10 top eco-friendly picks for a weekend away from this month’s Fashion sponsor, Clary Sage Organics.

Clary Sage Organics‘ Co-owner, Patti Cazzato, spent over 20 years in the retail industry honing her chops with the likes of industry giants like the Gap and Levi’s before starting her own consciously curated company with partner Daniel Kalish.

“We believe in empowering people to live healthy, thoughtful, and ecologically responsible lives,” says Patti. “Toward that end, our store serves as a center for holistic wellness, offering the best organic fashions, sustainable beauty products, and a comprehensive array of time-honored natural medicine programs.”

That’s what we call a sustainably rounded business.

We asked Patti to pick some of her favorite things from her shop’s shelves. If you like these picks (or your own even better), just got to the Clary Sage Organics site, enter the code LEAPYEAR at checkout and get 20% off!

A Boticca necklace giveaway for two lucky winners.

How long do you think it’d take to establish the following: an online boutique offering in excess of 6,000 items from over 240 designers in more than 40 countries on 6 continents, and a total of $2.5 million in investments from the likes of Links of London and the founder of Saba? Whatever your wildest guess, we’re betting it’s not 12 months.

Even though Boticca was only founded in October 2010, its rise has been meteoric – partly due to some very high-profile customers including Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, Pixie Lott and Victoria Beckham, but also because it’s a brilliant idea, brilliantly executed. It’s free for an independent designer to set up shop on the site (although there’s a selection process, equating to invite-only, to ensure the quality remains high) – and Boticca takes just 25% of any sales revenue, with the remaining three quarters of the sale price going directly to the designer. Compared with the 60%+ deductions of going through a luxury retailer, it’s an attractive business model.

The Happy Mood Adjustable Necklace (top image) is created by Caipora, a collective of designers working through Boticca – and it’s crafted from vegetable ivory, a material we’ve been fans of for years.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Caipora’s founder Zel Albuquerque, to find out why she’s chosen ethical jewelry-making as a way of life and as a platform for change…

1. Give us a little insight into what it takes to run an ethical jewelry business.

I think that you need to have the ability to combine a love of fashion with a passionate belief in being environmentally responsible.

2. How do you source your materials?

The natural materials are sourced through riverside communities’ native knowledge as well as through eco-friendly merchants. Golden grass and seeds are collected during periods of harvest and off-cut materials from other industries are recycled. Most of these recycled materials are regulated by bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council.

3. What sustainable practices do you follow?

We follow a bunch of sustainable practices such as:
- Recognizing the importance of recycling all materials
- Contribute to the sustainability of endangered areas
- Protecting the environment as our designers ensure to use only easily replaceable natural materials
- Improving the social condition of those who are involved in the creation of the jewelery
- and finally, guaranteeing impeccable quality and finish in every one of our designs

4. What provided the inspiration for a line that embraces sustainability principles?

The ideal of adding more beauty and meaning into people’s life.

5. How do you think design has the potential to influence how people think about sustainability and the environment?

Through meaning and its positive attitude. Some choices in design can represent accomplishments, such as – respect, beauty, happiness, health, wealth and meaning. Some choices in design can preserve valuable principals, embrace restrictions and strive towards a better relationship between the environment and ourselves. I believe beautiful and ethical designs can make people feel proud about their purchases and naturally provide something extra, unique and representative. It reinforces the aesthetic and what it brings to the wearer.

To celebrate the spirit of Boticca, we’re offering a Caipora necklace giveaway!

We’re giving away two of them to two very lucky readers – and one of them could very well be you. How do you make yourself eligible? By subscribing to our very own Boticca newsletter or Boticca’s (if you haven’t already), by following these links:

•  Boticca: enter your e-mail address at the top of their homepage…

• …and EcoSalon: click “Subscribe”, handily lit up in red on the right, here!

Subscribe by December 20 and you’ll be entered!

Just in time for the holidays! Sensational deals, gorgeous green goods, and (count ‘em) four editions to choose from.

Bigger, better, and just plain…boxier, it’s back. Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is here for the holidays! We’re offering you $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

This time around, we’ve bumped up the assortment to four boxes to choose from: Fashion, Shelter, Food and Yoga + Beauty.

Hop on this now or miss out – the last Box sold out in less than 12 hours! The only hard part is deciding which Boxes you want most. (We won’t tell if you buy more than one.)

Here’s what we have to offer this time around:

The Fashion Box is chock full of organic jewelry and perfume, warm mittens, scarves and more (a lot more) – a perfect gift or gifts for the sustainable fashion lovers in your life. These items can also just be for you to revel in without a lick of remorse.

The Yoga + Beauty Box is chock full of organic and all-natural beauty products and perfume, intimate love enhancers and of course, yoga gear – a perfect gift or gifts for the eco-friendly, health-minded women in your life. Did we mention that you can totally keep this Box to yourself, as well? Shh.

Are you a food lover? Whether you love eating food, cooking it or just talking about it, the Food Box is for you. It’s full of anything a foodie could ever want, from cookware to gourmet goods to shade grown coffee, so be sure to snag one before they’re gone!

From scented soy candles to handmade rugs, our Shelter Box is crammed full of quirky, modern, and cool products guaranteed to bring style to your home and even satisfy “the person who has everything” in your life.

Priced at just $99 a pop, pick one or splurge on all four for a fabulous range of eco-friendly products to keep and to share. Click through to each Box to see the assortments and purchase easily via Paypal. Enjoy, lovelies!

Just in time for holiday shopping and gift giving: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

Are you a food lover? Whether you love eating food, cooking it or just talking about it, this box is for you. It’s full of anything a foodie could ever want, from cookware to gourmet goods to shade-grown coffee, so be sure to snag one before they’re gone.

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at The Daily Meal are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Food Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Slate Cheese Board

Serve up a round of artisan cheeses on this simple and functional Slate Cheese Board from VivaTerra. Chalk lets you introduce guests to new cheeses with style. And don’t think this board is reserved for cheese only; the modern design makes it the perfect serving platter for everything from charcuterie to chocolate, so get creative!

(Retail value of $69)

Mortar and pestle

Made from 100% organically-grown bamboo, this bamboo mortar and pestle from Core Bamboo will brighten up any kitchen. Now you’ll be able to make handmade pesto, crush mint for your mojitos and grind together fresh herbs for garnish. Unstoppable, mama.

(Retail value of $37.50)

2 pounds of coffee from Coffee CSA

Now that you get your kale, chard and carrots thanks to a C.S.A., why not your coffee? Coffee CSA makes sure that you get the best selection of coffee directly from small-scale farms. No middlemen, just farmers and people like you who love great coffee. You’ll get two pounds of fresh-roasted premium coffee delivered right to your doorstep.

(Retail value of $29.98 – $32.98, depending on the coffee farmer selected.)

Bamboo Bottle Company Reusable Bottle

This isn’t your your mother’s water bottle. With a unique design that uses bamboo and glass, Bamboo Bottle Company has created a bottle that will not only keep you far, far away from disposables, but you can fill it with hot and cold drinks alike, meaning you can go from coffee in the morning to water in the afternoon. The glass interior is removable and dishwasher safe so keeping your bottle clean is easy. Cheers!

