Respecting the Earth through Jewelry

Keep this holiday season special and sustainable with Precious Earth’s Fine Jewelry. At Precious Earth, they believe in inside as well as outside beauty. Their pieces are made from recycled and renewed metals to limit the environmentally hazardous processes such as metal mining as well as preserve the limited natural resources. The diamonds that Precious Earth incorporates into their beautiful pieces are natural, social responsible, and high quality. Commitments In addition to the environmentally sustainable materials with which the jewelry is made, Precious Earth is devoted to empowering the people with whom they work. They work with the socially responsible Namibia Diamonds company, which supports workers in Namibia through education and fair wages. The Namibian workers are further empowered with more complex skills because the diamonds are cut and polished at the Namibian Diamond factory, thus keeping the labor local. Precious Earth is committed to both environmental and social sustainability. Engagement Rings The jewelry available from Precious Earth is incredibly beautiful. They offer an array of different types of jewelry, including many engagement rings. The holidays are a big time for proposals, so if this is on the horizon, be sure to check out Precious Earth’s incredible collection of engagement rings. This 18-karat white gold engagement ring is a wonderful example of the sophisticated and beautiful rings they have to offer. Silver Jewelry Precious Earth also creates incredibly complex and beautiful silver jewelry pieces. Check out their sterling silver zebra bangle inlayed with a single gem of environmentally friendly and conflict-free imperial dioside and featuring a “zebra stripe” design of raised silver. This bracelet is made of 100% recycled silver and contains the “little green gemstones” that are the signature of Precious Earth’s designs. In addition to the bangle, Precious Earth offers lovely matching zebra cuff links as well as matching rings. Other Great Ideas At Precious Earth, beautiful, sustainable jewelry is not just for woman. They have a “for men” section of their website, as well as a couture section which houses more elaborate designs. Check out this 18-karat World of Africa bracelet. It is beautifully hand carved with out of yellow gold and features 1.60 total carats of diamonds as well as their signature single diopside gem. So, for this holiday season or the next, think about giving the gift of sustainability and support with a beautiful piece from Precious Earth, whose tag line is, “sustainable luxury, transparent beauty.” Image Credit: Precious Earth

What a Well-Dressed Eco-Conscious Man Wears…

From hemp suit jackets and non-silk ties, an increasing number of men are exploring the constantly evolving selection of eco-friendly business attire and casual dressy ensembles. Let's take the shirt, jacket, and vest pictured above. Comprised of organically grown European hemp, this look is just one of the business and wedding wear options for men offered at Rawganique. Other choices for the well-dressed eco-conscious man include: Recycled Business Suits The eco-conscious man looking to dazzle at business meetings or make a decent first impression on a blind date may consider the selections at Bagir – a United Kingdom company that employs three different approaches to planet-friendly clothing:

• EcoGir Recycled suits are made from 100% recycled PET bottles, which help to lower the number of old bottles that end up cluttering landfills.
• With EcoGir Washables, limit the amount of CO2 and conserve water by embracing these machine-washing suits.
• Grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, EcoGir Organic suit jackets are 100% organic cotton.

Stores, like JCPenny, Casual Male Big and Tall, Brooks Brothers, The Limited, and Express, are known to carry Bagir. In the near future, look forward to Sears partnering with Teijin Fibers Limited to produce men's suits using recycled plastic bottles, wool, and polyester fibers. Fully machine washable and dryable, manufacturers will use about 25 polyethylene terephthalate (2-liter) bottles to generate enough polyester fiber to make one set of jacket and pants. Next, you can pair your suit with an eco-friendly tie, such as the Crow Clothing Men's Tie, which offers one-of-a kind patterns with off-kilter stitching and fun asymmetrical points. Hand-stitched, this one size fits all option comes in gray (97% organic cotton, 3% spandex) and black (100% organic cotton). Jaan J Non-Silk, Vegan Ties A good tie has the power to transform a casual looker into a fellow who 'cleans up pretty well.' With non-silk classic ties and eye-catching ascot ties, Jaan J produces pieces perfect for making a statement and decorating the upper body with luxurious elegance. The company produces non-silk tie patterns in crisscross, dotted, floral, stripes, solids, and geometric designs. Shown is the Southern Spain Summer Tie ($110), which also comes in a pink, light blue, and white color combination. The eco-friendly efforts, as well as the extensive variety of color and styles of Jaan J have earned a PETA Proggy Award in 2008. Recycled Cufflinks In the past, I've highlighted recycled cufflinks by Ward Wallau, but the well-dressed eco-man will also appreciate Jen Roder's work – a Philadelphia-based artist who creates each pair of Rotorcaps cufflinks out of recycled bottle caps and sterling silver. From Rolling Rock beer bottle caps to the Blue Moon design shown here, Roder allows men to display their personality while staying true to their green state of mind. Eco-Friendly Footwear for Men The world of eco-friendly dress shoes and other green footwear for men is expanding with choices in bamboo, hemp, recycled content, and natural rubber. For example, Clarks EcoSteps Wallabees uses renewable and recycled raw materials to create natural, eco-friendly leather. The lining consists of coconut hair – an ultra-renewable resource with nearly no impact on the environment. For a more dapper look, the French-made Mephisto Daciano oxford may cost $517, but the round bicycle toe, chic detail, and 100% natural rubber outsole provides a comfortable, shock-absorbing fit. Image Credits: Rawganique, Jaan J

