I love discovering new eco-friendly boutiques which specialize in the non-everyone-wears-it kind of feel. Featuring fair-trade, upcycled leather and recycled metals, Ecoutrement carries a beautiful line of bags,  jewelry and other ecoutrement that will fit a unique sense of style while honoring Mother Earth. Here is a bit about the company and its founder Megan Dougherty:
Press Release: The world of eco-chic fashion has become even more accessible with the launch of
www.ecoutrement.com, an online accessories boutique offering the most coveted fashion-forward
assortment of eco-friendly accessories in the industry. Frustrated with the lack of available resources for
environmentally conscious shopping, eco-chic socialite Megan Dougherty founded Ecoutrement based on her firm belief that you don’t have to compromise the environment in order to be fashionably fabulous.
Ecoutrement’s goal is to provide a one stop shop for fabulous eco accessories ranging from handbags, to jewelry, to scarves and hats, ranging in price from $10 on up to $700 for one-of-a-kind, handmade items.

Currently carrying over 18 top eco designers, Ecoutrement consistently updates their website with new
merchandise and is always searching for the best lines in the eco fashion industry to represent.

Committed to attaching action to their passion, Ecoutrement has taken a rewarding approach to givingback, through their My Rewards Program. By simply shopping on www.ecoutrement.com, clients can earn 1 point for every dollar spent, and for every 100 points clients earn they receive a $1 store credit to use  toward their next Ecoutrement purchase or they can use the “donate” option to donate their store credit dollars to The Conservation Fund.

Every dollar donated directly supports the Fund’s various programs which help to enrich and preserve the environment for generations to come. Giving back has never before been made so easy through a convenient online shopping portal.

To learn more about The Conservation Fund, please visit www.conservationfund.org.

About Ecoutrement.com: Founded on the belief that you don’t have to compromise the environment in
order to fashionably fabulous, Ecoutrement.com is the eco-chic fashionistas online resource for
responsible accessorizing. Offering only environmentally friendly, style driven accessories including
jewelry, handbags, and various other accessories, each item sold is either fair trade, organic, made from recycled or reclaimed materials, or produced using environmentally ethical standards.

Check out the entire collection, including the “Dirty Librarians” chain (above), which is made using 3 antique crystals and which I had the pleasure of test-driving.

You can also follow this great eco store on Facebook.

Originally published on Greenwala.com where Elena Lipson is the Beauty & Family Editor.

Over the last several weeks, I have share some amazing secrets of green cleaning and my favorite ingredients: Lemon, Vinegar and Baking Soda. Today we conquer the cleaning powers of olive oil! The batch of cool tips comes from a site dedicated to the health benefits of olive oil.

Oil is Safe And Effective Natural household cleaner

Olive oil is safe and effective to use in many daily household tasks to clean, maintain and repair just about anything that needs special attention. Besides the effectiveness of using the olive oil for household chores, it’s also very safe to use with no harsh and toxic chemicals to speak of.

It’s just pure olive oil plus other non-toxic household ingredients. Try it and you’ll see that it really works!

As we all know, many of the commercial cleaning products sold in regular stores and supermarkets are all chemical-based cleaning products even if they are the organic kind. Many have typical safety warning labels. You’ll also find that it’s probably a cheaper solution than buying many different cleaning agents. Another no-nonsense reason to cleaning with olive oil.

Cleaning your house can be a real chore but it shouldn’t comprise your health along the way. Another real health benefit of olive oil is that it is a safe, natural and effective alternative to using many of the chemical and petroleum-based cleaning products and polishes.

• Polish furniture to give it that extra shine - Try three parts water with one part olive oil; or two parts olive oil with one part lemon. It should leave your furniture shiny and clean.
• Polish plant leaves – Just mix olive oil with water and spray. It will leave the plants dust-free as well as giving it some shine.
• Get rid of the creaks in doors and hinges – Use a few drops of olive oil for lubrication.
• Clean and polish those tile and hardwood floors – Mix several drops of olive oil with equal number of drops of lemon juice, apply it on a dry mop or broom and oil mop the floors. Be sure to sweep the floor clean beforehand to wipe away all dirt and dust. No need to use more than a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice to get the job done.
• Clean wax off inside candle holders – If you’ve ever lit a candle inside a candle holder, you know how much of a pain it is to remove all the excess wax. Well, the secret to preventing wax from forming in the first place is to use olive oil! Another great benefits to this all purpose oil machine. Just put a few drops of olive oil into the interior of the candle holder and that’s it. It will prevent the build-up of wax.
• If you already have candle holders with melted wax in them, no problem! Just mix olive oil with mild dish soap. It should take the old wax off.
• Remove paint from the skin – Olive oil is a great lubricant and solvent to help remove oil-based paint. To remove paint from your skin or hair, just use extra-virgin olive oil on a soft cotton cloth and wipe away clean. It may take some time but it should work. There are many tricks cleaning with olive oil.
• Natural Household Cleaners , Cleaning with olive oil Clean and preserve wooden utensils and cutting boards – Olive oil can definitely help to preserve any wooden cutting boards. After washing it in soap and water, dry it clean or leave it to dry naturally. Once fully dried, just wipe it with olive oil.
• Preserve knives – The best way to preserve knives is to always wipe them thoroughly dry right after washing with soap. This is what I do every time I use my best and favorite knifes in the kitchen. You can then place a small amount of olive oil on a towel and lightly oil the blade of the knives. You can also sharpen the knives by sliding two knife blades together, holding one still and moving the other against the blade in a crisscross motion. This is probably an old technique that is still commonly used today. It’s simple and you don’t need to buy a knife sharpener.
• Shine stainless steel and brass – Rub a bit of olive oil on a clean rag to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish.
• Easy clean up of garden tools – Spritz some olive oil on your tools to cut down on dirt buildup.