(Retail value of $25.00)

Wei of Chocolate

We all know that chocolate makes us feel better, but Wei of Chocolate just might go above and beyond your normal cocoa expectations. Wei Relaxed dark chocolate is organic, fair trade, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, 68% cacao, and enhanced with flower essences that work to calm & relax the mind and help you sleep better at night. Who knew chocolate could do so much?

(Retail value of $11.00)

Night Owl Paper Goods Recipe Card Books

Keep all your recipes in one place with this cute recipe card book from Night Owl Paper Goods. 24 recipe cards printed on a letterpress are held inside a sustainably-harvested birch wood cover, and with a self-standing easel is easy enough to prop up when you’re in the midst of your culinary creations.

(Retail value of $26.00)

D.I.Y. Delicious by Vanessa Barrington

If you follow EcoSalon’s food section, we’re pretty sure you’re fans of homemade food. Cooking from scratch not only puts good food on the table, but it allows you to experiment. EcoSalon’s very own food columnist, Vanessa Barrington, leads the way through the homemade cooking process in her book D.I.Y. Delicious, full of new explorations – ever made yogurt? – and simple solutions to the question, “Can’t I make that myself?”

(Retail value of $24.95)

Recipes Every Man Should Know by Susan Russo

There are just some things men should know how to do. Cooking is certainly one of them. Here’s the perfect gift for your husband/boyfriend/lover/brother/nephew/next door neighbor, because every man should know a thing or two in the kitchen. Penned by one of our favorite food bloggers, Susan Russo, this is the down and dirty guide for ensuring that a man can easily navigate the wide world of food. Fingers crossed you get to reap the benefits!

(Retail value of $9.95)

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Hazelnut Chai

Making tea is an art, and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea does it well. 100% organic and 100% Fair-Trade certified, this container of 22 sachets of Hazelnut Chai is sure to become your winter favorite. Think of it as a hazelnut torte, turned into a tea. Brew a batch and within minutes your house will be smelling of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla.

(Retail value of $9.95)

Fat Toad Farm Caramel Sauce

If ever there were a sauce you’d want to put on everything, this is it. Made from organic goat’s milk, Fat Toad Farm’s caramel sauce is creamy, rich and flat-out amazing. A family farm, Fat Toad’s 47 milking does are pasture-raised, their milk used for making cheese and caramel, or cajeta. Because this form of caramel is primarily dairy based, it’s creamier and less sweet than standard caramel sauces. Be careful not to down the entire jar on one apple.

(Retail value of $12.00)

Twig Servers

A gorgeously prepped salad should have equally gorgeous serving utensils, and these Twig Servers from VivaTerra are just what you need. Nature-inspired, they’re a chic complement to an organic meal, and their design makes them fit perfectly in your hands. Now it’s just up to you to serve up a mean bowl of greens.

(Retail value of $45)

Innate Gear Doppio

Espresso, wine, whisky; this reusable mug from Innate Gear does it all. Throw it in your bag and you’ll always have something to put your afternoon Americano in, even if you’re on the go. And it’s called a Doppio. Which is just adorable.

(Retail value of $9)

Bambu On the Go Reusable Utensils

Aspenware Compostable Cutlery  

Spring and summer picnics are a ways away, but you’ll be well prepared with two sets of Aspenware compostable cutlery. With four spoons, forks and knives in each set, you’ll be able to outfit an army. Or at least all your eco-friendly friends.

(Retail value of $2.99 per pack)

Full Circle Ring Veggie Brush

Scrub your veggies clean with this Ring Veggie Brush from Full Circle. Made from bamboo and natural and recycled plastic bristles, it’s an ergonomic dream and will also ensure that your veggies have that fresh look even after the supermarket wax has been scraped away.

(Retail value of $4.49)

Architec Mixing Bowls

If you’re cooking organic, shouldn’t your kitchenware be just as environmentally conscious? These stacking mixing bowls from Architec are the perfect plastic alternative. Made from 98% natural and recycled materials, the two, three and four quart set will satisfy all your baking needs. We foresee a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies already.

(Retail value of $29.99)

Epicurean Cutting Board

Slice and dice in style with this 12″ x 9″ EcoPlastic cutting board from Epicurean. Not only is this board made from recycled poly, but it’s also made in the USA, ensuring you can chop your vegetables with a good conscience.

(Retail value of $19.99)

Lodestar Garlic Olive Oil

If you’re attending any good dinner parties in the next few weeks this Lodestar Farms Garlic Olive Oil from Greenfeet makes the perfect hostess gift. This award winning olive oil is made with sustainably harvested olives in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and can be used for everything from dressings to dipping.

(Retail value of $13.95)

Stainless Steel Robot Tea Infuser

Steep your evening cup of tea in this fun, Stainless Steel Robot Tea Infuser from Greenfeet. The arms and feet move to fit your favorite tea mug. In need of more fun eco-friendly kitchen products? Check out the rest of the Greenfeet site for a wide selection of culinary goods.

(Retail value of $8.95)

Navitas Naturals Power Snacks

Power up with one of these Power Snacks from Navitas Natural. This isn’t your average trail mix; superfoods are the name of the game in these snack mixes, which feature cacao, maca, chia, and camu-camu. Easy to pack, they’re perfect for staying energized while you’re traveling this holiday season. Plus they’re raw and organic, which should please anyone looking for an on-the-go natural boost.

(Retail value of $8.99)

Bird Salt and Pepper Shakers

These whimsical salt and pepper shakers from VivaTerra will bring a smile to any guest at your table. And if you don’t want them for your own home, they make a beautiful gift for any bird lover in your crew.

(Retail value of $25)

To buy:

We’re sorry, this Box edition has sold out! Check out the other available options – they’re pretty fabulous, too.

Just in time for holiday shopping and gift giving: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

From soy candles to handmade rugs, our Holiday Shelter Box is crammed full of swanky products to bring modern style into your home – with enough cool goodies included to give things away as gifts, too. Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, hop on this now or miss out!

(If you do miss out this time around – supplies are extremely limited – our friends at Curbly are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Shelter Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Set of Two Wolfie & The Prints

In the dead of winter, these U-Pick Apples and Fresh Eggs prints from Wolfie & The Sneak will remind you of warm mornings spent perusing farmers’ market. Hang them on your wall, and you’ll instantly brighten your mood. The 5″ x 7″ prints are printed on 8″x 10″ French Paper, 100% post consumer recycled paper, produced in a hydroelectric-powered, family-run paper mill in Michigan. With inks guaranteed to last 98 years under regular glass, you’ll be enjoying your fresh produce for years to come.

(Retail value of $40)

Guerrilla Gardening Seedbomb Kit

Change the world, guerrilla style. That’s the idea behind Seedbomb from Greenaid, and the Guerilla Gardening Gift Set ensures that you have all the tools to make the world a greener place. Know of an unused lot nearby? Throw a few seedbombs in. A barren intersection that could use some foliage? Seedbomb away! The packaging is perfect for your guerilla gardening exploits, complete with a handkerchief and slingshot for ensuring that your 12 seedbombs get launched far and away. Seedbombs are hand-rolled in Culver City, Calif. using local materials, sustainable packaging, and socially responsible labor.

