have disappeared from the blogosphere. I had a very delicate family emergency that I had to take care of. I promise I'll be back soon to resume Green Week and with all new posts. Thank you for your patience and please bear with me. Thank you all.

Green Week - Green Shoes

In an effort to create a more sustainable lifestyle we have traded conventional products for green ones. Food, fuel, cosmetics and hygiene products are among the most popular. But we can do even more, now there's Eco-wear, Eco-decoration, Eco-footwear and Eco-everything! While maybe riding a bicycle to work maybe a bit out of the question for some of you, there are alternatives to keep on the quest of a more planet friendly way of life. You can start taking baby steps toward becoming greener by wearing some Eco-friendly foot wear. Conventional shoes are a great source of waste since they are made from man-made, non-biodegradable materials such as rubber and synthetic fabric. Eco-friendly shoes are made with sustainable and recyclable materials and some companies won't even use leather in their products ( good news for the vegans!). Now, an environmentally conscious shoe doesn't always have to look like a Birkenstock, not that there's anything wrong with them, but I'm aware that some fashionistas at heart hate the look of the friendly Birkenstock (I personally love them). So, here are some companies that make some lovely looking shoes and also like to keep it green.


Terra Plana

Terra Plana Helena Heels 90.00 GBP or $180.00 aprox. Available at www.terraplana.com

Terra Plana Taj Flat 80.00 GBP or $180.00 aprox. Available at www.terraplana.com


Soft Stars Shoes (for the little ones)


Soft Star Shoes $39.99. Available at www.softstarshoes.com



Greentoe




Greentoe GT Jane $85.00 Available at www.birkenstocksd.com


Earth


Earth Mirage Boot $119.00. Available at www.birkenstocksd.com


And ofcourse the One and Only...


Birkenstock


Birkenstock Madrid Silver $69.00. Available at www.planetshoes.com

Now you can walk happily knowing that your helping the ground below your feet stay forever green. Tomorrow will be the last day of the Green Week and I'm coming up with lots of great GREEN stuff. Stay tuned, you don't want to miss it!

Green Week - Cleansers

Soaps and cleansers are part of our daily routine, and since most soaps are very irritating then moisturizing is also a big part of that routine as well. The more lather, the more likely the soap is to be harsh on your skin. Many soaps depend on chemical ingredients to make them sudsy which leads to irritation. Choosing a good cleanser or soap is not only about being squeaky clean, it is also about doing something good for your skin too, and if possible doing less damage to the environment. Shampoo, body wash, soap, even tooth paste, we use cleansers all day long and they always end up in our water reservoirs. The brands I'm featuring today are an all-in-one wonder since their easy on you and easy on the planet.


Avalon Organics


Avalon Organics Classic Aloe Unscented Soap $4.95. Available at www.avalonorganics.com

This soap is made with a blend of plant-based cleansers, Aloe, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and is certified organic.


Nature's Gate


Natures Gate Tea Tree and Blue Cypress Hand Soap $6.99. Available at www.naturesgate.com

With Tea Tree to calm and soothe and Blue Cypress to cleanse this hand soap is sure to leave your hand soft and sanitized.


Pangea Organics

Pangea Organics Pyreness Lavender with Cardamom Shower Gel $12.99 . Available at www.pangeaorganics.com or www.drugstore.com

This shower gel contains Lavender, Cardamom, Aloe, Comfrey, Calendulla, Blood Orange, Centella Asiatica and a lot more to nurture your skin while cleansing, and it is organic.


JASON


JASON Glycerin and Rosewater Satin Shower Wash $11.20 for 30 oz. Available at www.jasonatural.com

Rosewater satin shower gel is full of natural oils and emollients such as Chamomile, Sunflower Oil, Apricot and Vitamin E for a delightful shower experience.


Origins


Lavender and Vanilla Bath Bar $10.00. Available at www.origins.com

Origins Lavender and Vanilla soap is a blend of calming and moisturizing ingredients that is good for your skin and you senses.


Origins Let's Circulate Salt Rub Soap $12.50. Available at www.origins.com

This soap is perfectly shaped for massaging while the Dead Sea Salt wash away impurities on your skin.


Burt's Bees



Burt's Bees Peppermint Shower Soap $5.00. Available at www.burtsbees.com

Made with Calendula, Comfrey, Ground Almond and Peppermint this bar will exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin in one easy step.


Tom's of Maine


Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste $3.99 . Available at www.drugstore.com

Tom's toothpaste is made with all natural ingredients and flavored with natural oils. Never dyes, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Not tested on animals!


Evidently, taking good care of your self is close to self indulgence with products like these, but best of all is the fact that you are being kind to nature as well. Tomorrow don't miss the post on one my favorites Eco-footwear. It'll be fun!

Green Week - Hair Care

The condition of our hair is a reflection of our health. However, eating well and taking vitamins alone won't do the work, you need to nurture your hair. There are countless shampoos and conditioners (specially conditioners) out there. Leave in, rinse out, deep conditioners, hair masks, color enhancing, defrizzing, you name it. Usually their are full of chemicals that you can even pronounce like Octylmethoxycinnamate or Mthylchloroisothiazolinone, or maybe Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. So, if words like these bring back traumatic childhood flash backs from spelling bee competitions or you just don't like the idea of unpronounceable ingredients in your products there's hope. The hair care products I've found are made with all natural ingredients so you can have healthier, cleaner hair... and water.


