Winter socks matter. A lot.

It’s almost officially winter. What feels the cold sting of the season in the morning more than our delicate little toes?

We need socks. Winter socks. Slipping them on over icy feet can transform a moment.

Curled up on the couch under a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa is such a delightful winter experience. But only if your feet are toasty warm in a pair of winter socks. They’re like foot hugs from Santa or your Grandma or Ryan Gosling (that one’s a total guess).

The right pair of winter socks makes boots and shoes feel less like rubber-soled ice packs and more like…cozy heat insulators.

Sure, you can wear any old socks in winter, but it’s not the same. Those short little ankle socks are better than nothing. But they won’t give you that same feeling as knee-high, fuzzy and fab winter socks.

Slip on a pair of warm, winter socks first thing in the morning and see if your mood isn’t elevated. Keep a pair at your desk to slip over stockings. Double up and wear two pairs of socks just because you can.

Looking for the perfect pair of winter socks? Try these:

Cozy up in PACT’s organic cotton Confetti Stripe socks. Just looking at them makes me wish it would snow in Los Angeles.

These patchwork socks, also from PACT, are organic and scream “toasty toes!” Why can’t every winter day be a cold, snowy Sunday afternoon?

Cable-knit organic crew socks are like the boyfriend jeans for toes. Comfy, cozy and make you feel like he’s around even when he’s gone skiing for the weekend.

Lorenzo Uomo’s organic striped socks are so adorable they’ll make you wish wearing socks as shoes was socially acceptable.

Ted Baker’s color block socks are on trend and made with organic cotton.

Keep your toes warm and give your knees a little love with these over-the-knee socks from PACT, made with organic cotton.

You can check out all of the cozy socks here too:

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

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9 Stylishly Cool Leggings to Keep You Warm All Winter Long

Image: paul codington

The post An Ode to Winter Socks   appeared first on EcoSalon.

The EcoSalon Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box is here! 

Embrace fall’s cooler weather and shorter days with EcoSalon’s Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box. Trust me, you do not want to miss this one. As Senior Editor of EcoSalon, I see a lot of amazing products. But the eleven brands I have pulled together here are a cut above the rest, offering some truly unique and fabulous finds with a focus on Fair Trade, organic and just plain fantastic benefits. This box is worth more than $544! It’s all yours for just $129 + free shipping. (For you math geeks, that’s a 76 percent savings!)

SOLD OUT!

Get ready for Fair Trade Month (next month!) with some of these gorgeous fall fashion finds, skin care products to keep you glowing through the change of seasons, and some really good for you herbal products to balance you through the transition into winter.

There are only 40 Boxes available. Well, make that 39, because I am buying the first one, dear readers! So we have 39 Fair Trade and Fabulous Boxes for you. (I’m even thinking about buying a second one for holiday gifts!)

Beginning Monday, September 8th, we will reveal three to four brands per day. The Box will go on sale Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 8 o’clock am Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast. The holiday season is just around the corner too, so buy several of these for truly unique and meaningful gifts. Check back daily to see the latest reveals. Read on to discover today’s products! 

 INDIGENOUS Fair Trade Organic Tassel Scarf

Made from the softest, pillowy 100 percent Organic Cotton on the market, this cozy scarf will keep you warm and stylish all through the fall and winter seasons and will quickly become your favorite accessory. From INDIGENOUS, the leaders in Fair Trade and organic clothing supporting artisan communities around the world. Feel absolutely luxe inside and out with this fall must. Nobody does organic and Fair Trade like INDIGENOUS. Color: Mink Brown.

Retail Value $99

AHNU Women’s Karma Textile Shoes (Gift Card)

The Karma Textile shoe provides a fun, new update in a pretty canvas textile for your favorite active slipon, only from Ahnu. Crafted in the USA from imported materials, this vegan silhouette offers style and comfort without compromising any aspect of yogachic. These travelfriendly flats are made for all-day wear, from running errands to traveling the world. The stretchy back heel provides a secure fit while making them easy to pack. The sculpted EVA footbed is wrapped in a vegan microfiber suede to offer a soft feel with every step. Each Ahnu purchase goes to supporting noteworthy charitable causes including the Wilderness Land Trust and Soles4Souls. Pick your color and size with a gift card to Ahnu.