(Retail value of $20)

Stencil1 Bird Stencils

Put a bird on it. Your wall, that is. Make your own decorative aviary with these six bird silhouette stencils from Stencil1. You can stencil any one of the six designs onto cards, shirts, even your furniture; the possibilities are endless. And fun.

(Retail value of $19.99)

Wishbone Paperweight

With a busy social calendar in the month ahead, it’s good to keep a few presents on hand, and this striking paperweight from VivaTerra is the perfect item – and a good reminder to make a wish. You never know when it might come true.

(Retail value of $39)

Wishbone Ornament

Hang your wishes up so everyone can see! An match to the Wishbone Paperweight, or perfectly fine on its own, the Wishbone Ornament brings a little cheer to its owner. The ideal go-to gift for anyone who needs a little pick-my-up this holiday season.

(Retail value of $15)

Music for the Planet by 1% for the Planet

Produced by non-profit 1% For the Planet, Music for the Planet is a collection of 41 songs that supports the environment. The album features exclusive and rare tracks by many well known artists including Josh Ritter, Mason Jennings and Rosie Thomas. All proceeds from the album go to supporting environmental causes, so we won’t be surprised if you love the music so much that you’re inspired to buy another one for a friend.

(Retail value of $9.99)

Crash Candles Soy Candle

Every cozy home needs a few candles burning, especially in the winter months, and these hand-made soy candles from Crash Candles are the perfect option. Poured in a glass tumbler you can use when the wax runs out, the candle features the designs of one of our favorite Scandinavians, Lotta Jansdotter. No not only will you bring a little extra light into your home, but you can be happy knowing that they’re eco-friendly and supporting the work of contemporary artists and designers.

(Retail value of $24)

Klean Kanteen and NAU Stainless Steel Pints

Move over, Mason jars. So last year. Especially if you have a reusable option on hand. Perfect for outdoor picnics, concerts or even a birthday party, these pints ensure that you’ll never have to go disposable again, and unlike many glass versions, these won’t break. This exclusive four-pack of Klean Kanteen pints is discreetly printed with the simple NAU logo and made of 18/8, food-grade stainless steel. Durable, versatile, reusable, and dishwasher safe.

(Retail value of $39)

EcoSystem Journal

A blank journal is a blank slate, waiting to be filled with your thoughts, drawings and lists. These blank ecosystem journals have a flexible cover and are filled with pages of 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Sized at 7 3/8″ x 9 7/8″, you’ll have plenty of space to let your creative spirit fly, or encourage someone else that they do the same.

(Retail value of $18.95)

Paper Culture Gift Certificate

Haven’t gotten to your holiday greetings yet? That’s okay – now you can use this $25 Paper Culture gift certificate to customize your own holiday cards. Already ahead of the game with your cards? Your gift certificate can also be used for any product on the site from personal stationery to bamboo wall art. With a motto of “be modern. be eco” Paper Culture uses exclusively 100% post consumer recycled paper for card and envelope and a portion of all proceeds go towards supporting non-profits that focus on education, family and sustainability.

(Retail value of $25)

Recycled iPhone Re-Case

Any busy girl is sure to put her phone through the ringer, which is why you need to make sure it’s properly protected. The Re-Case from Miniwiz is made from 100% trash (rice farming byproducts and post-consumer thermo-plastics to be exact), though from the sleek design, you’d hardly know it.

(Retail value of $24.95)

Plywerk Gift Certificate

Every time you go on a trip you take your camera. In fact, you’ve taken so many photos by this point, your photographer’s eye is actually getting good. But what do you do with all of those photos? Don’t leave them in the hinterlands of your hard drive, print them so everyone can enjoy your work. The masters at Plywerk mount your photo on eco friendly bamboo, eliminating the need for a glass frame. Their easy-to-use website allows you to upload your photo, choose your size, and almost before you’ve had the time to hit send, you have a gorgeous mounted photo waiting at your door.

(Retail value of $20)

Angel Face Botanicals Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Set

In the midst of holiday parties and planning, any good hostess needs to take some time to herself and recharge. These delicious scented Shower Steamers from Angel Face Botanicals make the perfect hostess gift, a little “thank you” for throwing a dinner or cocktail hour in the busiest season of the year. The sampler set comes with Lavender Mist, Juicy Citrus, Peppermint and Eucalyptus, so you could even divide them among your deserving friends. Or if you’re feeling in need of an energy boost yourself, turn your shower into aromatherapy central and enjoy yourself.

(Retail value of $20)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

Your friends will be thrilled when you bring a batch of hot cider along on your winter excursions. This beautiful, double-walled, 34-oz. thermos from VivaTerra is perfect for transporting hot and cold drinks alike and with its floral enamelware design, you’ll be serving in ultra current style.

(Retail value of $55)

Verde Lifestyles’ Bamboo Rug

Bring a little zen into your home. This 2′x3′ dark brown bamboo rug from Verde Lifestyles is beautiful and durable, and with a mixture of earthy wood and red undertones provides an ideal dose of warmth to modern, rustic and contemporary settings. Perfect for welcoming guests in your entryway.

(Retail value of $24.75)

Lucky Bowl

A small bowl that can serve as a nice positive daily reminder. This 3 1/2″ inch ceramic bowl by Paloma’s Nest is handmade in Austin, Texas and is a beautiful little keepsake for any friend whom you feel lucky to have. Each piece is made out of pure white clay and has a matte finish.

(Retail value of $22)

Elephant Plantable Pocket Notebooks

If you’re like us, you have a few notebooks lying around, all full of to-do lists and great ideas. But what do you do when they’re full? If it’s a Plantable Pocket Notebook like these ones from Botanical Paperworks, you can take it right outside and put it in your garden. Filled with plantable paper, come springtime you will see a vibrant collection of wildflowers sprout. Perfect for sticking in your purse and jotting down quick notes, or passing along to the friend who always seems to be coming up with good ideas but never has a place to put them.

(Retail value of $9.95)

Grain Utility Card

This card really can say it all. Designed by Grain, with its word search puzzle the Utility Card contains over 100 different wishes, from Happy Hannukah My Love to Howdy Friend, Happy New Year.

(Retail value of $4)

To buy:

Please note that all editions of The Box are sold out except for Shelter. Please be sure to select Shelter from the menu below.

Supplies are extremely limited – first come, first serve. Remember to include your shipping address! The Box is priced at $99 per box, with an additional $30 shipping and handling surcharge. Orders are shipped via UPS anywhere in the United States. Sorry, we can’t ship to P.O. Boxes and we cannot process international orders. If you have questions, drop us a line at contact@ecosalon.com.

Edition

Fashion $99.00 USD Food $99.00 USD Shelter $99.00 USD Yoga + Beauty $99.00 USD

 Just in time for the holiday shopping and gifting season: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

The Fashion Box is chock full of organic jewelry and perfume, warm mittens, scarves and much more – a perfect gift or gifts for the sustainable fashion lovers in your life. These items can also just be for you to revel in without a lick of remorse. Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, hop on this now or miss out!

