Eco-Fashion

By Susan Seliger

Does this happen to you? Once you start dreaming about exotic places you’d love to escape to – natural wonders of the world where there are no malls or tinsel or shopping lists – you just can’t stop. There are so many things you haven’t done yet in life — like a safari on the Serengeti in Tanzania or swimming with the sea lions in the Galapagos or a trek to the Amazon and Machu Picchu – just puckering up to say Machu Picchu puts me in an adventurous state of mind.

Well, stop dreaming – Natural Habitat Adventures has come to the rescue. This eco-conscious company is offering, not one but FIVE,  big vacations for two – one every year for five years – to the most exciting natural destinations in the world. Beyond those mentioned in my dreams, they’ve also got trips to walk with the penguins in Antarctica and the Falklands as well as a trip to Manitoba to schmooze with the polar bears.

I’ve entered – and so can you – every day up until the deadline, Feb. 28, 2009. Hope to see you there – if not, give the sea lions a smooch for me. Start clicking.

Photo credit: Llama in Macchu Picchuu: from Nurse healthwriter blog

By Susan Seliger

There is probably no single piece of clothing that has ever been as popular –around the world — as blue jeans. What’s not to love – you can dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down. And best of all, they solve that most annoying of all first-thing-in-the-morning questions: “What’s clean enough to wear?”

In the U.S. we more than 500 million pairs of jeans– that means annual sales figures are over $13 billion ($13.4 billion in 2001, the last concrete figures I could find reported).

So just imagine how much we could reduce our collective carbon footprint if each of us handled our favorite fanny-covering in a greener fashion. It’s easy – try these tips:

1. Buy organic jeans from the start.

Ordinary cotton uses a lot of water and chemicals in the treatment process. Check out Levi’s eco-friendly line.

2. Look for hemp jeans:

This versatile plant – and don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about – is ideal for jeans. Fewer pesticides, fewer chemicals, all good.

Check out these sources for hemp jeans: Hempest and Rawganique.

3. Repair your old jeans:

You know those rips look cool anyway. And for those in the wrong places, take out a needle and start stitching. Add your own design while you’re at it.

4. Wash sparingly.

Ok, if the jeans can stand up by themselves, it’s time to scrub. But really, until then, save some water.

5. Recycle the old when you buy the new:

Gained weight? Lost weight? Whatever – there is someone out there who will want the old ones. If they’re in good shape, try a vintage clothing shop. Otherwise, find a Salvation Army near you, or a Goodwill — they’re always ready to do their part in keeping us a little greener.

Photo credit: total health break throughs:

By Susan Seliger

Time to get the kids — and yourself — ready for Fall. Tired of that heavy old backpack? Here’s one from Progressive Kid – a web store with some of the best eco-friendly stuff for your favorite small fries — that will work for you, too.

It’s Good: It’s smaller than the average pack (1300 cubic inches/22 liters capacity; 1 pound 9 ounces/.71 kilograms weight). Plus it’s got these features:

• Single zip front panel access with mesh and fabric utility pockets
• Pass-through access to internal pocket
• Two recycled PET mesh side pockets
• Recycled spacer mesh harness and back panel
• Recycled removable web waist strap
• Recycled PET stretch woven cell phone/electronics harness pocket
• Recycled PET main body fabric
• Recycled Regrind buckles
• Internal front panel organization
• Internal laptop sleeve
• Smart key clip that works with electronic keys

It’s Green: Made by Osprey, known for their earth-friendly ReSource series from 70 percent recycled materials. Also the color names alone are worth it: Rainforest green or glacier blue.

It’s Here: Progressive Kids Store

It’s: $59

Photo credit: ProgressiveKid.com