It’s that time of year again–you know, when it’s better to give than to receive–and there’s no greater way to get the ball rolling this holiday season than by observing

Started by the National Recycling Coalition back in 1997, the day was created with the intention to raise awareness about recycling and the purchase of recycled goods. Today, millions of Americans participate, some by attending or hosting one of the more than 2,400 events registered on the America Recycles Day website.

Included among the good-hearted samaritans and organizations is the initiative developed by Cotton Incorporated, called the Blue Jeans Go Green program. The program collects denim from across the nation, upcycling it into Cotton Incorporated’s patented and trademarked UltraTouch Denim Insulation. From there, the environmentally safe, non-itch padding is made available to the public for purchase, but is also donated to Habitat for Humanity affiliates (more than 3 nationwide, to date) and can be requested for use in building civic structures by way of a grant program.

Andrea Samber, co-director of Consumer Marketing in the Strategic Alliances department at Cotton Incorporated, describes the Blue Jeans Go Green program as being “rooted in the idea of giving recycled denim ‘new life,’” with the intention of helping the environment “by reducing the volume of textiles going to landfills.” Samber also adds that what “started as collection events with colleges and universities, has grown to include direct mail and retail partners.”

And helping to alleviate landfill waste, it does. The average person in the United States throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. Couple that stat with more than 518 million pairs of men’s and women’s jeans being sold in the U.S in 2015, and you can bet your bottoms that there will be at least a pair or two in that pile of discarded clothing. However, thanks to the Blue Jeans Go Green program, Samber points out, “over 1.7 million pieces of denim” have been recycled. “That equates to 2.7 million square feet of recycled denim insulation,” she asserts, thereby “keeping 750 tons of denim out of landfills.”

Participate today, or any day of the year. The Blue Jeans Go Green program has made it easier than ever for any and everyone to donate their old denim for a good cause. Samber says “by partnering with some of the best brands in the industry, people can recycle their denim locally.”

In an ongoing promotion, Madewell, a retail partner of the Blue Jeans Go Green program, is offering $20 off full-priced Madewell denim on the day of donation. Rag & Bone stores in the U.S. are also participating through the end of the year by offering 20 percent off full priced Rag & Bone denim on the day of recycling.

Can’t make it to a retailer? No Problem! Blue Jeans Go Green is also accepting mail-in denim donations every day of the year. Although the only incentive here is knowing you kept a piece of denim out of a landfill (and created some much-needed space in your closet), this easy-ship option is definitely a great way to give back anytime you come across a denim piece you no longer need or want, promoting what Samber refers to as “do good consumerism.”

As for what types of denim are accepted, the “anything goes” rule applies to mail-in donations. The pieces can be ripped, contain holes, be dyed any color, have embroidery, or even bedazzling (a perfect guilt-free excuse to get rid of those experimental DIY-projects-gone-awry). And, it doesn’t have to be a pair of jeans, either. With the mail-in program, you can ship denim tops, jackets, skirts, and maybe even that old acid wash fanny pack in the back of your closet.

Acceptable donations at local retailers are regulated by the individual store, so it’s best to check before showing up with your goods. For example, Madewell and Rag & Bone are only accepting jeans. Samber notes, “There are always new partners that participate at different times of the year,  so it’s a good idea to check the BlueJeansGoGreen.org website.” Here, you can get the scoop on participating retailers, as well as local college drop off locations in your area.

In the midst of our nation’s discarded clothing epidemic, the Blue Jeans Go Green program is offering us a way to keep consciously buying and recycling our favorite cotton apparel on America Recycles Day and beyond. “This program is just one illustration of how cotton touches our lives,” says Samber. “Whether it’s your favorite pair of jeans, your favorite way of giving back, or both,” your donated denim can and will make a difference.

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images via Blue Jeans Go Green

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Surely meat eaters have their reasons for choosing to eat animals—most humans do it—but how often do meat-eaters consider the number of animals they’re expected to eat in a lifetime? It’s a startling number: 7,000.