Being Green in the Deep Blue: Eco-Friendly Swimsuits

Just because summer is dwindling down to a couple of weekend barbecues and last glimpses of the beach, doesn’t mean you still don’t have time to make good use of an eco-friendly swimsuit. However, trying to create a sustainable bathing suit is no easy pickings. Common materials used to add shape and style to your one-piece assembles and trendy bikinis include man-man wonders, such as Lycra and spandex. Fortunately, with the help of repurposed and recycled materials – it's easy being green in the deep blue. Aaron Chang International For the surfer girl at heart, Aaron Chang International offers a line of eco-friendly swimwear fashioned from recycled soda bottles made into polyester yarn. Within his collection, a natural element theme weaves in and out of his suits. Beyond the reversible style delivering the flexibility of a chameleon to the padded Classic Woody Cut Out One Piece with eye-catching cut patterns, Aaron Chang also sells high-quality prints of outdoor scenes. Kelly B Couture Featured on the green fashion show of 'The View,' the Kelly B Valentina Bikini is comprised of bamboo and organic cotton – offering a chance to stay true to the earth while still embracing a classic style. The organic cotton used in the swimwear line has been grown, processed and produced without the pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Choose a basic Amanda one-piece swimsuit (available in black or white) with the option to remove a halter strap. The Nadia Ring Bikini presents a fun and flirty look and only uses 8% spandex in its creation. Other Kelly B options include the Jenny String Bikini and the Tizi Cutout Swimsuit – offered in a vibrant yellow. Jungle Gurl Can you think of anything better than taking a cue from a former model turned eco-friendly swimwear designer? Jungle Gurl mixes alluring designs with minimal fabric use to create a line of bathing suits and bikinis that repurpose vintage fabrics with an international flair. Tap into your wild side with the Ginger Lulu (shown), which allows you to also fashionably prepare your baby for a day at the beach. The Keila offers artistic designs with fabrics and strings that tie around the neck and back. Anna Cohen Floating across the web, swimmers can still find a few Anna Cohen swimsuit designs despite her decision to explore 'another chapter in her life.' Mull over the sexiness of an eco-friendly string bikini or select the quick-drying Teal Triangle Bikini – originally constructed out of leftover fabric from the Olympic Speed Skating team uniforms. Cohen gave unwanted surplus mill-end fabrics a home of their own. The Portland-based designer additionally chose organic cotton and sustainable bamboo to bring her innovative styles to life. Niksters With bamboo rings, soy, and organic cotton materials, Niksters allows you to dazzle beachgoers with intriguing designs, such as the Heavenly, a white one-piece with Xcross crochet strings at the front and top. The Balance bikini presents a handmade crochet top that seductively ties in the middle of the back. Experience a monobikini (shown) against your skin with the Native Goddess – a classy heart shaped one-piece. Niksters also plans to add eco-friendly beach accessories, including necklaces, beach hats, and bracelets made out of natural materials. Other earth-friendly swimwear and companies to consider:

• Triumph: Awarded Best Environment Management accolades from Austrian Industry, Triumph blends eco-friendly ideas with green production processes when generating their swimwear line filled with striking prints, colors and cuts.
• San Lorenzo: Join Jhonatan Figueroa and Megan Spurlock – the two designers behind cutting-edge Brazilian cut bikinis with an eco-friendly, organic cotton twist. Don't forget to check out the belt-style bikini.
• Rawganique: The entire line of swimwear from Rawganique uses hemp to create comfortable and stylish designs, including swim trunks for men.