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at SheFinds are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Fashion Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Gaiam Cable Knit Capped Mittens

Gaiam’s Cable Knit Capped Mittens are made from eco-friendly organic cotton that is ultra warm yet breathable. Wear them as mittens or turn down the flap for fingerless gloves. Couldn’t be cuter.

(Retail value of $42.00)

Leotie Natural Eau De Parfum by Tallulah Jane

Tallulah Jane’s Leotie is like a beautiful deep bouquet of meadow flowers. Blended from botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. Organic and wild crafted oils are mixed together in certified organic grape alcohol or jojoba, then hand-poured in small batches. No two vintages are exactly alike, so your Tallulah Jane scent is categorically unique, as if designed by nature – especially for you.

(Retail value of $48.00)

Lara Miller’s Thome Necklace in Rust

Lara Miller’s eponymous line is manufactured in Chicago and strongly influenced by the city’s architectural and cultural landscape while being fashioned from eco-friendly fibers such as organic cotton, hand-loomed bamboo, hemp and vegan silk. Lara says her designs are created with a playful geometry that connects to the personalities of the women who wear them. Her tiered Thome Necklace in Rust ( image above) is made from 100% recycled cotton.

(retail value $70.00)

MATT & NAT Naos Change Purse

The MATT & NAT line is cruelty-free, using no animal products. As an example of the spirit and commitment of MATT & NAT, all linings of their bags and wallets are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles – in fact, on average they recycle 21 water bottles to make the lining of each bag. This cream pebble coin holder with tone-on-tone stitching and brown recycled lining is the perfect accessory to hold all those coins jangling around in the bottom of your bag.

(Retail value of $21.00)

Kyler Grass Minimal Hammered Hoops in Gold

Kyler’s famous handmade, hammered hoops are frequently caught on film gracing the ears of Hollywood starlets. These designer hoop earrings are made of recycled gold fill in the abstract shape of a blade of grass. Modern and minimalist, lightweight but rich in texture, with strength and shine where the hammer left its marks. They’re so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing them. But no one else will.

(Retail value of $58.00)

Yala Bamboo Scarf

There are so many ways to wear Yala’s super soft bamboo PashBu, you’ll want them in multiple colors. Knot it or wrap it around your neck for some hip, urban style or drape it elegantly over the shoulders of your little black dress as a holiday shawl. This particular scarf is a rich black that fades down to grey – the ombre effect giving it so much more depth than a solid scarf. We are in love.

(retail value of $32.00)

Scotch Non-Toxic Nail Polish and an On The Rocks Top Coat set

Scotch Naturals are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based nail polishes. Their revolutionary water-based polishes condition your nails and provide a high-polished shine, and long-lasting salon quality finish. All polishes contain none of the chemicals found in standard nail polishes; they are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals.

(Each polish comes with a top coat as well.)

(Retail value of $30.00)

Love Mert Wood Rings

Love Mert is a lifestyle brand created from the innate desire to make. The Love Mert collection of handbags, hats, scarves and jewelry is a culmination of life long loves starting with collecting glass marbles at flea markets as a child, building elaborate forts in the forests of Vermont, and dabbling in painting, pottery and weaving. All leather is either mill-end from various U.S. factories or recycled from vintage leather clothing. Hemp linen and organic cotton is hand printed with non-toxic, water based inks. Rivets are hand sculpted and cast in brass. All wood jewelry, as in the case of these geometric eye candy rings, is created from remnants from designer Melissa Michelsen’s father’s woodshop.

(retail value of $38.00)

How to Avoid Being Sad t-shirt

New York City-based writer Rachel Leigh Smith is doing her very best to avoid being sad everyday. In addi­tion to the How To Avoid Being Sad book and website, Rachel just completed work on Strange and Wonderful Crea­tures – a children’s book about artists and the art world. Her inspiring “Sadness Avoiding Tip” is printed on an organic cotton t-shirt with soy based inks. One size fits most.

(Retail value of $28.99)

$50 Gift Certificate

Dream. Compassion. Freedom. Instinct. Voice. These are the missions of Mission Savvy, an online eco boutique founded by green entrepreneur, fashionista and animal advocate Jennifer Miller. After years of heartache at the prevalence of animal abuse in our world, Miller put her savvy into action and founded Mission Savvy. Featuring vegan, ethical fashions curated for stylish everyday wear, Mission Savvy donates 5% of all profits to causes that support animal conservation, health, emergency aid, and awareness.

Zkano Thigh High Socks

Zkano makes all their socks sweat-shop free in the U.S. from the highest quality certified organic cotton grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. They do this so that the socks are more comfortable, more durable and better all around – for the environment, growers, knitters, and for you. A return to better philosophies, better processes and better results, Zkano’s Thigh High Socks come to you with an ultimate promise to always feel soft, cushy, and like absolute heaven on your feet. Plus, they’re totally sexy.

(Retail value of $16.00)

Imperial Knits Dangling Dreams Belt Kit

Jeanne Carver, Imperial Ranch co-owner, who runs the family’s 140 year old farm with husband Dan on 30,000 acres of Oregon’s desert high country says basic crochet stitches are all you need to know to create this fun-to-wear belt from one of their knit kits. Post stitches create the belt loops and a simple twisted cord serves as the tie. The belt is easily customized to your size. Make your belt unique by sourcing your own beads. Made with Columbia Yarn.

(Retail value of $44.00)

To buy:

Please note that all editions of The Box are sold out except for Shelter and Fashion. Please be sure to select Fashion from the menu below.

Supplies are extremely limited – first come, first serve. Remember to include your shipping address! The Box is priced at $99 per box, with an additional $30 shipping and handling surcharge. Orders are shipped via UPS anywhere in the United States. Sorry, we can’t ship to P.O. Boxes and we cannot process international orders. If you have questions, drop us a line at contact@ecosalon.com.

Edition

Fashion $99.00 USD Food $99.00 USD Shelter $99.00 USD Yoga + Beauty $99.00 USD

Just in time for the holiday shopping and gifting season: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

This beauty and yoga focused Box is chock full of organic and all-natural beauty products and perfume, intimate love enhancers and of course, yoga gear – a perfect gift or gifts for the beautiful women in your life. Or buy it for yourself and enjoy without a moment of guilt. Hop on this now or miss out!

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at SheFinds are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Yoga/Beauty Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleaner Spray

One of Irie Star’s most popular products for the past six years is the Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleaner spray which solves the problem of mat maintenance from dirt, sweat, body oils, and odors. Just mist lightly on your mat before or after use, wipe with a cloth to ensure even distribution, allow just a brief moment to dry and you are good to go. Their new formula is designed to also be a great hand and foot cleanser as well, so that it can be used in any situation where soap and water can’t be found.