Origins


Origins Knot Free $11.00. Available at www.origins.com

Knot Free is a super moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that will de-tangle your knotty hair in a jiffy while relaxing you with the aromas of Peach, Lemon and Black Currant.


Aveda

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner $9.00

This beautiful duo is made with soothing ingredients like Peppermint and Rosemary to protect from environmental damage.



Natures Gate Chamomile and Lemon Verbena Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner $7.99. Available at www.naturesgate.com

This super charged shampoo is perfect for dry hair and it smells great too!


Ojon


Ojon Restorative Treatment $55.00. Available at www.sephora.com


Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream $30.00. Available at www.sephora.com

Ojon is a tree oil harvested by an ancient Indian tribe, The Tawiras, in a rain forest in Central America. This oil has the property of almost miraculously improving the condition of your hair without weighting it down. Ojon products are made with 100% pure Ojon oil and the product is 95% oil itself with the other 5% being natural antioxidant ingredients. Also, the company limits the harvest to protect the resources and ensure that the product is still hand made in the traditional way. This benefits The Tawira people who actually work harvesting and manufacturing the precious oil for this product.


Carol's Daughter


Carol's Daughter Tui Herbal Shampoo $11.00. Available at www.sephora.com

This delicious blend of botanical ingredients such as Chamomille, Mari Gold, Guava Mango and Passion Fruit is the recipe for shiny, healthy hair.


L'Occitane


L'occitane Angelica Shampoo $17.00. Available at www.sephora.com

Angelica plant has been cultivated by monks for centuries and it was use to make the "Elixir of Life" so there's no doubt this will revive your dry, color treated, damaged hair.


Don't miss tomorrow soaps and cleansers.

Green Week - Cosmetics

No body really wants to know what's in cosmetics you will be surprised and not in a good way. Parabeen, chemical abrasives, preservatives, dyes and I can go on. It is no surprise why many of us go thru product after product without really finding one that won't clog our pores or irritate our skin. Products come with beautiful promises that many fail to keep. Today natural products are the fastest growing market in cosmetics. We are really looking for products that will deliver, products that will keep their promises of beautiful, healthy skin. The latest trend in natural beauty is the revolutionary mineral make up. Brands like i.d. bareMinerals are all the rage now. Who doesn't know about the swirl, tap, buff? Natural cosmetics are made to not only make you look pretty, but to also improve the condition of your skin. After all, if your pores are going to suck in your make up, then make the most out of it and put on the right full-of-benefits products. The following cosmetic brands are not only packed with natural ingredients but are also made to be easy on the environment so you can swirl, tap and buff you way to a healthier more beautiful you.


Dr. Hauschka


Dr. Hauschka Translucent Make Up $32.50. Available at www.drhauschka.com

This foundation is sheer to enhance you not hide you and it is made with Anthillis, Carrot, Witch Hazel, Avocado and Jojoba for super moisturized, dewy effect perfect for dry skin.



Dr. Hauschka Eye Shadow Duo $20.96. Available at www.drhauschka.com

Beautiful eye shadow duos with Rose and Camellia extract to nurture eye's delicate skin.



Origins


Origins Full Story Lash Mascara $13.00. Available at www.origins.com

I can't stop telling anyone who's willing to listen how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this mascara. It leaves my lashes looking full and totally clump free thanks to their gel formula that goes on very smoothly. The pH of the formula is almost identical to your own tears to ensure zero irritation and it is safe for contact lens wearers like me!




Origins Silk Screen Powder $23.50. Available www.origins .com

Silk Screen Refining Powder will give you a flawless complexion, poreless , picture perfect skin.



Dr. Hauschka Flower Fusion Lip Color $15.00. Available at www.origins.com

This lippy is made with flower wax from Jasmine, Lavender, Rose and Violet to soothe and perfect your pout.



Burt's Bees


Burt's Bees Blushing Creme $9.00. Available at www.burtsbees.com

This super soft creamy blush goes from butter-like to a powdery finish, but it doesn't feel dry and it gives you a very natural, flushed look. With Vitamin E, Coconut Oil and Rosemary to help treat acne this blush is a naturally good option.



Real Purity



Real Purity Eye Shadow Duos $13.99. Available at www.realpurity.com

This eye shadows are full of Vitamin E and are rated five stars by users who swear by this products.



Ambodi



Ambodi mineral Blush $12.50. Available at www.purebodysolutions.com

This mineral powder blush it's so safe it can be used on your eyes and mouth. It comes in 15 different shades so you can get creative.


Earth's Beauty



Earth's Beauty Pure Complexions Mineral Face Powder $20.95. Available at www.purebodysolutions.com

Earth's Beauty mineral face powder goes on like silk and it contains organic arrowroot.



The Organic Make Up Company

The Organic Make Up Company Lip Gloss Shines $13.99. Available at www.bewellstaywell.com

This organic lip shine is made with ingredients such as Candelila, Jojoba, Castor Oil and Shea Butter for soft and velvety lips, and it is also vegan!

As you can see looking good never felt better. All these products are made following the highest quality standards to improve not only your looks, but you health. As a consequence, growing the plants used in this products organically ensures a low environmental impact which is good for the planet.

What's next on Green Week? Hair care and soaps. When you wash your hair whatever you use go straight to out water resources; therefore, we must be particularly careful about the products that we use. The last thing you would like to drink in your water is all those chemicals in your shampoo. Stay tuned to learn how to get healthy locks and keep water clean.