Originally published on Greenwala.com where Elena Lipson is the Beauty & Family Editor. Enjoy!

It is officially that time of year when football (or a big bowl of chili during football) is on the brain, the leaves will be changing colors soon and the kids head back-to-school. I love the fall season as I always feel that it is a “new” year with new possibilities and a fresh start to discovering joys and fulfilling dreams.  So let’s start this “new beginning” off on a green foot, wha-da-ya-say?

There are several things we can do to follow up our  summer-greenness and green-up this school year too!

1. Buy recycled paper and always recycle what you have! (we use the back sides of all those sheets of misc. paperwork that comes home everyday in school bags as coloring paper etc)

2. Reuse supplies from the previous year before buying new

3. Shop thrift stores for clothes, or swap with friends

4. Use soy-based crayons rather than petroleum waxed-based (Clementine Art)

5. Reconsider your mode of transportation by carpooling, using public transit, walking or biking

6. Buy an eco-friendly, stainless steel water bottle rather than disposables

7. Set a timer for showers and keep the water pressure on low

8. Buy a safe lunchbox and accessories that do not contain lead, BPA, or phthalates (some of my favs are Planet Box and Citizinpip)

9. Resist the urge to splurge and get only what you really need.

10. Avoid the number 3 and go PVC FREE! PVC is a poison in plastics – so look for PVC-free supplies whenever possible! If it has the number “3” inside it, or the letters “V” or “PVC” underneath it, you know the product is made out of PVC. Check out the Back-to-School guide to PVC-Free school supplies from The Center for Health, Environment and Justice before purchasing supplies.

11. Terracycle pencils and office supplies all the way! Each year 80,000 trees are destroyed to produce more than 14 billion pencils. As an eco-friendly innovator TerraCycle™ has intervened by replacing virgin wood with recycled newspaper. For more upcycled products go see them right here!

12. Make sure to visit your Farmer’s Market each week and stock up on fresh local produce for healthy lunch packing and snacks and don’t forget t have your kids help! This is a great way to inspire and teach them all about sustainable healthy food habits!

13. Avoid using antibacterial sprays, lotions and gels as well as antibacterial soaps. Good old fashion “regular” soap is much healthier for your child than those ”that contain triethanolamine. Anti-bacterial hand soaps have been proven to cause more harm than good because they kill beneficial bacteria as well as the bad stuff and may be leading to super-strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. (see point 14 on probiotics). Hand sanitizers that contain the ingredient triethanolamine can damage liver and kidneys” (ivillage).

14. Get a good probiotic! I highly encourage you to try out Vidazorb chewable probiotics, as they have been amazing in our family’s life! Their Belly Boost for kids helped our son so much with his food intolerances and eczema and there are many studies showing how beneficial these can be for all of us by aiding in digestion and possibly boosting our immunities too. Getting back to point 13, probiotics are a great way to restore the good bacteria that we need for optimal wellness! Check out their Back-To-School Special 30% off by 8/31/10

15. Turn the water off while brushing teeth!

16. Purchase eco-friendly, non-toxic backpacks and bags! (Our M has an awesome hemp and fair-trade made bag from EarthDivas and I also like these cute ones from ecogear).

So here’s to a happy green school year and happy healthy green kids! They deserve it

Images:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.greenschoolscoalition.org/

Butterfly Soap By Botanicals From Above

What a fun sweet way to get those kids washed up in fun style. I know my own little one loves to be grown up and get washed up “by myself!” in the bath. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to surprise your sweet one with a personal fun and organic soap? Here are some of my favorite picks from Etsy.com. Which is your favorite?

The Butterfly Artisan (Above) – In Their Own Words
The founders of Botanicals From Above are sisters who grew up in Ontario, Canada. Although now separated by many miles between Colorado and Ontario, Kristy & Katie share a passion to bring you natural bath and body products that are not only great for your skin, but are great for your spirit as well! Invigorating Orange, relaxing Lavender, and wake-you-up Peppermint are sure to please! The inspiring scriptural quotes send a little message from above.

The Soap
Lavender Butterfly (Quantity 1)
~ One pretty soap butterfly with a light floral aroma (approximately 4 oz. each).All Natural Goat’s Milk
Soaps: -soap of coconut, palm & safflower oils, glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), goat’s milk, purified water, sorbitol (moisturizer, berry based), sorbitan oleate (emulsifier, vegetable based), soy bean protein (conditioner), titanium dioxide (mineral whitener), natural botanicals.