According to the Vegetarian Calculator, an online tool that breaks down your burgers into some visceral stats, those 7,000 animals roughly calculate to 11 cows, 27 pigs, 2,400 chickens, 80 turkeys, 30 sheep, and 4,500 fish—per person. The tool bases meat consumption on USDA data from 2008, which found the average American ate approximately three hamburgers a week.

When we talk about eating animals, we most often refer to them by their ready-to-be-eaten names: filets, steaks, chops, cutlets, nuggets, burgers. While meat eaters defend their actions for any number of reasons—from taste to (perceived) protein—only a small few of them have actually taken to killing and dismembering their dinner.

That act of hunting, killing, and processing an animal before eating it, though, which is still practiced in some tribal communities around the world, connects eater to eaten in important ways we’ve lost in modern culture. There’s respect, for one. The entire animal is used and honored. And a wild-caught animal isn’t forced to live a horrific life surrounded by cement and steel and the echoes of her suffering neighbors. But most cultures, with the exception of tribes like the Inuit, supplement their predominantly plant-based diet with meat, rather than make it the center of their diet. They eat meat when plant sources run dry. They smoke, dry, and cure it for long journeys. They don’t microwave Hot Pockets or round up spare change to buy a .99 cheeseburger.

Eating meat and any animal products for that matter (eggs, dairy, gelatin, etc.), is also a big Debbie Downer for the planet. We apply the same irreverence to the consequences of what we’re eating as to who we’re eating in the first place.  The Vegetarian Calculator tallies up your CO2 as well as the number of animals eaten, and that corresponds to a number of studies that have found raising livestock to be severely problematic in reducing carbon emissions. The impact of climate change directly affects humans — even taking the lives of people like those ravaged by recent hurricanes. The world’s climate crises can be directly linked to livestock production. It’s also predicted to lead to food shortages, nutrient-deficient crops, and the spread of numerous diseases, all which will likely take the lives of countless individuals.

Eating animals an inefficient way of eating when you measure calories in (raising the animal) versus calories out (the steak on your plate), regardless of our feelings about the inherent rights to the animal being eaten; it’s reckless for our friends, family, and future generations.

But that’s the way the vast majority of humans today consume all of their food, especially meat. We merely drop meat into shopping carts or cue up in burger joint lines oblivious or willfully ignorant of where that burger came from, and what consequences it has for others. If that’s not murder, then what exactly does meat-eating amount to?

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. Strides in technology from meaty plant-based foods to food tech “growing” meat without the animal attached to it, are poised to solve a lot of problems. From providing healthier and cleaner protein sources that are better for the planet to that gnawing ethical dilemma. Does eating meat make you a murderer? With these advances, it looks like it doesn’t have to.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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Element Hotels, leaders in eco-friendly accommodations for the conscious traveler, are hosting The Element Exchange pop-up experience to encourage communities to participate in exchanging, rather than shopping for clothes on National Secondhand Wardrobe Day.

National Secondhand Wardrobe Day is observed annually across America on August 25th in an attempt to bring awareness to the issue of widespread clothing waste. If you’re looking for a  way to participate in cutting down on clothing waste and making fewer fast fashion purchases, then we suggest heading down to secondhand stores in your neighborhood, or, better yet, participating in a clothing swap, like The Element Exchange taking place at all Element Hotels across the United States.  

According to Marlon Whyte, Global Brand Leader for Element Hotels, the brand’s mission is geared toward “promoting balance and wellness to our eco-savvy guests.” There are currently 32 hotels across the globe, with 84 more in development, and they’re the perfect retreat for conscious, healthy, active, travelers on extended stays.

The Element Exchange experience — the pop-up clothing swap — is a practical and creative solution, especially since, according to Whyte, “Clothes are one of the most frequent items purposefully left behind in hotel rooms.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “85 percent of all discarded textiles – 13 million tons – are sent to U.S. landfills every year.  In addition, it takes 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt. That is enough for one person to stay hydrated for 900 days,” Whyte notes.

With millions of tons of discarded clothing and textiles each year,  The Element Exchange felt that through the brand’s commitment to its “sustainable and health-conscious mission and roots,” raising awareness of this “massive environmental impact” is the logical choice.

For those who wish to attend, Whyte said of the Element Boston Seaport location, “attendees will be able to enjoy sustainable bites in the courtyard and sample organic wine through a sustainable and automated wine cart while they ‘shop’.”