8 Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation Getaways

Summer is slowly slipping away, so if you haven’t planned your vacation getaway yet – the eco-friendly hotels and other lodging listed below may help you take a step in the right direction. Doesn’t a bamboo hut situated in a tropical setting sound heavenly? What about staying in a hotel dedicated to a favorite late-night indulgence? Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California) When planning a trip to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy a natural boost of energy at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco offers an array of attractions and activities to keep you busy. However, when it's time to recuperate, where will you lay your head? LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program, the Orchard Garden Hotel provides a relaxing. modern luxury stay for the eco-traveler. Embracing organic and recycled materials, the hotel foregoes toxic paints, glues and varnishes; uses energy-efficient lighting; and supports Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Hotelito Desconocido (Jalisco, Mexico) Instead of wasting electricity, Hotelito Desconocido chooses to light up your vacation stay with solar power and candles. Rooms offer distinct bamboo, palm leaf, and clay huts situated in a protected wetland estuary that provides gorgeous views of the Pacific. Outside of your room, take a stroll through the tropical gardens; enjoy a leisurely tour on horseback; or take advantage of surrounding waters with kayaking, fishing, rowing, and windsurfing. Habitat Suites (Austin, Texas) The BBQ isn’t the only thing attracting tourists to Austin, Texas. Habitat Suites have been a proud member of the Green Hotels Association since 1991. From using ladybugs as a natural pesticide to putting cooling shade trees to good use, this hotel has won over eco-minded guests for many years. Other highlights of Habitat Suites include courtyard swimming pool; hot breakfast buffet with vegan and vegetarian selections; and a luxurious garden filled with flowers, trees, and butterflies. Gaia Napa (American Canyon, California) The Gaia has been utilizing recycled materials and supporting low-energy options since it opened in 2007. Don't think that going green means that your luxury stay suffers. Guests often indulge in the spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor salt water pool, and freshen up in restrooms constructed with recycled tiles and granite. This hotel is certainly proud to hold the title as the 'First Fully Environmentally Sustainable Hotel and Spa' in Napa Valley. Additional highlights of the hotel include recycled carpet content and low-emission paint. Zion Lodge (Zion, Utah) Surrounded by 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, and endless plants and animals, the Zion Lodge is nestled inside the Zion National Park – the perfect summer vacation for nature lovers. Step into one of Zion's Green Suites and you're treated to luxury sustainable features that include bamboo floors, recycled carpet content, organic linens, and convenient key card lighting controls. It's no wonder that the Zion Lodge has won a Sustainable Hotel of the Year Award. Looking for an exciting winter getaway? Open year-round, don't forget to check out special winter rates and packages offered at Zion Lodge from December through mid-March. Other eco-friendly hotels to consider include:

• 70 Park Avenue (New York City) – With the EarthCare eco-program, kitchen oil is transformed into biodiesel, hybrid drivers enjoy discounts, and an eco-concierge is ready and willing to make your stay unforgettable.
• Hotel Triton (San Francisco, California) – What started as just one eco-floor in the 1990s has expanded to all floors since 2003. Designer celebrity suites include Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite" (shown above) Kathy Griffin's D-List, and the J. Garcia Suite by Jerry Garcia.
• Hilton (Vancouver, Washington) – Situated just over the bridge from Portland, Oregon, this Hilton recycles 75% construction waste, offers refueling stations for electric cars, supports water conservation, uses less energy, and provides eco-friendly dining at Gray's at the Park.