Duck Soap By Body Beautiful

The Artisan – In Their Own Words
I am the founder, owner and creative director of Sweet Lollipop Shop. I love to create and I get the biggest buzz out of making others smile. I sell a full line of hand poured crystal barley lollipops, rubber ducky soaps, adult novelty treats, polymer jewelry and now bath and beauty products.

The Soap
This wonderfully gentle glycerin soap is made with 100% organic oils and scent and color free. This artisan will also create custom soaps for you and your kiddos.

Birthday Vegan Cupcake Soaps by AJsSweetSoaps

The Artisan – In Her Own Words
I am a full time working mom with two kids (3 if you count the husband!) Soaping has become not only therapeutic and fun, but an obsession! I have incorporated my love of soaping and love of high calorie and fattening treats by creating AJSweetSoap – where you can indulge without the guilt!

The Soap
Our uniquely distinctive Happy Birthday Vegan cupcake soap can be custom made in your choice of fragrance and colors – and will come complete with a real birthday candle! The perfect gift for that special someone with a birthday to celebrate who deserves to be pampered! So realistic, you’ll swear these came from your local bakery!

A while back I had the sincere pleasure of interviewing an eco-clothing designer Roxi Suger based in my very own home-town, Brooklyn NY. As a person, Roxi is warm, intelligent and whip-smart. The passion Roxi stitches into each piece of clothing is unmistakable. Each piece is uniquely beautiful, chic and comfortable. One of the signature pieces of ANGeLRoX is a stunning bamboo that wrap can be warn as a skirt, dress, cape, shrug and more. Here is the interview with my new friend Roxi:

Elena: What does your logo and company name symbolize?
Angel: The wings…I did not plan to do an angel themed collection. I first created the logo and the name of the company, ANGelRox, came about because I have a friend named Angel. We spent a lot of time together and started being referred to as Angel-Rox. It all seemed to fit together.

The name, to me, symbolizes balance, finding one’s center of joy. Our company philosophy, ‘May Peace Prevail’, refers to inner peace. There is something about wearing your wings that makes you want to be good and kind to others.

The wing in the logo was inspired by a statue of St. Michael from a cathedral in uptown NYC.

Tell me about your personal journey to green:
Angel: My background is in fashion. I worked with companies like Urban Outfitters and Vivienne Tam. I worked with direct retailers as well as designers. 15 years ago I wanted to start a hemp line. But, it was too early in the life of the hemp fabric. Back then, it was not comfortable, it had no versatility. In 2000, I branched out and self financed my clothing line. We are staffed by myself, my husband and interns. We now have a loyal following of customers.

When my son Cotton was born, I was already on an organic path in my personal life.

What makes you you/unique?
Angel: My signature pieces are on a continuum and my customers appreciate that. True style is sustainable; it’s not about (following) the latest trends. The color palette tends to stay neutral and wearer friendly. They are not meant to have a short life span. You can say I’m anti-trend.

I redesigned the jeans without a structured waistline or zipper and added a nylon mesh. This has a thinning affect for the abdomen area. It gives a sleek look without adding the bulk of the typical jeans. When a women is pregnant, they don’t have to go and buy separate maternity jeans that they will only wear for a few months. This is a new (comfy) way for women to wear jeans.

I had Sharon Stone’s support for my clothing; she purchased the denim blazer through the Giving Suite at the Sundance Film Festival.

What are your some of your “green” practices?
Angel: We are researching organic cotton to incorporate into the clothing. We use cotton, bamboo and some rayon. Rayon is derived from cotton. It is made from reconstituted wood pulp (not directly). The wood shavings (left from projects) are broken down into a liquid, then made into a pulp and then into a fabric. Rayon is a natural based fiber. The bamboo tree is a rapidly growing source. The only negative is the processing that it takes to become a useable fiber. The advantage to using bamboo for high fashion is the drape luxury, the high-end look and the sexy appearance of the fabric.

Why is this important to you?
Angel: I also teach fashion at Parson’s. I always communicate (to the students) the importance of being (environmentally) responsible in their choices. I highlight the use of remnant fabrics and non-wasteful practices.

My personal ethic is that I hate to throw things away when I can re-purpose them. This is respected by my customers. Fashion tends to be a high waste industry. I always re-use my cut away extra fabric in fun ways.

What are your future plans?
Angel: I want to continue to grow in a grassroots way. I will layer in additional pieces that will round out a woman’s wardrobe. These are simple, basic, items to wear and still look different. I want to keep finding those pieces that work with my philosophy. Growth and adding pieces is really studied.

ANGelRox is an expression of who I am, and where I am going. I live in Brooklyn, NY now, but I grew up in Oklahoma. I have a nice range (of life) that I’ve been blessed to experience. (As a result) I now have a collection that spans different ages and ethnicities – it’s a real joy for me.

For updates on her latest designs, follow AngelRox on Facebook

Originally published at Greenwala.com where Elena Lipson is the Beauty & Family Editor.