And beyond the perks of conscious tastings, “The event will see Boston-based clothing upcycling partners helping guests give their items of clothing a new life. Ministry of Supply, Boston-founded maker of performance dress clothes that supplies underprivileged adults with clothing for the workplace and job interviews, will be on-site for attendees interested in shopping and upcycling through their one-in, one-out initiative.”

The Element Exchange pop-up experience is is taking place at every Element Hotel across the U.S. and does not require you to be a guest of the hotel.

“Element Hotels are very committed to helping to reduce clothing waste while educating guests and locals alike on the effects of fast fashion on the environment,” says Whyte. “The donation bins that we will be setting up as part of the Element Exchange will remain in all of our hotels in perpetuity, giving guests and locals the opportunity to continue to dispose of their clothes in a sustainable manner after the event is finished.”

When it comes to what attendees should bring to the clothing swap, Whyte says they will “welcome any type of garment, textile or clothing that is in good condition.” Now is the perfect time to discover some new fall pieces, or run into something that will be perfect for next summer.

We suggest getting a small group of your friends on board, because the more variety in your dress sizes, the better, and making a day (or overnight) of it. Clothes, wine, and good friends together with Element Hotels for a good cause…what’s not to love?

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Danish members of parliament from both the Alternative and Red-Green Alliance parties are on a mission to highlight the environmental issues with livestock production: they’re going vegan for 22 days.

It turns out not all politicians on the world stage are bloated ketchup-on-steak egomaniacs. Some are pragmatic and willing to self-sacrifice in order to make the world a (hopefully) better place. (Not that going vegan is any kind of sacrifice.)

Unlike the climate deniers in office in the U.S., Danish politicians are fully aware of the impact of a warming planet, and the many factors contributing to its condition, namely our aggressive animal production. Around the world, more than 56 billion animals are raised for food every year — not including fish and seafood. That’s nearly ten times the amount of humans on the planet, and most certainly an industry impacting our climate.

“Western food production has an enormous climate footprint,” Uffe Elbæk, Alternative party leader, said in a statement. “Political action is needed, and I find it important that we, as politicians, take the first steps and begin to ‘walk the talk.’”

Denmark isn’t historically known for a plant-based diet – or even for that many plant-based meals in general, save for a few cabbage dishes. It’s got a rich history of eating animals (pork, beef, and liver are some of its signature foods). But as a progressive country working toward clean energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the Danish Council of Ethics has been emphasizing plant-based foods as an easy, effective, and healthy way to curb the country’s impact on the climate.

“We need to take action on both a personal and political level in order to address the serious issues of climate change,” says Red-Green Alliance’s environmental secretary, Maria Gjerding.

“Going vegan for 22 days is not going the save the world in itself, but it’s a great opportunity to put focus on Western consumption of animal products and the environmental and animal welfare problems it causes.”

Neighboring countries Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany all have updated dietary guidelines promoting more plants, and the German Ministry of Environment has banned meat from being served at official state events.

If the 22 days plant-based program sounds familiar, you may remember Beyoncé did a similar challenge (and then went on to fund the 22 Days meal delivery program).

“Ditching animal products is a great way to fight climate change,” says Mercy for Animals’ Joe Loria. “In fact, according to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, carbon dioxide emissions from raising farmed animals make up about 15 percent of global human-induced emissions, with beef and milk production as the leading culprits.”

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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With almost three quarters of our world in rapid decline due to excessive pollution and resource disruption, ocean conservation is more important than ever.

In case you forgot the stats from geography class, a little more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. The fragile ecosystems are vital to sustaining marine and human life. Unfortunately, our oceans have become a breeding ground for pollution due in large part to current waste disposal, both in the water and on land. Oil spills, untreated sewage and solid waste, plastic, heavy metals, radioactive materials, and chemicals are all common (and completely disgusting) pollutants.

In addition to mass pollution, unethical fishing practices and senseless harvesting of marine resources are also associated with ocean devastation. All of these elements, whether alone or combined, are responsible for negative repercussions, like coral reef die-off, food contamination, and the hundreds of thousands of turtles, whales, and other marine mammals, including more than one million seabirds, that die each year from ocean pollution and ingestion or entanglement in marine debris.