Photo Credits: Orchard Garden Hotel, Hotelito Desconocido, Habitat Suites VRX Studios (Gaia), Zion Lodge, Hotel

VivaTerra – Living in Harmony with Nature

Helping consumers live a healthy life and make the world a better place for future generations, VivaTerra (which translates into 'living earth') is dedicated to marketing products that promote a harmonious existence with nature. Supporting VivaTerra means embracing a company committed to delivering high-quality, organic, sustainable products that highlight eco-friendly materials, designs, and intent. Below, enjoy just a sampling of what you can find on the VivaTerra website: Home & Garden Filled with lighting options, outdoor décor, and door mats made out of recycled flip flops, VivaTerra offers an extensive roster of home and garden products, including the eye-catching, wooden birdcage design shown above – perfect for bird lovers. The Birdcage Lamp makes a grand conversation piece and comes complete with a sliding door and bottom. Please note that this lamp works well with energy-saving 13-watt CFL bulbs. Eco-Accents When looking for a fresh and earth-friendly way to decorate your home, Vivaterra is filled with candleholders, glass lamps, lanterns, and hand-embroidered pillows. Other eco-friendly décor to consider includes the Boatwood Clock (made from dismantled Thai fishing boats) and the Round Stone Mat (a collection of flat stones polished by natural waters). Kitchen & Dining Whether you're entertaining your next dinner party or wish to add centerpiece excitement to your dining room table, VivaTerra has an assortment of kitchen décor to choose from, as well as flatware, recycled glassware, and this attractive Entwined Leaf Candelabra. Surrounded by metal limbs with sprouting leaves that stretch out to display nine recycled glass cups, it's easy to enhance your ambiance with the addition of decorative tapers or seat tealights. Bed, Bath & Spa VivaTerra also helps consumers add an extra special touch to their bed and bath settings. With the Ivory & Gold Suzani Bench, it's hard to ignore the beauty of antique, decorative tribal textiles made in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries. As part of the VivaTerra eco suzani collection, this striking bench is comprised of 100% organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and sustainable sheesham wood. Fashioned from rejected cans and containers, you may choose to decorate your room with brightly textured tin letters that provide inspiration and certainly liven up your surroundings. Joining the Misprint "Dream" Letters, you will find kitchen and gardening themes, such as 'eat,' 'grow,' and 'go! green.' Women's Department With handbags, jewelry, and clothing, VivaTerra also carries goods made specifically with the earth-friendly woman in mind. Just one of the VivaTerra standouts in the women's department includes the Hand-Embroidered Organic Cotton Rabbit Bag. Easily impress your friends with alluring pre-historic animal designs decorating 100% organic cotton bags. A couple of bag features to note include a pouch for phone or glasses, and decorative fringed sash. Photo Credits: VivaTerra

Spring into a New Pair of Eco-Shoes

With bright skies and warmer weather, it's hard to resist the onslaught of eco-footwear geared towards the spring and summer season. Using recycled plastics, natural dyes, and synthetic leather, the sandals and heels below are not only stylishly sustainable, but also take part in ethical manufacturing and donate to eco-friendly charities. Hetty Rose When you're looking for a one-of-a-kind shoe, you should consider the fashionable creations of Hetty Rose (shown above). With ties that enclose the foot and hand stitching that elevates the overall presentation of the shoe, the Maya possesses a wooden heel surrounded by vintage kimono textile fabric. If you're interested, all Hetty Rose shoes are made to fit the size and material of your choice. Simply choose from a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics for your next spring or summer shoe bursting with color. Strap Sandals and Heels by Sui Generis Saturated in class and elegance, the sandals and heels of the Sui Generis line from Beyond Skin is perfect for a night out on the town or attending an event where you truly wish to impress. To tempt your exclusive tastes, Beyond Skin is committed to trading "in a manner that is non-exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment." The Sui Generis line also goes beyond the typical sustainable practices often associated with shoe-making by embracing recycled packaging and donating a percentage of profits to a range of ethical charities. Puma Sandals – Neuaura Hailing from Brazil, Neuaura produces a dazzling eco-footwear line, including this eye-catching silver thong sandal entirely fashioned from synthetic leather. Look out for other selections from Neuaura, a company that recycles all material factory waste, prefers water-based adhesives, frowns upon toxic solvents and chooses less harmful materials. The company also supports as many local products when possible. Alexa Boot by Cri de Coeur Sometimes you just need a stylish, open-toed boot to make a statement. The Cri De Coeur line is "entirely free of animal products, and as environmentally friendly as technology will allow." Quite popular with eco-fashionistas, Cri de Coeur is devoted to educating consumers about the real impact that fashion choices make on the lives of humans, animals, and the planet. In an effort to offset the carbon emissions that they cannot avoid, Cri De Coeur has also partnered with thecarbonfund.org and will also plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold. The Alexa boot (shown here) is a cut-out zipper open toe selection (Desert Sand Canvas with Midnight black accents). Check out the Spring 2009 collection here. Terra Plana A fashionable pair of heels can truly enhance your overall look and what better footwear to choose than heels with sustainability? Terra Plana offers a line of shoes that also takes into consideration the health of your feet by providing recycled memory foam in the insoles. This comfortable fit is paired with vegetable-tanned leathers to create a product you don’t have to feel guilty about. If you're looking for a unique answer to the question, "where did you get those shoes from?" Consider the Melito pumps – made from recycled Pakistani quilts.