(Retail value of $9.95)

Blissoma Candles

The Blissoma 4 oz Travel Tin soy aromatherapy candle is perfect for sampling scents or packing in your suitcase to make anywhere seem like home as they give a warm glow and pleasant aroma to your surroundings. All candles are made with only 100% pure botanical essential oils and never any scent extenders, pthalates, colorants, or additives that may irritate sensitive individuals.

(Retail value of $10.99)

Revolution Organic’s Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed

Revolution Organic’s 100% natural Beauty Balm was created with 85% certified organic ingredients and is a makeup multi-tasker delivering an instant healthy glow anytime, anywhere. The all-in-one balm infuses lips, cheeks, eyes, and décolletage with a natural, dewy radiance. Perfectly portable and ideal for on the go, the easy-to-use formula provides skincare and color in one for a hydrating hint of tint. Free of chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients, the balm contains only 100% pure, natural and organic ingredients. Formulated with cold-pressed organic olive oil and deeply moisturizing organic coconut oil, The All-Over Beauty Balm comes in three glowing shades to complement any skin tone.

(Retail value of $34.00)

Prana Yoga Strap

The Prana Yoga Strap is made from recycled polyester and keeps your mat from unrolling and flip flopping all over your car. Made from washable Veeda fabric, with canvas backing and a cushioned carrying strap, you’ll be the totally together girl carrying your mat into yoga class in style.

(Retail value of $20.00)

Alabama Chanin Zipper Bag

This Zipper Bag from Alabama Chanin is perfect for cosmetics and traveling or for sewing and office supplies. Comes in natural colored 100% organic cotton. Made in the USA.

(Retail value of $15.95)

La Bella Figura’s Tesoro Mediterranean Oil

A favorite product with many EcoSalon editors, La Bella Figura’s Tesoro Mediterranean Oil is addictive. This oil is all about pure hydration with an uplifting and delicately scented, lightweight oil that absorbs into the skin immediately and penetrates to treat dry skin and smooth out fine lines. The combination of 100% organic Argan oil, and organic and wild crafted essential oils is full of free-radical-reducing antioxidants, essential fatty acids and polyphenols that regenerate skin cells and reduce signs of aging.

(Retail value of $40.00)

Trance Essence Perfume’s Genie in a Bottle Roll On

Trance Essence Perfume is hand-made in small batches. It is muse-produced rather than mass-produced and blended from the finest wild-crafted absolutes and organic essential and parfum oils. These reveal their hidden notes when activated by your own body heat. Genie in a bottle is created using seductive scents of exotic oils like Egyptian jasmine, vanilla, organic frankincense, bittersweet chocolate, black tea and organic black pepper. Inspired by a sultry Moroccan nightclub in the summer; hot, smoky, sexy.

(Retail value of $38.00)

Ambiance All Natural Color Matched Dry Shampoo

Ambiance Volumizing Dry Shampoo is a 100% natural formula that refreshes hair, increases volume and conceals roots while extending the time between washing. For all hair types, this paraben- and preservative-free dry shampoo features a built-in, refillable applicator brush for applying shampoo directly onto scalp. Its tinted powder blends with hair color without leaving a white residue. Because Ambiance wants you to have the exact color of your hair, they are including a coupon to order your very own shade.

(Retail value of $20.95)

Shannon Reed Candles

Shannon Reed’s pledge to you is to always let you know each and every ingredient that goes into the products they make. Each candle is labeled with the essential oils and botanical extracts contained in the fragrance, the wax is made from non-genetically modified domestic soybeans and the wicks are made from cotton and paper. Too add to their eco-consciousness, each candle is contained in recycled glass and the packaging is made from recycled paper and printed with soy inks.

(Retail value of $34.00)

Face Fix by Nieves

Face Fix by Nieves is a dynamic scrub and mask to benefit every skin type leaving your skin smooth and refined. Because this powerful herbal formula is in powder form it does not require any emulsifiers, surfactants or preservatives. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, it contains soothing, calming ingredients including White Willow powder, Rosehips, Horsetail powder, and Licorice for calming eczema and redness.

(Retail value of $34.00)

Teas’ Tea Matcha Green Tea by ITO EN

Matcha, or powdered green tea, is traditionally used for special tea ceremonies. An ideal matcha for every day, Teas’ Tea Matcha offers a crisply defined taste that finishes its flavor cycle with a measure of astringency.

(Retail value of $12)

Bronwen Ganesha Necklace

Bronwen Lodato has been making jewelry for as long as she can remember. Her inspiration stems from a life lived in motion. Whether she is stand-up paddling in Phuket, sailing the Tuamotus in search of pearls, or slacklining in the high Sierra, Bronwen is gathering images for jewelry. The colors, textures, and memories of her adventures are reflected in the lively pieces of her collections. Her jewelry is equally lovely worn on a yoga mat, a beach in the South Pacific, or a bistro in Cinque Terre. We love this necklace featuring Ganesha, the Hindu god symbolizing the “remover of obstacles.”

(Retail value of $42.00)

Gaiam Sol Suddha Eco Yoga Mat

Part of practicing yoga safely means having the right, durable yoga mat to assist you in yoga poses. Gaiam’s Suddha Eco Yoga Mat (pronounced soo-dah) comes from Sanskrit for purity and is perfect for the yogi who is equally passionate about planet and practice. The Suddha Eco Yoga mat is made from TPE, a material that is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

(Retail value of $39.98)

(Gaiam and EcoSalon originally had included the wrong yoga mat and information. We regret the error.)

Buddha Nose Girl Bath Salts

Inspired by the Girl Balm, the Girl Bath Salts are for all women who are challenged by hormonal mood shifts. The unique combination of essential oils is identical to the blend in the Girl Balm and offers great relief and comfort to women at all stages of their life cycle. Although the primary intention of this earthy and warming bath soak is to help ease cramps and lighten moods, it is also deeply relaxing and nourishing to the skin. Ingredients include the organic essential oils of Clary Sage, Rose Geranium, Ginger Root and Black Pepper blended into dead sea salts from Israel and red salts from Utah.

(Retail value of $32.00)

Priti Nail Polish

Known among beauty insiders as the pioneering leader in luxury and eco-friendly nail polish, Priti is founded by NYC-based Kim D’Amato. The idea behind Priti NYC came alive during her pregnancy when D’Amato made a conscious effort to switch to organic foods and health products, yet couldn’t seem to find a way to beautify herself in the same natural manner. In 2005, D’amato launched Priti NYC with a simple mission: to support organic farmers and to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the earth and its inhabitants one manicure at a time.

(Priti has sent us a mixture of reds so not all polishes will be this shade. They are also offering a 10% off coupon code: pritiplease10 will expire on 7/1/2012)

(Retail value of $12.00)

Earthlust Water Bottles

Hopefully you’re at a point in your life where you no longer buy plastic bottles and are toting your water in something better than a BPA laced container. Earthlust’s stainless steel bottles are made from high quality materials and are created from a custom mold in Sausalito, Calif. – always with a notably pretty design.

(Retail value of $21.00)

Lotus Wei Energy Mists

(Retail value of $35.00)

$50 Gift Certificate to Horny Toad (Flexure Yoga Pants anyone?)