Retail Value $90

AKOLA PROJECT Demi Paper Bead Necklace 

An Ethiopian hand-cast metal pendant plated with nickel/brass and hung on three strands of hand-rolled paper beads. Made with care by the dignified women of Akola, this Fair Trade necklace hangs approximately 34″ and comes in a linen bag. Don’t know about Akola yet? The company is a nonprofit and a business empowering women around the world with projects like the necklace you’re about to wear with a smile. It’s truly inspiring work that is redefining beauty and business. Colors vary: chartreuse, orchid or fig.

Retail Value $86 

SKINAGAIN Youth 

This is no ordinary anti-aging treatment. With a powerful blend of high-potency actives, SkinAgain’s Youth crème has been proven to immediately and noticeably diminish the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone and loss of elasticity. Look to Youth as an effective ally in restoring your skin’s natural suppleness. Perfect for any sun damage incurred over the summer and perfect for protecting your skin from the dry, blustery fall weather that’s on the way in.

Retail Value $64

FROM THE LAB Rejuvenating Face Cream, Under Eye Treatment and Hydrating Lip Primer 

Indulge your skin with From the Lab’s luxurious hydration and clinically-proven results. Rich and luscious, Rejuvenating Face Cream No. 594 revolutionizes skin care, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots within weeks. Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to reveal smoother, firmer skin with No. 594, then follow with our exclusive pair of primers to effortlessly enhance your natural beauty.  Illuminating Under Eye Treatment No. 628 and Hydrating Lip Primer No. 629 feature an ultra-hydrating blend of raspberry stem cells coupled with groundbreaking technology to deliver the next generation of “under makeup” skin prep.

Every woman deserves access to luxury beauty at an affordable price.  While comparable products are valued at $240 or more, From the Lab’s direct-to-consumer model delivers uncompromised quality and efficacy without the unnecessary costs, and all of From the Lab’s selections showcase clean ingredients that are cruelty-free, animal-free, and free of harmful irritants and additions.

Retail Value $59.85

BUFF HER HOUSE OF EXFOLIATION Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Facial Scrub

Buff Her House of Exfoliation are the makers of unique exfoliating food facial scrubs, handcrafted from natural and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Their adorable (and radically important!) motto is “Feed Your Freakin’ Face”! Buff Her believes the exfoliating or buffing process should be gentle, cleansing and really fun. To ensure that your skin loves this product, every ingredient is easily recognizable and natural, with proven skin beautifying and exfoliating benefits. (Sorry, those drool-worthy cookies not included! But you can make some scrumptious oatmeal cookie nibbles while you exfoliate.)

Retail Value $35

PACT Windmil Geometric Print Fair Trade Organic Leggings

Windmill geometric print for Fall 2014 in PACT’s signature long legging flattering fit. PACT leggings maintain their shape all day long and are super soft and comfortable with a perfectly cut rise (just below the belly button), and a wide waistband that doesn’t roll.

These adorable Fair Trade leggings are 95% organic cotton / 5% elastane. No pesticides, no fertilizers, no bleaches, no sweatshops, no nasty stuff at all. PACT’s organic cotton is grown using inputs and methods that have a low impact on the environment. This is the highest quality, long staple cotton blended with elastane; resulting in a durable, pill resistant fabric with excellent stretch and recovery that washes well.

Machine washable. Fits true to size. So soft and comfortable, you won’t want to put your pants on. Sizes vary.

Retail Value $34

LOGONA Mascara Volume No. 2

LOGONA mascaras can give your lashes luscious, expressive volume or a subtle, more natural look. In addition to making you look your best, your lashes are nourished with a natural anti aging complex of organic cranberry, organic apple seed and organic brown algae extract. In addition, they contain a unique blend of precious gems such as amethyst, amber and rock crystal – LOGONA’s treasure chest of knowledge and experience for your perfect look.

Like all LOGONA products, the Mascaras meet the strict standards for NaTrue certified natural cosmetics. They are completely free from synthetic colors, fragrance or preservatives. They contain no petroleum based ingredients and are made with plant oils and extracts from organic cultivation. Of course, no LOGONA products are ever tested on animals and are PETA approved cruelty free. Colors black or brown.

