Cold beer, good friends, and delicious food is only better when you’re dressed for the part. This summer, look and feel your best in one of these cute and eco looks.

Whether you prefer hamburgers or veggie dogs on the grill, there’s one thing we can all agree on — looking good and beating the heat is just as important as what you’ll be eating. But before you decide on ketchup or mustard, hear us out! You won’t want to miss the chance to jump on one (or all) of these hand-selected pieces for your summer party, each under $100. From adorable tie-front tanks to recycled chiffon skirts, you’ll be stepping out in style in these effortlessly chic clothes.   

1. Modern Print Romper

I don’t know about you, but I could freaking live in this romper! The pattern is modern and attractive, the color is bright and cheerful, and, as you can see from the pic, it can be styled with accessories of another color. Try this piece with red or white accents, if you’re feeling patriotic, or go neutral with regular jewelry and a pair of comfy lace-up flats. And, whatever you do, don’t underestimate the power of this romper as a travel piece. It’s great for tossing in a suitcase or overnight bag and hitting the road. Priced at $55.

2. Tie Front Tank

Delicate, slightly retro, and completely adorable, this tie-front tank has sweet summertime innocence written all over it. Feel like a teenage again by pairing this pretty pink top with a pair of denim shorts or capris and your favorite sandals. Accessorize with a simple chain necklace or hoop earrings, and don’t forget your cat-eye sunglasses. Priced at $58.

3. Starry Wrap Skirt

You’ll be seeing stars in this vegan recycled chiffon ballet wrap skirt from Vaute Couture. Easily dressed up or down, this celestial skirt can take you from daytime barbecue to downtown drinks in a snap. Wear with your favorite flats and crop top during the day, then pair it with a silky camisole and heels for night. The adjustable waist allows you to wear it high or low, and the wrinkle-resistant material travels so well. Priced at $96.20.

4. Criss-Cross Crop Top

Sexy and edgy, this top is not for the shy type, but is totally perfect for summertime hanging and hot outdoor activities. The strappy style gives off a cool ’90s vibe and would pair well with accessories of the era, like chokers and mini backpack purses. Team this top with pants, shorts, or skirts, and keep in mind that you can always layer this under a sheer top to get the look without feeling so exposed. Priced at $29.

5. Flirty Petal Short

Summer just isn’t summer without a cute pair of shorts thrown into the mix. These beautiful, delicate petal shorts from Free People have a definite flirty vibe complete with ruffles and lines that flatter the body. They come in a variety of gorgeous colors and have a comfy elastic waistband that will have you feeling like you’re lounging in your pajamas, except you’ll actually be looking totally chic and stylish. Pair with tanks, tees, tube tops, and more. You simply can’t go wrong with these! Priced at $58.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 5 Cute Summer Barbecue-Ready Looks Under $100: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

In need of vegetarian-friendly grilling ideas? Look no further.

Labor Day is just around the corner and you know what that means: last chance in summer to rev up the barbecue. But that doesn’t mean you’re forced to eat burgers with bacon on them. While burgers and hotdogs might be the go-to barbecue food, there is so much more that can be grilled that if you throw meat on the barbecue you might as well just slap a “I am a chef with no creativity” apron on.

Here are 15 different grilling ideas for all you vegetable lovers out there.

1. Eggplant

Slice it the right way, and grilled eggplant is an excellent alternative to your classic burger, or serve eggplant slices in a salad.

2. Artichoke

To get a good tasting grilled artichoke, you actually want to steam the artichoke beforehand.

3. Asparagus

You can grill asparagus a lot of ways, but I like to marinate them in some soy sauce and garlic beforehand. Olive oil and lemon also does wonders.

4. Corn

Grilled corn can be eaten on its own, but is also tasty in a salad.

5. Portobello Mushrooms

Grill portobellos on their own, or stuff them for a delicious twist.

6. Polenta

Make up a batch of polenta before it’s barbecue time, then cut out squares or rounds and grill away.

7. Cauliflower

Cut the right way and flavored with a few spices, you can almost call grilled cauliflower a vegetarian steak.

8. Romaine

Grill a head of romaine lettuce and top it off with a citrusy dressing or a yogurt sauce.

9. Haloumi

If you haven’t embraced the amazingness of haloumi yet, it’s time you started. The salty cheese grills up without melting all over the place, and is the perfect addition to a plate of grilled vegetables.

10. Radicchio

While radicchio has a reputation for being bitter, some time on the grill lets it chill out a bit and adds some smoky flavors.

11. Onions

It’s hard to turn down the sweet flavor that comes from grilling onions, completely transforming them from their usual strong flavor.

12. Zucchini

Consider salting and draining your zucchini beforehand, then douse it in some olive oil before throwing on the grill.

13. Tofu

Yes, grill that tofu up (douse it in sriracha if you like) and then use it to make tacos.

14. Cabbage

Cut the cabbage into wedges, and then you get can make a unique twist on the wedge salad.

15. Pizza

You haven’t been cooking your pizzas in the barbecue? Now’s the time to start. Grilled pizza is definitely a good way to celebrate the end of summer. Now all you need to do is choose some good toppings. Caramelized onions and fennel perhaps?

Related on EcoSalon

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Image: Sharat Ganapti, Didriks, arvind grover

The post 15 Grilling Ideas for Labor Day that Aren’t Meat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Planning a graduation party, family reunion, or just a backyard barbecue with a few friends? Grill up a tasty feast without the big carbon footprint.

