Eco Fashion Spotlight - si:su

Behind the name
si:su was started by Hanneke, Helen and Rachel and together they offer two lines of covetable clothing which is all made from recycled materials. si:su's 'Pure' range is for everyday items while the 'Bijou' range offers dressier items for special occasions.

si:su's love of vintage shops, flea markets and various art forms is clearly reflected in their unique style of clothing. Their designs are creative and hark back to the days of yesteryear whilst still maintaining a modern edge. An enviable eco fashion accomplishment indeed!

si:su's 'trans-seasonal' clothing is making both green girls and fashion savvy girls stand up and take notice. They have shown at the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris and also sell through high profile online sites such as the Natural Store.

For who?

Women who like feminine, whimsical and unique clothing.

Where the clothes are made
si:su design and produce their line in Swansea, South Wales.

Materials used
As si:su explain themselves, 'all clothing is 100% recycled even down to the buttons and thread used'. You will only find gorgeous recycled vintage fabrics in stunning designs at si:su, used individually for a simple yet stylish dress or combined with contrasting patterns for eye-catching looks. Each garment is personalised or adorned with detailed hand embroidery, applique or vintage buttons.

Style
Feminine, cute and surely something the characters from Dodie Smith's, 'I Capture the Castle' would have traipsed around their castle in. From adorable dresses and skirts to quirky pinafore dresses, capes and bags, there is a delectable range of one of a kind pieces to choose from.

I'm loving the Hannelora Cape in Chartreuse for spring / summer to wear over dresses. It is also available in other colours such as antique cream or midnight blue.

Pure Line
'Pretty and practical pieces for everyday wear...'

One of my favourite pieces from the Pure collection is the Collette Wrap Top. This navy polka dot print top is classic and feminine and can be worn numerous ways, under spring coats or over pretty dresses for warmer days.

The selection of dresses are equally beguiling though, none more so than the Elisha dress in pink (featured in last week's post, Floral Friday). This dress epitomises an eco fashionista's idea of the perfect spring dress with pink flowers bursting forth onto a white background. It is pure English loveliness (also available in other colours such as the green pictured above).

Other pretty dresses include the Jolene Kimono dress with wide sleeves and short A-line skirt which would look sweet worn with stockings, jeans or on its own with strappy vegan sandals.

Another standout in the Pure line is the Katie Pinafore Dress which encapsulates si:su's unique talent wonderfully. This dress has eccentric spotted straps, striped bodice, chunky buttons and a subdued coloured skirt to balance the outfit. A quirky and stylish design that is very wearable! (view online at si:su).

Bijou Line
'Unique pieces for special occasions...'

From camisoles to summer dresses, you will find what you are looking for in the Bijou Line. Rise and shine in the Lily Dressing gown which is delicate, feminine and lightweight (perfect for wearing over the Jenny Camisole set pictured higher above).

If you need a statement top for work, try the 1940's style Mathilda shirt ideal for pairing with tailored pants or high waist pencil skirt. A definite must-have. The Bijou Belle skirt is another great item for special day or evening occasions and would look stylish with a tight black top and 'the higher the better' heels!

The perfect dress for summer would have to be the Cellina dress which is a beautiful hippy-esque mixture of fabrics and prints (first image).

Accessories

The sweetest collection of bags are also available in cute fabrics and colour combinations, adorned with large vintage buttons and intricate applique (all fully lined). Other accessories include 'handmade French knitted necklaces with vintage buttons' and headscarves.

Price range
Bags start at around £30 and clothes are from approximately £65 upwards which is certainly justified as the clothes are produced here in the UK and are very exclusive. These pieces will never date so they can be worn any time of the year, for many years to come!

Where to buy
Green Trading
Econscious Market (for US and Canadian shoppers)
The Natural Store
All Things Green

Images
1: Cellina dress
2: Belle skirt
3: Jenny camisole set
4: Elisha dress
5: Hannelora cape
6: Colette wrap top
7: Jolene kimono dress
8: Mathilda shirt
9: Blue patterned bag (All Things Green)
10: Pale pink shoulder bag (All Things Green)
11: Brown jacket (All Things Green)

Visit si:su today!