Retail Value $22

I AM LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS: Energized, Focused, Happy, Sleepy and Skinny

Herbal, Vitamin & Super-Fruit Formulas for Personal Transformation

I AM Liquid Supplements were created to allow you to quickly transform your body and states of mind, while nourishing yourself on a cellular level. Inspired by the classical principles of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine, I AM refined that time-tested wisdom with the most advanced breakthroughs in nutritional science. These unique formulas combine the finest quality vitamins and minerals with wild-crafted, nutrient-rich botanicals – carefully extracted through a proprietary full spectrum process.

Lightly flavored and naturally sweetened without sugar, each I AM Liquid Supplement offers a unique tea-like taste experience with only five calories per bottle. You’ll enjoy freedom from artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors and gluten* – and experience the nurturing power of positive, life-enhancing ingredients.

I AM LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS. Simple. Delightful. Designed for your busy life.

Retail Value: $3.99/bottle ($19.95 total value)

LIVING LIBATIONS Maiden Fern Blushing Balm

Maiden Fern Blushing Balm will make you blush – literally! Living Libations’ innovative blush naturally increases circulation to the cheeks and lips, delivering a playful, rosy hue where you need it most. Maiden Fern Blushing Balm is the blush that blushes you. Warming botanicals increase circulation, bringing vitality to lips and cheeks. This natural blush’s warm, rosy hue is gorgeous on any skin tone.

This tint has been enriched with extractions of juicy roots, replenishing seabuckthorn berries, and special essential oils. All Pure Organic and/or Wildcrafted Ingredients: Golden jojoba, seabuckthorn berry, happy beeswax, stone root, rose otto, neroli, lavender, immortelle, carrot, ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, cayenne, and turmeric essential oils.

Full-bodied lips, fresh blush, and a dewy disposition are yours thanks to Maiden Fern Blushing Balm.

Retail Value $20

THREADS 4 THOUGHT Vera Neck Long Sleeve Organic V-Neck Tee

The Vera V Neck is Threads 4 Thought’s basic long sleeve V neck tee. Made from super soft organic cotton and recycled polyester, it’s the perfect basic tee for cooler nights that’s both comfortable and flattering. Slim fitting, with a gorgeous neckline and hem that hits below the hip, this simple, elegant tee can be worn to yoga, over a pair of jeans, or with a print skirt for versatile anywear style. Threads 4 Thought applies Fair Trade practices to its supplier and worker relationships, cultivating ethical and fashionable style. Colors vary: white, black, empress and pacific. Size: medium.

Retail Value $15

Total Value for the Fair Trade and Fabulous Fall Box: $544.80

Sale Price: $129 + free shipping! That’s a 76 percent savings. Seriously! Order now. They will sell out.

SOLD OUT

Offer good anywhere in the continental U.S. International shipping is not available at this time. Buy, one, two, or three boxes! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Goodie Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase. 

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

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The post The Fair Trade & Fabulous Fall Box is Here appeared first on EcoSalon.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than by wearing the color of love — bright red. It’s a hue that keeps coming back in style, year after year, making it good for investment pieces. It’s actually been shown that we are more attracted to people who wear red. True or not, February 14 would be the perfect time to put that theory to the test.

1. Patchuli Jelly Wedge Sandals by Melissa
These red-hot wedges by Brazilian label Melissa are made from sculpted, durable PVC. The navy blue ankle strap and sole contrast nicely with the bright red of the shoe. Wearing these, you’re ready for anything from a hot date to a walk in the rain.
$145, Saks Fifth Avenue

2. Priti NYC Nail Polish in Japanese Rose
A super easy way to incorporate some red into your life for Valentine’s Day is to simply change your polish. This color, called Japanese Rose, is a semi-sheer, fiery rose red that will look hot on anyone. Priti NYC’s polishes are all made without any nasty chemicals, so you can feel good about having that special guy kiss your hand.
$13.50, Priti NYC

3. Monogrammed Drawstring Jewelry Pouch by Clare Vivier
Treat your jewelry (and yourself) right by getting a nice case to store your favorite pieces in. This drawstring pouch by Clare Vivier is ethically made by hand in Los Angeles. Customizing it with gold-embossed initials adds that special touch that makes something a true keepsake.
$70, Clare Vivier

4. Peace Cord Hope Red Bracelet
Handmade with red braided parachute cord and a silver frosted button emblazoned with “ARZU means Hope,” this bracelet is a gift that gives twice. Your purchase directly helps create employment opportunities for the female artisans in Afghanistan who make them, under fair labor conditions. If you don’t love red, there are plenty of other colors to choose from as well.
$15, Peace Cord