If you’re planning a Memorial Day cookout, big or small, you’re probably tempted to reach for the old standbys: paper plates, plastic cutlery, canned beverages, and packaged meats. Unfortunately, along with ease and convenience, these American barbecue staples come with a lot of unnecessary waste and negative environmental impacts.

With a little planning and some flexibility, you can plan a gorgeous cookout with delicious food that won’t leave you with a big case of eco-guilt. Here are some tips that will get you started.

Skip The Charcoal Briquettes

Sure, they’re available at just about every grocery store, but that cheap charcoal isn’t as innocent as it seems. “Burning charcoal or wood produces clouds of sooty particles that can lodge in lungs, irritating asthma and other respiratory problems,” writes Brian Howard for the Daily Green. “Carcinogenic volatile organic compounds like benzene are released. The whole mess can contribute to smog.”

Instead, grab a bag of lump or ‘natural charcoal’ which is made from hardwood, contains no additives, and produces less ash when burned than briquettes. You’ll still get that smoky sear you want, without worrying about lighter fluid soaking into your food. Check out the 365 brand of real hardwood charcoal available at Whole Foods.

Opt For Non-Plastic Plates & Flatware

It may feel great, just tossing all the used plates and forks into the trash when the barbecue’s over, but the few minutes you save are doing years of harm to the planet. In addition to being a waste of money, disposable dishes and cutlery contribute to the mountain of plastic waste already swirling around in our landfills and oceans.

If you’re cooking out in your own backyard, simply use the plates, cups, and traditional cutlery in your kitchen. If that’s not viable, choose reusable plastic options, such as Recycline’s Preserve Tableware, or compostable alternatives made from bamboo or sugar cane. Check out the Sustainable Earth line of compostable cutlery offered at Staples.

Choose Local Meat & Produce

Around the country, many farmers markets and CSAs are gearing up for the summer season. Plan to visit your local market the weekend before your cookout. Load up on grassfed beef, and delicious fruits and veggies that were likely grown by the same person who rings up your order. Many farmers markets even offer locally made cheeses, breads, salsas, and sauces. If you’re planning a potluck affair, email a list of market vendors to your guests, and encourage them to choose their contribution from a local artisan. Check out www.localharvest.org to find a farmers market or CSA near you, and browse Ecosalon’s Top 10 Picnic Foods.

Bring Better Beverages

Sure, it’s easy to buy a couple of cases of soda and cheap domestic beer, dump them into the cooler and call it a day. Americans discard about 2.7 million tons of aluminum each year, mostly in the form of beverage containers. Only around 50 percent get recycled, so that’s a lot of usable metal heading to the landfill. If possible, make large batches of lemonade, iced tea, or punch in pitchers or glass jars that have an easy pour spigot.

For the adults, choose local and/or organic beers in a keg (no waste!), or if you’re not planning on drinking that much, in glass bottles. Glass is one of the few materials that can be recycled infinitely without losing strength, purity or quality. Set up a special barrel where your guests can deposit their empty bottles, so they can be easily recycled when the party’s over. Check out the Organic Authority’s guide to choosing eco-friendly beer.

Image: kevinmarsh

The post How To Plan An Eco-Friendly Barbecue appeared first on EcoSalon.

Summertime isn’t over yet. We need to keep our barbecues rolling while we still can!

There really is nothing quite like a grilled steak on a hot summer night.

Granted, most of the time, I try not to eat meat. Blame it on Michael Pollan. Blame it on Food Inc.. Blame it on Cowschwitz, the freaky smelling cattle processing plant near Coalinga, California. Then again, if I know that it comes from Marin Sun Farms, hey, I’ll eat that flank steak!

So, while I’m not one to promote eating meat, I do think it’s perfectly reasonable to enjoy an occasional steak, as long as you know it’s from a quality, sustainable source. If you’re not sure what meat to buy in your region, check out Eat Well, a directory for locally grown and sustainably produced food, or Eat Wild to find a pasture-based farm near you.

And now, onto the marinade magic!

I prescribe to the “simple is best” philosophy. Here are three easy options that can’t fail you.

Most often I salt and pepper any steak before marinating it. (In the case of a rub, that goes without saying!) Steak can marinate overnight in the refrigerator or one to two hours at room temperature. If you refrigerate the steak, it’s always best to let it come to room temperature before throwing it on the “˜que. Flank steak is a personal favorite when cooking for a crowd.

1. Ginger and garlic

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 1/4 soy sauce

• 1 Tablespoon vinegar (any kind will do)

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

• 2 garlic cloves minced

• 1 Tablespoon fresh, minced ginger

Combine ingredients. Place steak and marinade in ziplock bag, and let the marinating begin.

2. Basic onion

• 1/2 cup canola oil

• 1/2-1 onion, chopped

• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire

• splash of wine or beer or whatever you’re drinking

• kosher salt

• freshly ground pepper

Combine and marinate.

3. The Simple Rub:

Sometimes all you need is to rub the steak with some spices for the good times to roll. Try this incredibly simple rub.

• kosher salt

• freshly ground (coarse) pepper

• generous cumin

Rub meat generously with the above ingredients. Let meat rest for 10 minutes to two hours. Grill. Serve with chimichurri.

Image: Simon Aughton

The post Keep the Summer BBQ Stoked with 2 Smokin’ Steak Marinades and a Rub appeared first on EcoSalon.