So what can you do? In addition to recycling, cleaning up your local beaches, eating sustainably, and raising ocean conservation awareness, you can also put your purchases toward businesses that care. Shop for your spring and summer apparel at any of these retailers and you can be sure that your money is going to a good cause.

1. Devocean Co.

“Save the sea turtles with every purchase.”

Devocean, which stands for “devoted to the ocean,” claims to have a “vision of a world where our oceans are clean and free from pollution.” Dedicated to positive change, the website goes on to say, “all of our efforts as a social enterprise are intended to raise awareness about the growing fragility of marine habitats and encourage people to take immediate action.”

Devocean was founded in 2015, and chose sea turtles as the first ocean conservation effort. Today, 20 percent of the company’s net profits are donated to FAU Marine Research Lab at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the non-profit Friends of Gumbo Limbo. Devocean credits these two organizations as being instrumental in saving the lives of thousands of sea turtles.

Devocean sells vibrant beach-ready apparel and accessories for men and women. Jewelry, hats, towels, hoodies, tees, and tanks are popular among the business’s clientele. And you can’t miss the sea turtle emblem that appears on many of the items.

2. Rock the Ocean

“Were not trying to save the world…just 3/4 of it!”

This business gets right to the point when it comes to the dire straights of our oceans. Rock the Ocean believes “oceans worldwide are in serious peril due to overfishing, severely damaged habitats, and pollution,” going on to say, “the ocean is our greatest natural resource and our fate depends on its health, but oceans are headed for mass extinctions unless we take action.”

The 501(c)(3) organization utilizes efforts like hosting benefit concerts and events all over the world, including Tortuga Music Festival, to further the ocean conservancy cause. The non-profit also increases public awareness about ocean-related issues while supporting scientific research, education, and ocean conservation initiatives. Rock the Ocean also sells lifestyle apparel and donates 50 percent of the proceeds to the Rock the Ocean Foundation.

Rock the Ocean sells apparel, hats, and accessories for men and women. The tees, tanks and hoodies are great everyday basics featuring cool logos that raise awareness for the non-profit. Hats and accessories, including the towels and drink koozies, are functional and neutral.  

3. Consurfvation

“Don’t trash where you splash.”

Consurfvation was created by designer Robert Lipton and works in tandem with its four beneficiaries: Waves 4 Water, LA Waterkeeper, 5 Gyres, and Gulf of Mexico Foundation. What makes this company truly unique is that much of the apparel is made from 100 percent recycled plastic water bottles.

Consurfvation Clothing was established in 2011 in an effort to protect what it believes is the world’s most precious resource — our oceans. Taking pride in the company’s fun, hip, and eco-friendly approach to fashion, this business really has its finger on the pulse of today’s trends, while also believing that “every effort, no matter how big or small makes a difference.”

Mixing advocacy with aesthetic, the men’s and women’s apparel is fresh, current, and perfect for beach weather. We’re totally digging the scoop back tee’s super sexy cut!

How do you plan to support ocean conservation? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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On Monday, April 10, Neil Gorsuch became America’a 113th justice of the Supreme Court.

Gorsuch has concerned democrats and progressives since Trump first uttered the judge’s name.

Emotions concerning Gorsuch range from anger—people are still upset that Merrick Garland was snubbed—to worry over the newly invoked “nuclear option.”

News outlets have reported Gorsuch’s conservative leanings, but we’ve yet to hear how his nomination could affect the environment.

Gorsuch’s Track Record

To see the future, we have to look at the past. And according to William J. Snape, III, senior counsel for the Center for Biological Diversity, Gorsuch’s past judicial record is telling.

Gorsuch’s previous decisions demonstrate a pro-corporate, anti-government ideology that could influence cases involving environmental protections, climate change, and more. To illustrate this, Snape outlines some of Gorsuch’s decisions that hurt environmental protections.

“In New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance v. U.S. Forest Service (2013), he went out of his way to dissent from a decision allowing the Center and other groups to intervene in a case over the management of national forests,” Snape says.