Horny Toad is an apparel company based in Santa Barbara, California. They believe that the choices they make are as important as the clothes they create. The company makes a commitment each day to lighten their environmental footprint, stay active in their local community and support organizations that improve the global community. Find fun, do good, be comfortable – that’s their Live Toadally mantra.

(Horny Toad’s $50 gift certificate may be used for anything on the site but we like these yoga pants a lot!)

Sir Richard’s Condoms

Sir Richard’s believes in safe sex being a basic human right yet only a fraction of the global demand for condoms is met each year. For every Sir Richard’s condom bought, they donate one condom to a country in need. All condoms are made from 100% natural latex; are free of casein (making them vegan); and the lubricant is free of spermicide, glycerin, and parabens. We love their motto of “Doing good never felt better.” Oh yeah.

White Apricot’s Green Grab Bag

White Apricot’s new Green Grab Bag is providing a much needed and inexpensive service to demystify the broad and seemingly confusing world of natural, vegan and organic beauty products. For just $15 a month (shipping is free), subscribers can get an eco friendly “grab bag,” filled with at least six mini versions (and often a full size bonus or two) of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair products from some of the top companies in the natural beauty industry. By signing up, you get to “test drive” the products before you buy them. If you find some you like, you can then get a discount on the full size versions through White Apricot’s Exclusive Offers.

The first 50 people who sign up for gift subscriptions in November will get a Holiday Bonus Green Grab Bag for themselves, filled with natural holiday themed products.

(Bag shown is not actual bag but a representation of similar products you will receive.)

To buy:

We’re sorry, this Box edition has sold out! Check out the other available options – they’re pretty fabulous, too. And, if you want to enter to win one, our friends at SheFinds are giving one away! You can enter here.

We learned that we need better green messaging, cities are where we’re going, and children should spend time in nature early and often.

The first annual SXSW Eco conference was a success by many measures. The number of attendees exceeded the organizers’ expectations, the sessions were lead by well-known industry pioneers and up-and-comers, and the discussion was informative and productive. Here were some of the highlights we found most applicable.

Senior Editor, Andrea Newell:

The green movement is losing the messaging war.

As Anna wrote earlier, the green movement is facing the sad truth that people aren’t moved to combat climate change when confronted with grim statistics, alarming graphs scolding and guilt. It isn’t working. We need a new way to connect with people and get them to care.

Knowing your audience is Business 101, yet green has promoted a generally one-size-fits-all rationale. Comedy Central’s Kelleigh Dulany, VP of Corporate Responsibility talked about how she narrowed the focus of the message to Comedy Central’s demographic, made it relevant to them, and, of course, delivered it with humor. Dulany said, “Make the change small, make the result big and make the impact local.”

Due to what many feel is alarmist green marketing, people get the idea that if they are not significantly changing their lifestyle to be green, they are not doing enough. So they do nothing. The truth is that if many people made small changes in their conservation habits, that would make a bigger impact than a few people making big changes. So, taking baby steps toward a greener lifestyle still helps.

Most of us will live in or near cities by mid-century.

As our population grows, it will naturally consume more space. By 2050, 70 percent of the world’s population will live in or near cities. Cities will expand because that is where the jobs, education and resources are. The turning point will be how those cities react to their increasing size and population. Infrastructure is crucial. Sustainable cities in the future will include better public transportation, bike trails, child-friendly spaces and quality education, good jobs, and access to healthy food.

In addition to planning for better cities, many metropolitan areas need to plan for environmental changes. Melanie Nutter, Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, projects that sea level will rise nearly 55 inches by the end of this century. For San Francisco, surrounded by water on three sides, this is a serious issue. The airport will be underwater, as will 99 miles of roadways. These are eventualities that she knows she must start planning for now. Amongst many aggressive environmental initiatives employed by the city, currently it leads the country in waste disposal (more than 77 percent is composted, recycled or reused) and has set a goal of zero waste by 2020.

Robin Rather, CEO of Collective Strength, Inc. makes the argument that we’re all in this together – cities, suburbs and rural areas. Our current us-versus-them mentality works against progress and change. She contends that we all have to face this problem united, whether we live in super-hip cities like San Francisco, cities in dire straits like Detroit, a Rhode Island suburb or rural Nebraska.

The children are our (environmental) future.

Several speakers and organizations have identified a new, desirable demographic to target – children. (Relatively) free of cynicism and unswayed by complicated charts, children easily believe that the environment is precious and important simply by spending time outside.

Keynote speaker Mark Tercek (The Nature Conservancy) fell in love with nature when he wanted his children to develop an appreciation for the outdoors and they planned many exploratory family trips. TNC supports programs that help urban youth who would not otherwise get to spend time outdoors participate in nature activities. Keynote speaker Philippe Cousteau certainly was brought up to love the water, but his foundation, EarthEcho International focuses on encouraging children to appreciate oceans and their ecosystems. Disney reaches out to children through Iron Way Films using creativity and imagination, and Comedy Central speaks to teens and young adults through humor.

It’s fitting. Children will inherit our planet, so the idea that they should learn to care about it early on is the right one. If children hold so much sway over parental buying decisions, perhaps they can exert influence over some greener behavior, too.

Marketing Manager, Anna Brones:

It’s all about food.

What is the one thing that connects us? The one thing that can get anybody talking? Food. ”We cherish our connections to food. We do not cherish our connections to turning off our lightbulbs,” said journalist Simran Sethi. If there is one thing that binds us, no matter what side of the political spectrum we are on, it’s what we eat, and when it comes to talking about the environment and our health, food is also one of the main common denominators.

We need to have uncomfortable conversations.

Population control, religion, race – these are all things that many of us steer clear of, but if we don’t bring these important issues to the table we are going to have serious missed opportunities. Roger-Mark De Souza of Population Action International made the connection between access to reproductive services and family planning and climate change; if we slow population growth we can limit carbon emissions. Here is an area with potential for significant impact, and yet it is one of the many important questions that won’t be on the table at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in 2012. If we continue to veer from the difficult questions, we can forget progress.

Listen before talking.

Action is needed, but to inspire action we have to know who we are talking to and how they will respond. This requires listening. Identify not only what communities need, but what they want. We live in an era that requires serious action, and we need it now, but if we continue to preach, we won’t effect real change. As Andrew Hutson of Environmental Defense Fund, pointed out, we cannot lead discussion “with ideas that threaten people’s core beliefs and values.”

Editor-in-Chief, Sara Ost:

Life, sustainability, and the pursuit of happiness.

“We need a Rosetta Stone” for green messaging was Gary Lawrence’s quote retweeted round the conference room in “Let’s Stop Talking about Sustainability: How Our Green Vocabulary Is Failing Us.”

We need a ring decoder, someone else said. We need to know how to market and message for our target audiences, another panelist noted. Well, yes.

What are these words that will work? We know what they aren’t. Green, eco, sustainability, environmentalism, climate change, global warming, conservation, cutting back, recycling, reusing, reducing and worst of all: sacrifice. Green doesn’t just have a sex appeal problem (on the level of Christian rap; besides, who wants to be a color?), it has a happiness problem.