Technorati Tags: si:su, recycled fashion, eco fashion

Eco Friendly Cushions for the Home

If you want to give new life to your lounge, bed or favourite chair, try swapping the cushions for these new eco friendly alternatives. Adding a different splash of colour or quirky design will refresh any tired looking furniture or rooms. What could be more eco friendly and cost efficient?



Ampersand Pillow - Alexandra Ferguson
Hand made Westchester County, NY
Recycled felt from plastic water bottles
Classic black and white is so simple yet so classy. This would look great in a modern, chic Parisien style apartment!
Purchase online at Etsy (Alexandra Ferguson) for US$65




Seatbelt Cushion - Ting
Made in the UK
I was impressed when I learned about English Retreads making gorgeous bags with recycled inner tubes and now I see the UK based Ting are making amazing cushions from end of line, reclaimed seatbelts! People sure are creative with car parts (I even saw a clock made from a hub cap today on Etsy).
Purchase online at By Nature for £27 (was £45)




Little Modern Birds Square - Chakra Pennywhistle
Handmade in Tucson
Hand drawn, made from organic cotton twill, stuffed with raw organic cotton and even sewn with organic cotton thread. It's an organic overload and I love it!
Purchase at Etsy (Chakra Pennywhistle) for US$50




Mokimoe Organic Cushion
Made in the UK
Organic cotton and hemp
This bright cushion is ideal for spring with it's vibrant pink colour and flowery style. It is filled with organic wool balls and printed with eco-friendly inks. Also available in yellow and blue.
Purchase online at Ecocentric for £69





Money Bag Pillow - Chakra Pennywhistle
Handmade in Tucson
This vintage money bag has been recycled into a quirky cushion that is sure to be a conversational piece. Unfortunately there is no money inside but you will find raw organic cotton!
Purchase at Etsy (Chakra Pennywhistle) for US$60




Cable Cushion - Stella James
Made in the UK
Organic merino wool
Okay, so this cosy cushion would be more appropriate for winter but add a warm blanket, cup of tea and a few romantic comedy DVDs and I'm all set for a night in, winter or summer!
Purchase online at Stella James for £36 (reduced from £53)




Vintage Seed Bag Cushion - Tentpitcher Design
Made in Philadelphia
This vintage burlap seed bag has great old fashioned charm. I like the masculine style of it and could see it sitting nicely in my little country house (which I hope to have some day!)
Purchase online at Etsy (Tentpitcher)for US$26

Technorati Tags: Organic cushions

5 of the Best Organic White Shirts / Blouses

Week 3 of How to Create the Perfect Eco Wardrobe looks at the classic white shirt. A crisp organic cotton shirt in your desired style and cut, will sort out any women's wardrobe crisis in an instant. From work to play, dressy to casual, a white shirt will always look appropriate for any given occasion and with the right accessories you can interpret trends and display your personality with great aplomb! As Meg Ryan proved in the film, You've Got Mail, a good quality, simple white shirt is sometimes all you need to look sophisticated and stylish.

Pintuck Poplin Shirt - People Tree (pictured above)
Made in India (International Fair Trade Association)
Organic and fair trade cotton
The pintuck detailing and gathering at the shoulders creates a flattering and feminine look in this shirt which is made by Assisi. Assisi Garments was established by Franciscan nuns and provides employment for disadvantaged women in India. People Tree's growing popularity has led Assisi to increase their staff size from 5 to 150!
Purchase at People Tree for £34 (also available in black)



Tea Blouse - Stewart + Brown
Made in USA
Organic tissue cotton
The perfect little lightweight shirt for summer! This tea blouse looks gorgeous worn with cute shorts or skirts but would look just as good worn with sleek trousers for work.
Purchase at Stewart Brown for US$186