“His position, rejected by the majority, would have excluded the public from participation in many cases affecting public lands and natural resources.”

Jon Fox, senior democracy campaigner at Friends of the Earth, echoes Snape’s sentiment. Fox highlights Gorsuch’s opposition to the Chevron doctrine.

The doctrine, derived from Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., requires courts to defer to federal agency experts when crafting regulations.

“It is one of the underpinnings of modern environmental protection, which often calls for the type of deep scientific expertise that courts frequently lack and administrative agencies often possess,” Fox explains.

“Americans who love clean air, clean water and healthy wildlife deserve better,” Snape adds.

Fight back

Sure, things don’t appear great right now, but we can still reverse climate change.

“Resistance means a lot of things,” Snape says.

“It certainly includes protecting our public health and special places from greed and short-sightedness. An independent judiciary is central to all of this, which is why who this President picks for appellate and district court judges are also very important.”

Fox echoes Snape’s call to resistance and vigilant public action.

“As the Trump administration ignores science, environmental activists and elected officials will face pressure as we push them to take the threat of climate change seriously,” Fox says.

If we want the environment to thrive, we have to take action. It’s that simple. Show up at town halls. Contact elected officials, because, says Fox, “those who do nothing will be held accountable.”

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The post Is Justice Neil Gorsuch Bad News for the Environment? #NowWhat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Valentine’s Day is full of heartfelt gestures. Although some of those gestures are beautiful, others could damage another thing you love: Planet Earth.

So, we’ve come up with three ways you can show your partner you care that won’t sour your relationship with the planet.

1. Plant blooms

Red roses are gorgeous. But red roses also are expensive and are typically shipped in from another country. And because red roses are the Valentine’s Day show stopper, you can multiply those shipping costs by… a lot.

Instead of buying a dozen red roses, invest in a beautiful pot, some gardening gloves, potting soil, grow lights, and various rose seeds, or a rose start.

Although this gift isn’t traditionally beautiful outright, your partner will enjoy more than a dozen blooms in his or her favorite color once the flowers mature.

In addition to getting more bang for your buck, you could also plan a special day in late spring or early summer to plant the roses. Then, once the seeds or start grows and begin to bloom, you can have a relaxing date outside.

2. Go local

Sure, those stuffed animals that line your local drugstore shelves are cute, but they’re constructed overseas and made from less than sustainable components.

Get your lover a Valentine gift from a local shop, or a sweet treat from a local artisan. Your town most likely is filled with local artists who make intricate, heartfelt Valentine cards, beautiful, handmade jewelry and mouthwatering candies and cakes. After all, who really wants a basic tennis bracelet from a chain jewelry store?

3. Stay in

We’re talking no driving, no ordering take out, and no movie out. Keep your carbon footprint low by buying your Valentine’s day dinner and dessert ingredients when you do your weekly grocery shopping.

Then, on Valentine’s day, get a fire going, light some candles, turn off the lights and enjoy your partner’s company. Consider breaking out board games… or making your own Valentine‘s Day-themed game.

Take the time to reconnect with your favorite person sans electronic distractions. After all, time alone with your lover is never a bad thing.

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Looking for date night ideas that are fun and eco-friendly? We’ve got several must-try recommendations that will get you out of the house and out of a rut.

With busy lives and demanding schedules, we could all use a little more bonding time. Whether you’re looking for date ideas for a special occasion, or suggestions “just because,” we’ve rounded up some recommendations that combine fun with eco-friendly — and you don’t have to be an environmentalist to enjoy them.

The focus is on local activities that support small businesses, reduce carbon footprints, and take advantage of native agriculture. Keeping those three pointers in mind when planning future outings could potentially inspire a long list of spin-offs that will have you trying out a different date every weekend!

1. Go Produce Picking

Most states have some kind of you-pick program that allows locals to capitalize on produce that’s native to the region. Grab your sweetie and some baskets, and head over to the nearest fruit or veggie farm. Options include blueberries, apples, strawberries, peas, broccoli, leeks, and more. Check out this regional harvest calendar and find your state. Oh, and while you’re at it, teach yourselves how to can, preserve, dry, and freeze your harvest at home.