We environmentalists can argue about consumption, mitigation versus paradigm shift, and technology until the grass fed cows come home. The fundamental problem is that green, The Movement, asks for sacrifice and gets snippy when it doesn’t happen. If sacrifice were going to work, it would have already. We live in a nation where the grand directive from our President in the weeks after 9/11 was for us to shop. I don’t think we’re at a point as a culture anymore where we can be asked to sacrifice in the face of very real problems – at least not without government involvement (think enforced rations circa WWII).

I’d like to remind people that Obama was able to win an election on simple appeals to our common humanity, to the good in us: “Change” and “Yes we can.”

In this particular panel, Lawrence asked us to consider appealing to the core emotions we all share. These are fear, aspiration and nostalgia. He then said what I consider to be the most profound thing I heard at the entire conference: “We are forgetting about happiness.”

It strikes me that we live in a culture where happiness is not a value – despite the fact that it’s written right into our Declaration of Independence. What American doesn’t recall having to memorize “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in grade school? Yet we don’t take  vacations. Paternity leave? What’s that? Hell, we barely get outside. Take a look at infant mortality rates, the number of adults on antidepressants, the media we consume – it’s awful. On the flight in, I happened to sit next to a woman who counsels Fortune 50 executives on communication and negotiation. She had that glow that really present, grateful, active people have. I was riveted by the earful she gave me about high stakes negotiating, and equally moved when she said, after a pause: “People who live here don’t see just how self-loathing we are. Other cultures are blown away by it.”

Of course, I also couldn’t help but think about Steve Jobs and his impact on the world during all of this green discussion and debate. People love Apple because there’s an element of happiness to the products. Design is soul.

It’s simple, but green needs some soul.

Image: Kewl

He texts but never calls, has a close girl “friend” and still loves mommy more than anyone. Run for the hills, honey.

Dating dealbreakers are a touchy subject. It’s common knowledge that sticking to lists of musts and rules is no way to find a man (or woman). But while we may need to learn to give a little when it comes to our list of dating expectations – no really, he doesn’t have to be tall, dark and handsome…or rich – we resolutely abide by the following list of dealbreakers and dating red flags. As with wardrobes, careers and fights with your mother, it’s much easier to make a list of what you don’t want, and when it comes to men, doing so will certainly help you steer clear of of some serious relationship problems.

1. Is always late. Not 10 minutes it’s hard to get a cab tonight late, but late

Fully unacceptable unless his Prius exploded…the first time. You are a busy woman and you have things to do, and if the man can’t get it together to meet up with you on time, it’s a question of respect. Move on.

2. Has a tramp stamp

Lower back tattoos are bad enough on women, but on a man? If you’re on a first date and he bends over to pick something up and his shirt pulls up just high enough to flash a Chinese character or some other cheesy remnant of his early 20s, run while you still can.

3. Has cut off all communication to family

We are perfectly understanding of strained familial relationships. It is a fact of human existence that all parents are flawed and we are all pissed off about it. No one’s perfect, and sometimes a break with those who are closest is what we need. That’s different from complete and utter disconnect. Zero communication with family members is an indicator of larger issues at hand – the kind of larger issues that you don’t need to be dealing with.

4. Buys you pets without asking you first

Puppies and kittens are cute, but if you come home to one wrapped in a bow you may need to do some reflecting. Owning a pet is a commitment, and if he buys you one to take care of without asking you first, you can expect serious control issues. Don’t let him put a bird on it.

5. Has previously had a sugar mama

Financial support is good while it lasts, and it’s fun to joke about marrying up, but if you’re dating a man whose last girl fully supported him in everything he did without his having to work for it, you’ve got serious trouble on your hands. Treat yourself and your best friend to dinner instead.

6. Smokes cigarettes

It doesn’t matter if he comes with an attractive French accent or a New York City address; cigarettes are just disgusting any way you look at it. Plus, do you want to be stuck caring for someone with lung cancer at the ripe age of 55?

7. Two words: dental hygiene

Brush twice a day, floss at least three times a week, and see the dentist now and then. That’s all we ask.

8. Liberally uses the word “douchebag” and its variants, e.g. douchey, douche

A good tip that a man will spend more time reminiscing about his fraternity glory days and/or expressing only thinly-veiled latent “jokes” (read: desires, see shrink)  for his bro pack than asking you how your day was.

9. Doesn’t read or seem to own actual books

If you can’t have a conversation about what you’re reading – or at the very least the latest New York Times article he recently read online – just think about all the other things you’re not going to be able to talk about. Sure, this might sound pretentious, but you’re a smart, intellectual woman and you need to fuel your brain as much as your lust.

10. Hasn’t broken up with Mommy yet (and probably never will)

Next please. Are we really still stuck on the mommy issue thing? Apparently so, because we keep hearing stories of perfectly nice gentlemen that just can’t seem to break loose and expect a girlfriend to fill the role. Nobody wants a mother-in-law from hell, but even worse is the full-time job you didn’t ask for: mothering your boyfriend. If he wants you to call him on his shit instead of bothering to notice the wafting of said shit himself, move on.

11. Thinks therapy is for losers

Let’s be honest: we could all use some professional help in one way or another. If he can’t see that, it means he’s hiding more emotional baggage than he wants to admit.

12. Inappropriate use of flip flops

Rugged, informed, creative, outdoorsy men who have a love for the good life? Drool. But there’s a time and place for everything. At the beach or brunch in the backyard? Wear those flip flops with pride! But all flip flops all the time, even business meetings and dinners? Put on some damn shoes already.

13. “Forgets” the condoms

Conveniently forgetting condoms is classless and disrespectful and shows that a man isn’t ready to honor your integrity. Plus, an adult man knows better no matter his age, and “forgetting” is just as bad as “but I hate condoms.” Newsflash: who doesn’t hate condoms? That doesn’t mean you don’t get to use them.

14. Suggests you split the tab…when he asked you out.

The right way: “This is my treat, if that’s all right?” Being generous, acknowledging potential it’s-not-all-right leanings. The wrong way: “Let’s split it.” That’s just forcing the answer in his favor. Manipulative and cheap.

15. Doesn’t understand your issue with his having a “best gal pal”

It isn’t your fear that he wants to sleep with her, but the fact that he is emotionally available to her and not you, which is why his repeated rantings about not wanting to sleep with her are so exasperating. Sleeping with you, confiding in her means he is incapable of sexual and emotional intimacy with the same woman and will eventually cheat on whomever he marries.

16. Postures himself wherever he goes

Is your new flame constantly posing for Facebook headshots as he’s having dinner with you and friends, trying to look dashing and throwing out quotes like a famous writer when you just want to hike, standing in the shower doorway naked with a “I-want-to-be-sexy-but-am-uncomfortable” grin? These are all signs that he is so self-absorbed and that you will never get him to be present. Posture at him with the middle finger as you walk away.

17. Uses “via” or “literally” in the same sentence more than once

Men who like to attempt to sound smarter by throwing in these little bon mots are just trying to cover up how clueless they really are. We mean to say they might actually be robots.