Bib Front Shirt - Article 23
Made in India (World Fair Trade Organisation)
Organic Cotton
This classy white shirt comes from French label, Article 23 which is named after Article 23 of the Declaration of Human Rights. What better name and way to convey the company's strong beliefs about producing stylish pieces without compromising the rights of the people who make the garments. Create an elegant look by wearing this great shirt with simple tailored black pants, stilettos, opulent looking earrings and a slick of red lipstick!
Purchase at Bochica for £65




Pintuck Blouse - Stewart + Brown
Made in USA
Organic pima cotton
With Victorian-esque 'pintucked accents through the body' of the shirt and loose sleeves with sweet button cuffs, this blouse would look great for both formal and casual occasions.
Purchase at Stewart Brown for US$154 (available in black, grey and night shadow also)




Poplin Tunic Shirt - People Tree
Made in India (IFAT)
Organic and fair trade cotton
I love how versatile and confused this top is! Is it a shirt, is it a dress? Who cares! It looks cool and is made ethically (love the side pockets and flared cuffs). Wear with skinny jeans, stockings, leggings or accessorise with a long necklace or wide belt as seen in the picture. Anyway will look great.
Purchase at Rococo for £40

WEAR YOUR WHITE SHIRT FOR ANY OCCASION
Work - Classic: black pants, black heels, silver jewellery
Work - Feminine: pencil skirt, sleeves rolled up, statement necklace
Work - Suit up: worn with suit or underneath a sleek blazer
Weekend - Parisien Chic: black cigarette leg pants, black ballet flats, sunglasses
Weekend - Fun: jeans and brightly coloured 'look at me' shoes
Summer - Leggy: short skirt or shorts, gladiator sandals
Casual - Warmth: cardigans or jumpers worn over the top
Evening - Waist Land: wide belt over shirt with pencil skirt
Meg Ryan - Black wool vest over or black blazer, grey skirt and stockings
Annie Hall - Dark vest, chunky tie and tan pants

ACCESSORIES
Personalise a plain white shirt with accessories in your favourite colours and patterns that compliment your style and shape.

Belts - Wide belts worn over shirt
Necklaces - Big chunky statement necklaces for a unique look, vintage pearls for a formal dressy look or long pendants for more casual looks.
Bracelets / Watches - from slimline silver watches and bracelets to eclectic mixed bracelets and chunky gold cuffs, who knew bracelets could change up a look so much?

NATURAL WAYS TO KEEP WHITES WHITE
Ensure your white shirt has longevity by looking after it and maintaining its whiteness and brightness!

Wash in very hot water
1/2 cup lemon juice added to rinse cycle
1/2 cup vinegar added to rinse cycle (water softener)
1/2 cup of baking soda to regular washing product (e.g, soap nuts)
Let white clothes and fabrics dry naturally in the sun if you can

Technorati Tags: Organic Cotton White Shirts, People Tree White Shirts, Stewart + Brown

The Best Natural Toothpastes Reviewed

Why go natural and organic when it comes to toothpaste? Considering how often we brush our teeth, it is important to ensure the ingredients we are putting in our mouths are as pure and natural as possible. Once you realise what is in mainstream and conventional toothpastes you will certainly be more inspired to make the switch to natural toothpastes, if you haven't done so already.

Concerning ingredients in popular toothpastes:
SLSs - foaming agents that 'alter skin structure'
Triclosan - 'probable endocrine disruptor and carcinogen'
Parabens - preservatives that 'may alter hormone levels'
Phthalates - 'immune system toxicant' and 'possible carcinogen'.
Propylene glycol - solvent that 'keeps products from melting in high or freezing when it is cold.'
Chitosan - fiber derived from crustacean shells
Fluoride - 'strong evidence of human neurotoxicity'

- information from Teens Turning Green and Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.