5. Baggu Medium Leather Bag
Although if features the same simple shape as Baggu’s popular grocery bags, this version is made, in New York City, from soft natural milled leather. It’s a fancy version of your favorite carry-all, and comfortably fits over the shoulder.
$112, Baggu

6. Tomato Pointelle Ankle Sock by PACT
PACT’s spring collection is inspired by getting back to our roots and features designs symbolizing the heritage of farming. (And they’ve also launched a crowdfunding campaign for urban school gardens.) Made from single-sourced organic cotton in GOTS certified factories, these socks are as comfy and conscious as they come. Try wearing them with your favorite pair of heels.
$8, PACT

Images courtesy of the designers and labels featured. Collages by Johanna Björk.

The post On Trend: 6 Gorgeous Reds for Valentine’s Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

Help crowdfund one of 100 sustainable school gardens in urban areas across the country.

As crowdfunding is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, it’s easier than ever to support causes that we truly believe in like giving children access to fresh food and teaching them about the importance of healthy eating through school gardens.

This month, Whole Kids Foundation, PACT, and Indiegogo have teamed up to help fund 100 sustainable school gardens in urban areas across the US. The Urban Gardens Across America campaign enables donors to fund the garden project (or projects) of their choice through the world’s largest crowdfunding platform to help give the children tools that will empower then throughout their lives.

School gardens brings this kind of nutritional education straight to the children and serve as living laboratories for education. Today, only 2 percent of American children eat enough fruits and vegetables, and 1 in 3 American children born after 2000 is at risk for Type II diabetes. A garden is an introduction to what it takes to produce real, healthy food — from seed to plate. With more than 80 percent of Americans living in cities and suburbs, further away from farms and food production, it’s more important than ever to teach children the values of natural processes.

The goal is to raise $2,500 for each garden in just 39 days. For a contribution as small as $10, you can help feed, teach, and inspire people in each of these 100 communities. With every contribution, donors will receive great perks from mission-driven organic apparel brand PACT, including ethically made undies, socks and tees. To support the campaign, PACT has designed a garden-inspired collection of socks, tanks, T-shirts, leggings and underwear. “Our Spring 2013 collection reflects our dedication to the urban farms movement from our Farm Stripes to our Blossom prints,” says Jeff Denby, owner of PACT. “We are excited to connect PACT with urban farms across the country and raise awareness of the importance of eating healthy foods.”

The Whole Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, will provide additional support for each garden, like online garden planning tools and organic seeds to help build or expand each urban garden. “Gardening helps create a tangible experience that connects parents and kids to real food and helps inspires healthier eating habits,” said Nona Evans, executive director for Whole Kids Foundation.

“It’s inspiring to know that a mission-driven foundation, brand and crowdfunding platform can not only do good together, but we can also empower people to take action and influence what happens in their local communities,” said Danae Ringelmann, Co-Founder of Indiegogo.

To engage the community and rally support around these campaigns, each one is led by a “PACTivist” who acts as an advocate for a particular garden. I am honored to represent the garden at Meiners Oaks Elementary School in Ojai, CA. It’s a great example of a successful school garden, as nearly 70 percent of 1st-6th graders choose to participate. Every Wednesday, budding gardeners help with tasks like planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, sifting compost, and saving seeds, but also get to enjoy the fruits of their labor by making raw tacos and snacking on garden fresh veggies.

The Gardens Across America campaign runs until February 28. Help us support the Meiners Oaks garden or find one in your community.

photography from Meiners Oaks Elementary, all by Timothy Teague

The post PACT, Indiegogo & Whole Kids Are Crowdfunding School Gardens Across America appeared first on EcoSalon.

Today, we celebrate the 4th of July and the USA by highlighting some of the great design that is also made here on our home turf.

This week is all about celebrating the United States of America (and BBQs, of course), and we do that by highlighting some of the great design that is done here on our home turf. Manufacturing in the U.S. creates jobs and cuts carbon emissions from shipping, so be a patriot and support your local designers. Here are a few of our stars and stripes-themed favorites.

