Stylish Ways to Go Green

January 23, 2013 | by Tricia Taormina | posted in Tips & Tricks

2 comments

We admit that "going green" can sometimes feel less like a lifestyle choice and more like a trend. But this year we're vowing to make it last every season. Eco-friendly, eco-fashionable, eco-conscious--whatever you choose to call it--can be surprisingly low maintenance. So consider these stylish and sustainable tips for 2013.
 
Give new life to vintage. Instead of dropping half your paycheck on a new designer dress, try to find the same designer or a similar style in vintage. Sites like Etsy.com offer troves of rare clothes and accessories. Or visit local designer consignment shops for high-end brands that are high quality for half the price. Today's fashion is recycled from history anyway. Who wants 1970s-inspired maxi skirts when you can find the real thing?
 
Try gift wrapping alternatives. Newspapers, old maps, comic strips, your niece's awesome drawings--any form of used paper can be given a second chance as wrapping paper. Our favorite? Excess fabric or scrap material in bright colors and vibrant prints make lovely gift bags.
 
Grow a garden. So this one may have to wait a few months, but starting a garden in your own backyard can lessen your carbon footprint. Plus, your fruits and veggies are always in season, and you get to choose whether to use pesticides (we're guessing you won't).
 
Wear organic and sustainable fabrics. Eco-friendly fashion brands have had a bad rep for being hard to find and unreasonably priced. But luckily designers are sensing the demand. Peruse this fantastic list of affordable, green clothing brands featuring fabrics in organic cotton, hemp, soy, etc.
 
Use canvas bags. Doesn't it feel like every time you unload your groceries from what seems like hundreds of plastic bags, you're left wondering, why do I keep doing this? Plastics aren't biodegradable, meaning they'll hang out on our planet (i.e. in our dumps) for upwards to 1,000 years. Make 2013 the year you finally commit to canvas bags for all your shopping needs. Invest in at least five and keep them in the trunk of your car so you never forget. Get yours at Fredflare.com, Modcloth.com, and Forever21.
 
Any other stylish and sustainable ideas? Let us know in the comments below.
 
*image via magnifeco.com


2 Comments.

  1. Keiffer says.
    Great insight! That's the answer we've been loonikg for.
  2. Shopia says.
    i'm positive you're going to win, chsleea. (: you gorgeous in every way, you put so much effort into all your videos, and you're so sweet. <3 you deserve to win! i hope i? get to see you at IMATS! love ya beautiful. [:

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