Finding a toothpaste with the aforementioned pure and natural ingredients, with an appealing taste and the ability to actually perform and clean like the conventional toothpastes you once knew and loved can be difficult.

I have frothed and foamed my way through a plethora of natural toothpastes much like Goldilocks over the past year, classifying some as either 'too chalky', 'too pepperminty', 'not pepperminty enough', 'what do I have to do to get a lather going on here?' or 'you have the nerve to call yourself a toothpaste?'.

After many altercations with many different toothpastes (don't get me started on the one that had crustacean shells in it and appeared to be lacking a glaringly obvious label on the front that said 'Attention Vegetarians: you are about to brush your teeth with a crab, if this concerns you put the tube down, if not, happy brushing!') I have actually found a few great natural toothpastes that may also be of interest to you. Here is my pick of the Top 3.

FOR MINTY FRESHNESS

Green People Mint Toothpaste

This is a great mint option which is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums. Not only is the taste and cleansing ability impressive but so too is the teeny ingredient list and fact that Green People use 'recyclable and non air-freighted' packaging.
Score: 8/10
Purchase online at Green People for £3.19 or find at your local health food store.

Ingredients
Calcium carbonate (chalk), Aqua (pure water, micro-filtered), Glycerin (derived from plant materials), Xanthan gum (corn sugar gum), *Mentha piperita (peppermint oil), Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Commiphora myrrha (resin from myrrh), *d-Limonene (from essential oils). *Organically grown

Weleda Plant Gel Toothpaste (first image)
Green Lashes and Fashion Favourite
This pinky gel (courtesy of krameria) feels tremendously refreshing and powerful. Natural silica is used in a 'gel formation' which is 'gentle on tooth enamel and ideal for those with delicate gums'. Other natural ingredients such as myrrh, horse chestnut and chamomile extracts work together to be antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory! (wow, that's impressive and that's a lot of As). I love the great spearmint flavour!
Purchase online at Weleda UK for £3.25 or find at your local health food store.
Score: 9/10

Ingredients
Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Hydrated Silica, Algin, Matricaria (Chamomilla Recutita) Extract, Krameria (Krameria Triandra) Extract, Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) Extract, Alcohol, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil, Spearmint (Mentha Cordiaca) Oil, Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Oil, Aesculin, Limonene*.
*natural constituent of the essential oil (i.e. naturally present in the essential oil).

FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Green People Citrus & Aloe Vera Toothpaste
Sometimes minty toothpastes are a bore, so if you want a toothpaste with a bit of je ne sais quoi, try this citrus flavour! This Green People toothpaste feels refreshing, light and cleansing. I love the orange taste (very natural and not too sweet), foaming capabilities and the fact there is soothing and anti-microbial aloe vera included. Teeth feel very clean afterwards! This toothpaste is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums.
Score: 8/10
Purchase online at Green People for £3.19

Ingredients
Calcium carbonate (chalk), Aqua, Glycerin (derived from plant materials), *Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) powder, Xanthan gum (corn sugar gum), Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), *Citrus medica limonum (lemon) oil, *Citrus grandis (grapefruit) oil, *Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) oil, *Citral, *d-Limonene (from essential oils). *Organically grown

WOULD YOU LIKE AN ECO FRIENDLY TOOTHBRUSH FOR YOUR NATURAL TOOTHPASTE?

I'm not sure if you caught my tweet awhile ago on Twitter about an alarming toothbrush discovery I had made.

'I don't eat meat, I don't wear leather but I just found out I've been brushing my teeth with a pig (specifically boar bristles). Ewwww!'

So traumatising but after a few months I have recovered and can now look at toothbrushes and pigs without shrieking, shaking or flashbacks.

I thought I was queen of scanning labels but I again missed the label that should have read, 'Attention Vegetarians: boar bristles are about to make contact with your mouth. If this does not gross you out or compromise your morals, please proceed with brushing'.