Amour Vert Paquerette Navy/White Stripes Tube Top
We never thought we’d wear tube tops again, but suddenly they feel kind of right, especially on a hot summer day, paired with a high-waisted skirt. This striped one, by Amour Vert is made in the USA from soft bamboo.
$34, Amour Vert

Amour Vert Audrey White Buttoned Skirt
This sailor-inspired mini skirt goes perfectly with a striped tube top (see above). The fun button-detailing in the front give it that slight nautical feel, while the side pockets and clean silhouette keep it classy. Made in the USA, from organic cotton.
$99, Amour Vert

Hovey Lee Stella Stars Necklace
If there are stripes, there must be stars. This dramatic statement necklace features large metal star charms hanging from a large brass chain, all made with reclaimed metal. The charms are hollow to make it easy to wear. You can make it work double-duty by wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. Hovey Lee jewelry is designed and made in Los Angeles, always from natural, reclaimed and fair trade materials.
$158, Hovey Lee

PACT Bikini Handpainted Stars Bikini
OK, so these star-spangled organic undies are not actually made in the USA, but in a fair trade factory in Turkey. PACT’s new stars and stripes-themed collection was, however, inspired by a hunky Texas farmer named Mason Arnold, with proceeds benefiting the Sustainable Food Center, which provides families in low-income communities with access to healthy local food. That just seems kind of patriotic to us.
$20, PACT

American Apparel Unisex Swim Trunk
American Apparel has been the mainstream poster child of bringing local manufacturing to downtown LA, which we think is pretty cool. We just wish they would commit to organic fabrics too. These mid-length unisex swim shorts have vented legs, a drawstring waist and come in a variety of different colors.
$34, American Apparel

Giant Dwarf Astral Crown
Celebrate independence day by channeling lady liberty with this headpiece made from German glass glitter (which is pure silver and real glass shards). There’s no way you can avoid having fun wearing this. Astral Crowns are an original Giant Dwarf design – each piece is carefully crafted and assembled by hand, with lots of love and sparkles.
$48, Olivine

Edith A. Miller Cotton Boatneck Striped 3/4 Tee
This classic boatneck tee is as timeless as it is all-American – a perfect summer wardrobe staple. The versatile knits by Edith A. Miller are all made in a 100-year-old mill in Reading, Pennsylvania, which originally specialized in making men’s undershirts. In late 2010, former investment banker Nancy Gibson and designer Jennifer Murray convinced the mill to start making women’s shirts, which have ever since been a favorite of stylish women everywhere.
$70, Bird

The post Made in the USA: Stars & Stripes appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s fashion columnist and recent West Coast transplant Johanna Björk shows us how she plans to accessorize her favorite washed-out gray denim and white tank this summer.

Ever wondered how our editors channel this season’s trends to complement the favorite pieces in their own wardrobes? Well, look no further. Today the time has come for me to show you how I plan to style two of my go-two basics for the summer. My style is all over the place, but when I don’t know what to wear I always come back to those great basics with a proven track-record. That perfect shade of washed-out gray denim is hard to come by, these have been perfected by decades of wear and what I really love about them is that they are ankle-length – totally right for summer. I’ve always preferred tanks over tees, and that’s something I am sticking to this summer, with a perfect white tank from PACT.

All I need is some great accessories, comfy flats and a classic striped sweater to keep me warm through those sometimes chilly California nights.

Organic by John Patrick Perforated Stripe Pullover
A classic striped sweater is something every girl should have in her wardrobe. This one has perforation details that give it a great sporty vibe that’s totally on trend for summer. Made from 100% Superfine merino wool it will keep me warm once the sun sets too.
$255, Organic by John Patrick

Greenpacha Panama Color Rose Hat
I love a good hat and am not afraid to wear it. This one by Greenpacha Hats for a Better World has a great blush pink color that will go well with all those summer lights and neutrals I intend to wear instead of my usual black and gray uniform. Made by artisans in Ecuador from sustainably harvested Toquilla palm straw. Greenpacha also donates 2% of sales back to the weaving communities
$87.50, Fashioning Change

Bricks and Silver Necklace by Natalie Frigo
When wearing an otherwise simple outfit, I like to dress it up with a statement necklace, like this one. Made by hand in designer Natalie Frigo’s NYC studio from ethically sourced black tourmaline beads with silver on an adjustable ultra-suede strap.
$180, Natalie Frigo