2. Plant-Based Dining

The livestock farming industry is undoubtedly a contributor to global warming and environmental crises all over the nation. And since even the staunchest meat eater can afford to go full-on herbivore every now and then, we suggest eating a plant-based meal on your next date. Most big cities these days have at least one resident vegan or vegetarian restaurant. From raw gourmet cuisine, to comfort-style food that’s full of spices and yummy flavors, there’s bound to be an option to please your taste buds.

3. Volunteer Together

It’s always a good idea to get involved in your community. Volunteering is a great way to meet other like-minded people and work toward a similar goal. As far as date ideas go, register to clean up trash around your town. If you live near the coast, there are often beach-oriented opportunities, and if you live in an urban area, there are often city-wide cleanups that take place. It may not be the most romantic option on this list, but it’s certainly rewarding.

4. Hunt For Treasure

There’s nothing quite like finding a cute little secondhand piece to add to your collection, or stumbling onto an old trunk that would make the perfect coffee table. And when your views align with your significant other, then it’s like all is right and good in the world. That’s why we are encouraging your next date to include hitting up some garage sales, thrift stores, or vintage shops. Make it interesting by having a list of “treasures” that you’re obligated to find along the way. They can be quirky or serious, and making a purchase is completely optional.

5. Get Romantic Outside

There’s nothing quite like fresh air and a natural atmosphere to bring two people together. If it’s snowing in your neck of the woods, then have a snowman (or snowwoman) building contest. Make a game out of it by seeing who can build the best snowman depicting the other person’s likeness. Grab all of the necessary accessories (rocks, props, buttons, twigs, scarves, wigs, etc.) you need to pull it off — and don’t forget the all important photo opp! If it’s warm and sunny where you live (think Florida), then head over the beach with your favorite bottle of organic vino, and watch the sunset together after you each write a surprise heartfelt message in the sand.

6. Visit A Vineyard

If you don’t already, then it’s time to add “frequent a local vineyard” to your list of date ideas. Choosing regional wine helps out local businesses, offers environmental perks, and gives you and your significant other something to do on the weekends. Most places offer tours and wine tastings, while others have regular live entertainment and dining options. Make the most of your visit by staying at a nearby bed and breakfast for two.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our take on fun, eco-friendly date ideas that everyone can enjoy. Get out of the house (and out of that rut), and try something new this weekend! Share your thoughts with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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If you’re ready to help the planet while also improving yourself, then you’re going to love our earth-friendly New Year’s resolutions.

Eating healthier, exercising more, and cutting out the procrastination may be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list; and while we applaud your desire to be a better person (from the inside-out), we implore you to take things one step further by incorporating Mother Nature, too. Not only will our suggestions benefit you, but they’ll also help green your planet in small ways, bringing a greater sense of holistic living to your life.

1. Eat Less Meat

Current figures say that global animal farming is responsible for nearly a third (or almost 30 percent) of all emissions worldwide. Furthermore, in addition to making you healthier, an Oxford Martin School research study finds that a widespread switch to vegetarianism would reduce food-related emissions by 63 percent. Start by participating in Meatless Mondays, and ask yourself if you really need a meat or dairy product present at every meal of the day — three meals a day multiplied by seven days means consuming meat 21 times a week. Not only does this slow digestion, but it also raises cholesterol and causes premature aging.

2. Ditch Plastic Bags

It’s time to ditch the plastic bags in favor of reusable totes – but, like, for real this time. Only around two percent of plastic bags get recycled annually, while the rest just sit, and sit, and sit some more in our landfills and oceans. Throw those cloth bags in the car and keep them there, so you don’t forget them at home, or try something even more practical, like a roomy (and stylish) backpack for carrying on small trips that you can then fill with your merchandise after paying at the register.

3. Upcycle Your Textiles

With the rise of fast fashion (and fast lifestyles), the average citizen now throws away 70 pounds of clothing and textiles each year, which means this waste also accounts for five percent of all landfill space. With numbers like that, it’s important to come up with solutions. Clothing swaps are great (and fun, and free) ways to do away with gently used stuff in your closet, all while having an excuse to get together and drink wine with your girlfriends. And don’t forget about all of the amazing upcycling potential your clothes have.

