Eco Chic

So, I know that Earth day happened last week, but I didn't want to interrupt Megan's AMAZING wedding week to dish out this info, so here goes!

With all the talk about going green happening all around us, it's not surprising we'd see some translation into the world of fashion. There are lots of fun ways to go green with your clothes- hemp and bamboo fibers and even cork are comfortable and very renewable, and there are lots of eco-conscious companies focusing on recycling things like juice pouches, water bottles, and soda cans into lunch sacks, tote bags, and more. While I'm not about to go around wearing pants made of grape kool-aid wrappers, I'd totally rock a recycled capri sun pouch tote as a grocery bag. Check out these fun, and earth-friendly, finds:

Quilted cork tote, Chadwicks.com, $16.99.

Cork wallet by Sydney Love, Ebags.com, $24.80.

Cork, which grows under the bark of (shockingly) the cork tree, found mainly in Spain and Portugal, is readily renewable and incredibly durable. You're used to seeing it blocking oxygen from getting into your wine and causing it to spoil, but it makes a great alternative to non-animal-friendly leather or not very durable fabrics. Cork platforms in your shoes are fabulous too- cork is resilient and helps to absorb shock, protecting your feet and your joints from all that walking around! Keep an eye out for cork uppers on shoes, cork belts, cork everything. Designers are getting very creative with cork!

Bamboo Ribbed Tank, YouDeserve.com, $14.95.

Know what's great about bamboo? It's the fastest growing plant in the world. Within 3 years, it's ready for harvest, making it ultra-renewable. If that wasn't cool enough to make you at least give it a shot, it produces super soft fibers which evaporate moisture readily AND contain a natural antibacterial agent. Bamboo, 1, cotton, 0.

Anyway, while you're greening up your wardrobe, make sure to pick up a re-usable water bottle and coffee mug (some coffee houses even fill it up at a discount!). If you bring your lunch to work or school, get a re-usable lunch tin or tote (check out Oprah.com for some great discounts on ultra-cute ones!). Above all else, if you're not using re-usables, don't throw away your recyclables, make the extra effort to recycle them!