Thankfully, I have now discovered Preserve toothbrushes which I wrote about briefly last week. They are made from recycled plastic and yogurt cups and can even be sent back to Preserve to be 're-processed into plastic lumber for picnic tables, boardwalks and decks'. The toothbrush also comes in a great reusable container which is perfect for travelling.

The Preserve toothbrush has a 45° degree curved handle which makes it 'easy to reach every part of your teeth and gums' and also has 'virgin nylon bristles'. It is made in the USA and is BPA free.

Purchase at health food stores or online at Preserve for US$2.79

Next week's eco dental post: The exciting world of dental floss! (just kidding, I think today's post was enough to meet our natural dental needs for awhile, hopefully).

Technorati Tags: Natural Toothpaste, Weleda Toothpaste, Green People Toothpaste

Floral Friday - 10 Eco Finds

I'm not sure if it's just a spring thing, but florals have currently infiltrated the fashion world and look set to stay awhile. While most green girls avoid trends in favour of timeless pieces that will look stylish any season, it does seem that a little floral infusion into your wardrobe will be no bad thing. As long as you choose the right amount of petal power for you, you can rest assured it will work for many years to come. Once again, I got a little carried away with researching products for Thematic Friday, so you can pick and choose your favourites from the following 10 eco-friendly floral finds.



Elisha Dress - si:su
Made in Wales
Recycled fabrics
This high neck, vintage rose print cotton dress has intricate hand embroidery detail and is fully lined in a cream cotton. It is the classic English Rose dress and would be ideal for upcoming events such as a wedding, afternoon / high tea or perhaps a classy picnic prior to a Shakespeare in the Park performance.
Purchase online at the Natural Store for £125



Sunflower Gigi Clutch - Mad Imports
Handmade in Kenya / Madagascar (fair trade)
Add a little splash of sunshine to your day by carrying around this eye-catching clutch (which I believe is made from raffia).
Purchase online at Mad Imports for $79



Vintage Silk Floral Print Scarf - Ramona West
You can't go wrong with a light floral scarf. It can be worn now during spring and summer with singlets and dresses but would look equally whimsical during winter with a snug jacket.
Purchase online at Etsy (Ramona West) for $32




QuickSit Printed Flower Chair
Made in the UK
Recycled Plastic
Living in Britain, I have begrudgingly become accustomed to a life of queuing for everything. Oh, how I wish I had had one of these cute chairs with me when I queued all day for Wimbledon tickets. The QuickSit can be assembled in 4 simple steps and folds down again easily after use. Ideal for summer music festivals and picnics in the park. Also available in black.
Purchase online at Love Eco for £14.95




Flower Print Dress - People Tree
Made in India (International Fair Trade Association)
Organic and Fair trade Cotton
You can always trust People Tree for a truly ethical and stylish dress and this floral design is no exception. This bright dress looks pretty with silver jewellery and bejewelled sandals and will look just as sweet in the evening with a cute Frank & Faith cardigan.
Purchase online at People Tree for £40



Short Handled Shopper Bag - Annie Greenabelle
Made UK / EU (complies with Ethical Trading Initiative code)
Reclaimed fabrics
One look at this sweet navy floral shopper bag and I immediately want to head to the nearest farmer's market and fill it up with organic morsels! Other colours and sizes available.
Purchase online at Annie Greenabelle for £9



Party Dress - Annie Greenabelle
Made UK / EU (complies with Ethical Trading Initiative code)
Organic Cotton and Recycled Fabric
Annie Greenabelle is queen of the eco spring / summer dresses! Her trademark 50s inspired prints combine with chic black tops and cute bow belts to create the ultimate girly dress that oozes frivolity and fun! Visit Annie Greenabelle to view similar dresses in different colours.
Purchase online at Annie Greenabelle for £65



Recycled Brown Floral Weekend Bag - si:su
Made in Wales
Recycled Vintage Fabric
Next time you board the train for a green getaway, be sure to take this gorgeous brown weekender with you! This Mary Poppins bag is proof that you don't need leather to travel in style!
Purchase online at All Things Green for £25