Modern Tails Luxury Pet Boutique

From hemp bedding, organic pet clothing, bamboo leashes, and designer cat pods made from recycled materials, the Modern Tails Luxury Pet Boutique not only places your pet first, but also keeps the environment in mind with their selection of eco-friendly products. Pet Bedding Hemp Stripe Rectangular Bed Take advantage of the highly durable and naturally mildew-resistant fabric of hemp with 100% organic hemp bed covers that use Harry Barker dyes for the perfect, stylish pet bed. Recycled post consumer plastic bottles also help to produce hypoallergenic bed inserts. Hemp beds from Modern Tails are $135 and also come in circular selections as well. Green Cradle Pamper your pooch with this irresistible pet cradle – an elegant treat to look at. Easy to transport, twisted thread handles are decorated with an attractive ribbon. The flower pattern and pure cotton frill also add to the overall look and feel of the bedding. Composed of organic cotton, the Green Cradle ($195) caters to dogs with sensitive skin. Eco Nap & Eco Slumber (shown above) Taking a nap has never been so stylish, as the Eco Nap offers an earth-friendly option to pet bedding. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic soda bottles, the inner stuffing provides a comfortable nap, while upper stitching offers additional support. Each year, thanks to West Paws Eco Products, more than 25 tons of plastics do not make their way to landfills. The Eco Slumber provides a much larger version of pet bedding. For added convenience, when you're ready to wash, simply open the zipper and remove the cover. Both pillow and cover are machine washable. For the Dogs Bamboo Pooch Buckle Collar Since bamboo is naturally resistant to stinky odors and possesses antibacterial properties, it makes a suitable material that is faster drying and more absorbent than other natural fabrics. Collars are comprised of 100% organic bamboo ribbon (sewn by hand) and 100% dye-free organic bamboo webbing. Also, take care in knowing that no pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers were used to create your bamboo dog collar. The above design shows Bamboo Pooch with the Wagging Green logo dog surrounded by a lime green bamboo forest set in a chocolate brown backdrop. Other selections to consider: Honey Dog, Making Waves, Fresh in the City, Mod Dog, Save the Pack, and Solar Powered Pooch. To make your dog's ensemble complete – don't forget the matching lead. Bamboo Pooch Engraved ID Tag Outfit your pooch with the Wagging Green logo dog around his or her neck – made from stainless steel and enamel with just enough room to fit a name and phone number on back. Bamboo Pooch Doggie T-Shirt Let's say you want to dress your best friend, but their ultra-sensitive skin reacts to many of the products on the market today. Offering a fashionably hypoallergenic alternative, the Bamboo Pooch Doggie T-shirt contains a mixture of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton fabric. For the Cats For felines living in the lap of luxury, the Kitty Pod and Couchette offer just the right pieces of kitty furniture to elevate their in-house status. The Kitty Pod ($329) is mostly comprised of recycled materials (like industrial-strength corrugated cardboard) and provides your cat with a comforting curved egg-shape pod that serves cats of all shapes and sizes. Soft, breathable, and durable – cats will truly enjoy their very own cozy hideaway. (Dimensions: 28" L x 20" W x 19" H) The Couchette ($329) is a double-sided pedestal that accommodates one or more cats. The cradle-like design allows you to provide a soft perch and hiding spot underneath for your feline all at the same time. (Dimensions: 30" L x 14" W x 22" H). Interested in cat furniture? These pieces are made to order, and usually ship out within 3 to 6 weeks. Photo Credits: Modern Tails