4. Pledge To Recycle

All it takes is a small step, a little action, to really get things moving in the residential recycling department. For curbside pickup, check with your local ordinance and get the bins you need. Next, head to the store and pick up one extra garbage can to start with, and begin with a product like plastics, or aluminum, or paper, or glass. Just focus on recycling one category to begin with, and watch your passion grow. Apparently, recycling 100 cans could light your bedroom for two weeks. Imaging the difference you could make!

5. Compost Your Scraps

If you make a conscious decision to compost at home, you could break down the egg shells, banana peels, and other organic waste that would otherwise sit contained in a plastic garbage bag sealed off from the earth and soil it could otherwise nourish. This process is as simple as setting up an outside receptacle that fits your needs (the setup is usually the most intensive, if you can call it that), collecting your scraps after cooking (and some other activities), and placing them in the outside bin where they will decompose, rendering you a rich, fertile compound that can be added to your garden.

6. Grow Something Edible

Even if it’s as small as an indoor herb garden, there is real power behind growing your own food. Edible plants and gardens will not only save you money and potentially improve your health, but they offer a sense of accomplishment for your efforts, and help reduce widespread farming issues. Build (or buy) a small raised garden bed outdoors and get to planting, or research all of the delicious herbs and fruits and veggies you can grow indoors — you may be surprised at the (yard-less) possibilities!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions for a cleaner planet and body. As always, we want to know what you think, so be sure to let us know your New Year’s resolutions on the EcoSalon Facebook page! Here’s to a safe, healthy, happy, and greener start to 2017!

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If you’ve ever fantasized about scoring designer duds or great looking clothes for free, then a clothing swap party is your dream come true!

Imagine clearing out your closet only to make room for pieces that fit your persona even more than the last. Believe it or not there’s actually a name for that, and it’s called a clothing swap. Women (and occasionally men) get together and bring their finest duds (and sometimes accessories and household goods, but more on that later) in order to trade with their friends and family, scoring some seriously great looking stuff.

Oh yeah, did I mention it’s free?!  

A clothing swap party may be something you’ve heard about, but never experienced, or something you’ve attended, but never thought you could host yourself. And even if holding a shindig isn’t in the stars for you, you’ll at least know all the ins and outs if you ever find yourself as an invitee.

In order to give you the best advice possible, I’ve teamed up with not one, but two fabulous expert swappers who were kind enough to share their experiences and tips on how to have a stellar clothing swap (or be one heck of a participant).

Why Swap Clothes?

The Council for Textile Recycling reports that textile waste accounts for five percent of all landfill space, and that the average citizen throws away 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles each year. In an attempt to combat this travesty, clothing swap parties have become a viable way to not only reduce waste, but to curb fast fashion spending while also saving you some serious money.

On top of all that already great stuff, it’s also the perfect excuse to get together with your girlfriends! Taryn Hipwell, founder of Beyond the Label, and clothes swapper aficionado, fondly recounts one of her first party experiences.

“I remember the first time I heard about a clothing swap. It was about ten years ago,” she says.

‘By the end of the week I had already invited all my friends (and so did my sister). Twenty women with all different body types showed up. My sister and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment and we literally had to lay out the clothing in every room on every bed, chair, table and inch of floor. There was wine involved. When I yelled ‘Go!’ there was a lot of running, shouting and half naked women ravaging through the piles of treasures.”

What’s Different?

At first glance this may not seem much different than hitting your local thrift store, but there’s so much more to gain (and give) when you opt for a clothing swap party over secondhand shopping.

“When you surround yourself with others who share your values, you’re more likely to maintain that momentum and let it impact other areas of your life as well,” says Jill Ettinger, Senior Editor of EcoSalon, and expert clothes swapper. “When you hear a woman say how thrilled she is about something another woman was just hoarding in her closet, it really makes you feel happy for them both–the letting go and the joy of discovery are experiences we just don’t get at Forever21. There’s not just a sustainability aspect to swapping, there’s a real magic to it as well.”

Who Should Go?