Belle Skirt - si:su
Made in Wales
Vintage Fabric
Made from recycled vintage Liberty floral cotton with a hand embroidered waistband, this divine skirt featured at the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris and should also feature in your wardrobe this spring!
Purchase online at All Things Green for £70





Vintage Japanese Parasol - Suzi's Corner Boutique
I'm always on the lookout for a pretty parasol which I'm afraid I would only use for interior decorating as I do not have enough courage to swan down the street holding a parasol a la Jane Austen just yet! This one is made from oiled rice paper and bamboo and has a floral design with Japanese writing.
Purchase online at Etsy (Suzi's Corner Boutique) for $45

Eco Fashion Spotlight - Frank & Faith

Behind the Name

Why the name Frank & Faith? These two words perfectly embody what the clothing label stands for which is being 'frank' about the way their fashion is manufactured and produced and keeping the 'faith' that 'socially conscious clothing is possible'.

For Who?

Frank & Faith have clothing for everyone. Women will find cute and feminine cardigans, fashionable jumpers and dresses. There are also adorable striped wool basics for kids and jumpers for men.

Where the Clothes are Made
When I found out Frank & Faith manufactured in the UK, I had to re-read the words to double check I was not dreaming (as I often dream about ethical fashion, of course). Finding a clothing label made in the UK today is like trying to find a great vegetarian meal in France (near impossible).

Manufacturing in Britain not only utilises local resources and reduces the carbon footprint but it also ensures sweat shop free labour as the company must meet UK labour laws and EU labour directives. One more benevolent ‘tidbit’ to add to Frank & Faith’s glowing eco credentials is their membership with 1% for the Planet, which involves donating this percentage of their sales to global environmental organizations.

Materials Used
Frank & Faith will 'only ever use 100% organic cotton, sustainable and environmentally friendly yarns such as hemp, bamboo, wool and linen when designing and manufacturing their collections'. They also try to reuse factory surplus fabrics (left over yarn from spinning mills in Scotland) for their plaid blankets and throws (purchase on their website for £40).

Style
The designs are casual and comfortable but with a very stylish finish. Frank & Faith’s range is smaller due to the garments being produced within the UK but this ensures exclusivity and higher quality.

Women will find essential wardrobe basics such as organic cotton dresses, jumpers and cardigans in neutral shades such as black, navy or ecru and in more colourful hues such as raspberry and forest green. Frank & Faith have also just released a new bamboo jersey range for spring and summer which includes t-shirts, tunic tops, shrugs, cute dresses (love the Olivia dress) and fabulous ‘Lou Lou’ leggings.

Men and kids have a smaller but just as impressive range to choose from. There are some great organic cotton jumpers for men while kids have striped wool jumpers, dresses and beanie hats in pretty pinks and blues.

Price Range

Women’s pieces are very reasonable and usually within the £40-50 price bracket. Look out for some bargain prices on the sale section of their website (women’s jumpers and cardigans have been reduced to £10). Men’s jumpers retail for approximately £50, while kids items are from £2-12 pounds.

Where to Buy
Purchase online at Frank & Faith or online stores such as Adili, Bochica and By Nature. Visit their website’s stockists page as they can also be found in UK stores such as One Ethical Boutique in York and Purity in Surrey. International stockists are also listed for Australia, Slovakia, Norway, Japan, Finland and Denmark.