18. Burps or farts to just “break the ice”

Men can do whatever they want in the company of other men, but when they’re around you, expect that they at least act as if they graduated from high school. A pretty walk in the fall with steaming hot mugs of cider, a lively debate on the value of human communication followed by a loud rip? Hardly the scene you want to be part of. Dump the cider, hold your nose and run for your life.

19. Doesn’t understand the term “A little goes a long way” in terms of hair product

Just because the rest of the country is obsessed with the cast of Jersey Shore, does not give your man the right to channel Pauly D. Have you thought about how you’re going to run your fingers through his waxy, stiff hair and have you even considered what he might look like without all the hair taming?

20. Freaks out playing video games. No, the fact that he plays video games

It’s the third date and all is going well. He sweetly invites you back to his place. “Sure,” you think to yourself, “this has been going great, why not?” And then you see it. A living room centered around a big screen TV, with not one, but three different video game contraptions and a variety of games strewn about the floor. And just as quickly as you wanted to start talking about his feelings on the recent uprising in the Middle East or what his favorite place to travel is or whether he prefers organic or local, you realize he’s nesting into his favorite chair and let’s just say he’s pushing the wrong button.

21. Patting of any kind

Whether it’s on the forehead, knee or anywhere else, patting is a nice little indicator of someone thinking you’re “cute and adorable,” and not in the good way. Stay away from the insecure men who have an obsession with undercutting you.

22. Being weird about you making more money than him

It’s 2011. Enough said.

23. Has a filthy vehicle

You haven’t even been to his apartment yet but from the state of his car floor covered in candy wrappers, Coke bottles, chip bags and ATM receipts, you know for sure that not only is he disorganized, he’s a total pig who couldn’t even nice up for your date.

24. He calls you his “old lady”

Nope, never allowed. You’ll never be an equal. Other terms that will follow (if you’re a sucker and stay) will be “ball and chain,”  followed by “The Wife.”

25. He still sports a soul patch…

It’s 2011. Enough said.

Image: JonoMueller

Mainstream fashion media and corporate-sponsored design houses continue to shun environmental progress.

Fashion week has always been an exciting time of year for the fashion industry. It’s an amped up version of “Project Runway,” where designers scramble to present the most eye drawing collections, fighting every other designer showing for the attention of the press. It’s a lot of work, a lot of hype and the best man or woman wins orders from Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, or maybe even a capsule line at Target or H&M if they’re really lucky. Innovation is heralded and beauty is showcased as fashion struts its stuff to show the ordinary people how to dress exceptionally.

So if this is the case, why does Ralph Lauren’s Runway Collection, season after season, get the New York Fashion week cover of WWD and raving reviews from all the fashion press? He literally designs the same retro looks year after year: 1920-30′s, Great Gatsby-esque, horse riding get ups for the rich. Feather boas? Have you ever seen anyone in public pull that off without looking slightly ridiculous? This is what the fashion industry heralds as innovative, new and headlining.

The fashion press applauds loudest for the very same fashion houses that do the most advertising. Coincidence? Imagine if an oil company donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a politician’s campaign and they just happened to be in the same business that the politician fought to give special tax breaks to. This is the exact same way the mainstream fashion industry runs: donations and lobbying, also known as paying for advertising.

The Business of Fashion pulled from a Guardian article, quoting Alexandra Shulman the Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue saying “Vogue makes most of its money out of advertising — and it does make an awful lot of money — so we’ve got to have a good relationship with our advertisers. They’re not going to place £100,000 a year and then say ‘Feel free not to use any of our goods’  — life’s not like that. So although there is this feeling sometimes that creatively it’s not pure, well magazines are a business, you’re not sitting there writing poetry.”

Marrying Sustainable Fashion With Mainstream

While the mainstream fashion press is busy paying lip service to old school fashion house’s fat wallets, they barely acknowledge that sustainability for the future of fashion means a lot more than traditional press and sales. Outside of the advertising winner’s circle, there are plenty of designers, press, and bloggers who acknowledge, report upon, work for and really do see the change of the sustainable design community’s efforts.

Even Oprah has something to say about it. Yet the fashion industry doesn’t want to outwardly acknowledge the shifts going on towards sustainable consumerism perhaps from a fear because they’re afraid that following, or even promoting ethical and sustainable business practices would mean a few things:

1.  The admittance that things have been and continue to be done unethically in almost every step of the process.

2. The end of days for business processes that are comfortable, which might equate to a loss of sales and/or jobs for people who don’t know how to evolve.

3. Quite possibly the end of all the excess that is fashion week because it would require focusing on doing things based on a whole new model.

Eko-Lab, A/W 2011

Melissa Kirgan co-designer for sustainable label Eko-Lab asks why sustainable fashion and mainstream fashion need to be two separate entities when they both ultimately share the same goal: to sell a product.

“No matter how ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ a design is, if it is not bought there is no business. For us at Eko-Lab the number one important focus is to make an amazing product, our beliefs and ethics are to be valued as building blocks in the heritage of our brand.”
Yet Kirgan relays her own story of a trip to Bendel’s Open Call to present her line which was an eye opening moment for her and partner Xing-Zhen Chung.

“When we presented our product it was well received and we were given many complements, when we began to share the origin of our fibers and their organic qualities there was an instant change in tone and we were told that was not their customer,” says Kirgan, adding that while fashion is glamorous, it’s function is to create an illusion of how the wearer wishes to project themselves to the world.
“While sustainable design appears to still suffer crunchy connotations. If you must make these into two groups (mainstream vs. sustainable) then sustainable design is going to need way better branding.“

Better Branding and Changing Existing Fashion Industry Models

Every sustainable designer has had to look in the mirror and face the need to reinvent the wheel. When it comes to the fashion business, no matter what, designers (sustainable or not) are still adding to a massive waste stream. If we actually believe fashion can be a platform to stop planetary, environmental, and health degradation, it’s going to consistently be a painful reinvention for designers to go through, (especially if they like the idea of a steady paycheck and health insurance). Very few eco-designers make it after two years. 

This might also be why you don’t see most eco-designers, showing up at the Lincoln Center Tents, (which cost $20,000 a runway), where every season the “notable” designers present with a new and cheerful line of must have items.

Are there designers who support and propel a healthy future that the population would rather hear about? Of course, but the only way most people might see them is if they go searching for it outside of the daily barrage of advertising. Even with Oprah’s blessing, the eco-design world is considered “the fringe,” not something that appears regularly on mainstream fashion’s radar. But even with their “fringe” status some of these designers are somehow staying in business, making a huge impact, and offering consumers an option to opt out of the game of Fashion Monopoly that no one but the big corporations win.

Stewart + Brown

Howard Brown of Stewart+Brown is one of those designers and says the ethical fashion movement needs to remain true to its core mission; to lead by example and shift the paradigm toward sustainable business and production practices.

“Opportunistic grandstanding and hollow gestures from the fashion establishment do nothing meaningful to change the status quo yet compromise the mission and integrity of the ethical fashion movement. The path towards sustainability does not pass through fast fashion retailing. Remember what Bucky Fuller said, ‘You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.’”

Image: MokeSDoke