Not everyone is going to be the same size at a clothing swap party, which is why it’s important to diversify your guest list so that the size 4, size 8, and size 12 have others to exchange with. Choose trusted members of your circle, or create a Facebook or Meetup clothes swap group as Jill suggests. She says this way “you can announce your needs ahead of the swap, like ‘really looking for a pencil skirt, size 8,’” and hopefully your comrades will come through before the event.

It’s up to you whether you want it to be a girls only night or a co-ed event, but inviting people who understand the rules set forth for your particular party is a must. In addition to following the rules, you may find that you break some of your own. As Jill pointed out, “What’s also nice is that a same-size swapper might have a different style than your normal go-to style, which can encourage you to be a bit adventurous and try on a new look.”

What Should I Bring?

Opinions may differ greatly when it comes to this question, so ultimately it’s up to you as the host to set forth what is desired, or the swap’s theme if you’re just attending. Sometimes it’s clothes-only, other times accessories, shoes, and handbags are allowed, and some swaps are free-for-alls when it comes to the theme.

Taryn has this mantra, “Some people may request that you only bring gently used clothing in good condition. I encourage people to bring the good, the bad and the ugly too.” She has a ritual of donating the leftover clothing from the swap, and if it’s unwearable, it goes to a place called I:CO (or I Collect) where “the bad and the ugly can be ground up and made into carpet padding and insulation.”

Jill feels much the same way in that if it’s not in great condition, then you need to have a plan for how to properly donate less than savory items (or be kind to your host and leave them at home). She says, “While there may be slight differences or rules to a swap, generally you want to bring your best stuff. If it’s ripped, stained, or just a completely exhausted piece of clothing, turn it into rags or another DIY, rather than landfill it.”

And she notes it’s important to try and fine those alternate uses for unwearables rather than pack them up for a Goodwill run.

“Don’t send your tattered un-wearables to thrift stores, either,” says Jill. “Because the fast fashion industry is producing so much low-quality stuff, thrift stores are over capacity and often with the unwearable, ripped, and stained stuff.”

You’ll be happy to know that that season doesn’t matter, so bring those sweaters in the spring, and tanks in the winter. If it’s a great piece, the weather won’t affect its tradeability.

Where Should I have It?

Both Taryn and Jill have expressed that solo hosting can be tough — there’s a lot of prep involved — so if you’re going to have it at your house, which is a great (and free) option, then you may want to turn it into a co-hosted clothing swap party. Setting everything up can be a bit much, but if you think of the community building, friendship nurturing, and do-gooding that’s being forged by your efforts, you’ll probably find that it’s totally worth it.

Taryn suggests being super organized by creating space for piles, moving furniture, and making signs for different categories, like pants, skirts, jackets, etc. She also recommends including liberal amounts of wine — not only is it the perfect ice breaker, but it can really get your guests feeling giddy and excited. Rock, paper, scissors is something she’s familiar with utilizing during a swap, as it can be the deciding factor when two women want the same thing.

Jill recommends using social media to get the word out about your event, and to give guests time (around three to four weeks) to clear their schedules. She says eight to ten people are needed to comprise a successful home-based swap, but you can have large (100+ people) swaps at community centers. Whatever you decide, don’t forget the refreshments, and some time to shop for yourself — like Jill says, “Nothing’s worse than hosting a swap and not coming away with something special for yourself!”

Swap During the Holidays?

The holidays may be a busy time — perhaps too busy to plan a clothing swap (although this seems like a great family gathering theme in lieu of presents), but as Jill pointed out, these events are superb ways to kick off the New Year. Host yours in January so you can clean out that closet (resolution #1), work on being more stylish (resolution #2), and save some money (resolution #3).

Taryn has great suggestions on how to turn a holiday clothing swap into a charitable event, so pre-plan for next year (or anytime, really). She recommends contacting your local shelter to create a swap based around others’ needs, hosting a holiday party themed swap to collect prom or homecoming dresses for girls who need them, or having a business clothing themed swap for an organization like Dress for Success.

There you have it, friends — here’s (almost) everything you need to host your very own clothing swap. That, or be one heck of an awesome attendee. Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post Clothing Swap 101: Everything You Need to Know to Host Your Own appeared first on EcoSalon.