Images

1: Black Bamboo Daizy Shrug with Grey Laura Bamboo Dress

2: Black Cheryl Organic Cotton Cardigan

3: Ecru Evie Organic Cotton Dress

4: Blue Olivia Bamboo Dress with Black Lou Lou Bamboo Leggings

5: Annabelle Dark Mauve Organic Cotton Jumper

An Ideal Earth Friendly Day (and way of life hopefully)

Wake up
Reluctantly get out of bed which is covered in organic and fair trade cotton sheets, blankets and pillows and also has an organic mattress.
Mattress - Abaca
Linen - Liv

Brush teeth
Use a natural toothpaste free from SLSs, fluoride and parabens. Brush teeth with Preserve Toothbrush which is made from recycled plastic and yogurt cups and remember to turn off water in between brushing. Do not use mouth wash but use clove oil rinse or warm water, honey and cinnamon mix for fresh breath and healthy gums.
Green People Toothpaste
Weleda Toothpaste
Preserve Toothbrush

Morning Shower

Use products with ingredients that are safe for me and waterways. I ditched the plastic packaging of a shower gel and opted for a bar of sweet smelling soap which is SLS free and contains no palm oil or at least uses sustainable palm oil. I use razors with handles made from recycled plastic and yogurt cups to avoid tossing disposable razors into landfills.

After my shower, I dry off with some lovely white fluffy organic towels and then moisturise with fair trade / organic coconut oil (the scent transports me to Tahiti). Before getting dressed I try and choose between Weleda's Citrus Deodorant or just plain baking soda for an aluminium / propylene glycol free deodorant option. Both work very well but decide to go for baking soda as a deodorant and Weleda for a summery perfume / body spray.

Soaps - Dr Bronner and Raw Gaia
Razors - Preserve Double Razors
Towels - Liv
Coconut Oil - Akamuti
Deodorant - Weleda

Organic skincare
Cleanse and moisturise with natural and organic products to protect my skin and the planet (toxic and synthetic ingredients can be absorbed into the skin and can also have detrimental effects on the environment such as polluting the waterways). Also scan beauty labels for sustainable ingredients and query palm oil now after reading article describing how the high demand for this ingredient is rapidly contributing to the deforestation of the rain forests in countries such as Indonesia.

Cleanser - Pai
Moisturisers - Read my reviews on Raw Gaia, Suki and Weleda
Eye Cream - Dr Alkaitis

Organic makeup
I just counted the number of make up products I use each day and realised the total was 8! At least they are all organic and natural though and I know that whatever my skin is absorbing and my lips are ingesting (from lipsticks and glosses), the ingredients do not contain harmful toxins and synthetic ickiness.

Organic and natural tinted moisturisers - Suki
Natural concealer - Lavera
Natural mascara - Lavera
Natural eyeliner - Borlind
Natural lipgloss - Lavera
Preservative and talc free blush - Suki Color Pure Cream Stain
Vegan lipstick - Perfect Organics
Natural lipgloss - All The Better to Kiss You With

Hair products
Turn to Green People and Aubrey Organics for high hair and high hopes today and also forgo the hair dryer! Thankfully there are some amazing natural and organic hair products available today that will leave your locks and the earth healthy, luscious and bountiful!
Shampoos & Conditioners - Green People and Aubrey Organics
Styling Products - Intelligent Nutrients, John Masters Organics and Aubrey Organics

Get dressed
Put together an outfit derived from organic, fair trade, vintage and re-tailored pieces. Organic Frank & Faith jumper (Annabelle style pictured above), organic Del Forte denim jeans (made in LA), Enamore organic underwear (made in the UK), Charmone vegan heels (sweatshop free from Spain). Accessories include vintage scarf, English Retreads bag (vegan, made in Colorado from recycled tires) and fair trade and recycled jewellery from Made and Kirsten Muenster.

Breakfast
Use Brita filter water to fill jug (with only the amount of water I need) and make organic and fair trade tea. Breakfast of homemade granola and homemade almond milk (organic oats, almonds and dried fruit bought in bulk to reduce packaging and own milk is made to reduce use of milk cartons which can sometimes be hard to recycle).

Pack own lunch / water bottle
This saves money and also ensures I get a healthy organic meal (salad, sandwich or soba noodles) without excess plastic packaging. A reusable glass water bottle also reduces plastic waste and reduces the risk of contamination that may come from aluminium water bottles.

Unplug electrical devices around home before leaving house to ensure no unnecessary energy is being used.

Pack a few reusable shopping bags into my vegan work bag in case some unforeseen shopping spree occurs during the day!

Empty recycling into recycling bins on the way to work

Take public transport or carpool to work to reduce carbon footprint

Read a library book, Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' on the way to work for some environmental inspiration. Briefly consider purchasing an e-book reader in-between reading. Downloading books directly to electronic devices such as a Kindle or iLiad saves cutting down trees but where are they manufactured and what are they made of? Here is my first ethical dilemma for the day!

At work
Quickly check the fair trade coffee, tea and sugar supplies at work when I go to make a cup of tea (with my own coffee cup).

Email office manager to say how happy I am that he listened and acted upon my 20 polite but passionate emails about eradicating plastic cups, installing recycling bins, refilling ink cartridges, using natural and toxin-free hand soap and cleaning products, using recycled stationery and printing only when necessary on double sided paper and for making sure everyone turns off and unplugs their computer at the end of each day. Just about to send this email when said manager approaches my desk. Decide to thank him in person and perhaps discuss my ideas of banishing air conditioning and heating in the office / or implementing a green dress code for all employees once a month, but he quickly turns the other way when he spots me. It's like he is avoiding me or something. Can't think why?

Exercise
After work I avoid the gym (yeah!) due to the energy needed to power electrical gym equipment such as running and elliptical machines. Decide to get some fresh air and run outside (okay walk) and consider looking for a good yoga class nearby.

Dinner
Enjoy a dinner of organic / seasonal / vegan ratatouille and couscous with organic wine (for friends) so the planet is not being sprayed with pesticides and I am not eating them. Urge carnivorous friends to consider adopting a 'meat free Monday ritual' since they won't go completely vegetarian. It was difficult but the ratatouille and vegan raw food desserts from Raw Fairies finally convinced them.
Raw Fairies recipes

Wash dishes
Wash dishes in sink using Michael's natural luffa (lasts up to 3 months) and my own dish washing liquid as I don't trust what is in the so called natural ones. My personally branded, 'Miss T's Clean it and Green it' liquid is a mixture of water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon essential oil, salt and Dr Bronner's castille soap. It won't be hitting supermarket shelves just yet because while it does clean dishes easily and leaves them sparkly, there is a slight glitch, in that the grease seems to rise to the top of the water and makes the sink a bit of a hassle to clean afterwards.
Michael's Original Luffa

Laundry
Wash clothes using soap nuts and my favourite essential oil of lemon. Place washing on rack to air dry naturally and to save energy needed to run a dryer (okay, so I don't have a dryer).
Soapods

Time online
Pay bills online to cut back on paper mail and play a little background music from some green musicians (Jack Johnson, Radiohead and KT Tunstall). I then decide to get my ethical fashion fix by perusing the online green glam magazine, Coco Eco. No paper used and just eco friendly eye candy to absorb!

Wash on, wash off
Remove organic makeup with the Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser with organic muslin cloth. Can't decide to use this or sweet almond oil or coconut oil to remove eye makeup? There are still so many decisions to make in an eco friendly world!
Carrot Butter Cleanser

Watch DVD
Unwind at the end of a long but enjoyable earth friendly day with Al Gore's inspiring DVD, 'An Inconvenient Truth'. All lights are turned off in house and only soy tea lights (palm oil free) twinkle in the dark. And there may or may not be a tub of vegan Hunky Punky Chocolate Booja Booja icecream in the room. After watching an Inconvenient Truth, I decide to go online and see where the new climate change film, The Age of Stupid is playing in London (Shortwave Cinema until 26 April) by using energy saving search engine, blackle.

Giving thanks to the Earth
Write down all the things I'm grateful to the earth for in my Tibetan Recycled Paper Notebook. I also write down some actions I will take to help protect and respect the earth from today onwards.
Recycled Notebook - Ethical Wares