Rikar Flat Sandal by Coclico
When it comes to shoes, I tend to gravitate toward those sky-high showpieces that one ends up wearing just a few times. What can I say? I just love a good high heel. This summer, however, I have promised my feet to invest in a really great pair of flat sandals. These nude-colored leather ones from Coclico are great contenders.
$325, Juno & Jove

Marilu Belt by Brave Leather
All I really want for summer is a wide Celine-style belt that sits low on the hip. It will instantly propel even the most boring outfit into fashionville and is super-easy to wear. I love the minimalistic elegance of this one, by Brave Leather – hand crafted in Canada by skilled craftspeople, in a safe, ethical factory.
$125, Brave Leather

The post EcoSalon Editor’s Picks: Johanna Björk appeared first on EcoSalon.

We’ve picked out five perfect tees that work with anything from jeans to dressy skirts.

The T-shirt is one of our most beloved closet staples. You can wear it year-round, and it works as well with jeans as it does with a dressy skirt, so investing in a really good tee is something we all should make a point of doing. Why have ten T-shirts that you kind of like when you can have one you absolutely love? Paring it down by making smart choices is one of the pillars of sustainable style. To help you along, we’ve picked out five consciously created tees we adore.

The Perfect V-Neck Tee by PACT
Aptly named, this T-shirt by organic underwear brand PACT is made from a proprietary blend of premium organic cotton and super-soft modal. It features raw-edge hem detailing and is perfect for everyday wear.
$30, PACT

Essential Lyocell V-Neck by Covet
Basic, but definitely not boring, this tee by Covet has a v-neck and buttoned pocket on one side of the chest. It’s made from lyocell, a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. Like all Covet’s pieces, it’s made in a socially and environmentally conscious factory.
On sale for $39.95, Future:Standard

Easy Scoop by Topo Ranch
Made from a luxe blend of 50% organic supima cotton and 50% organic modal, this tee by Venice, California-based Topo Ranch comes in a light shade of blue that is a great alternative to white. A pocket and sleeve detail give this tee a more polished look, perfect for pairing with tailored pants or a patterned pencil skirt.
$44, Topo Ranch

Urban Tee by Groceries
If you like a slouchier fit, this tee by LA-based Groceries is a perfect option. Made from a blend of 60% hemp and 40% Organic cotton it’s also easy on the environment. Pair it with more fitted bottoms to avoid looking shapeless.
$26, Future:Standard

Lyle Tee by Koch
If you’re more of a minimalist and like your pants and skirts to be dark in color and simple in style, try a tee with a few simple details that add visual interest and personality. This graphite stripe tee in a light gray color, from Dallas-based label Koch is a great alternative, featuring rounded side-slits and a flattering scoop neck.
$112. Juno & Jove

The post On Trend: Five Perfect Tees appeared first on EcoSalon.

The AIGA (Re)Design awards celebrate the best in sustainable design.

On Thursday night, the winners of the AIGA (Re)Design Awards, a competition celebrating the best in sustainable design, were presented at the (Re)Design Extravaganza at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Underneath a handsome Stegosaurus specimen in the museum’s new Dinosaur Hall, guests could admire the winning work up close.

The (Re)Design Awards were started by the Colorado chapter of the AIGA in 2009, and was from the beginning, designed to be a traveling competition. This year, the L.A. chapter got their chance to represent. Stan Evenson, who co-chaired the competition with his wife Tricia, told me how far he thinks we have come: “As long as 15 years ago or so I remember speaking to our clients about sustainability practices and feeling I was considered slightly left of Communism when I would bring the subject up. Today, it’s very different since designers are more conscious than ever, understanding that our planet is headed on a collision course with nature if we continue wearing ‘design blinders.’ There is no room in our landfills to handle this oversight. It’s a great opportunity to encourage sustainability and social responsibility in our design solutions.”

The competition had two main categories: Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility. Within those two, each had subcategories for Individual/Agency, Student, For Profit Corporation and Non Profit Corporation.

Interestingly, two firms sweeped their categories, Method in Environmental Responsibility, For Profit, and SoftFirm Studios in Social Responsibility, For Profit. A handful of the winning entries were clients with “living” in their name (Living Principles, Living Cities, Living Buildings and Living Light), perhaps this is the new buzz word in the environmental field?

Environmental Sustainability: Individual/Agency: 1st Place: University of Hawaii, School of Architecture, Identity System by Design Workshop, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Environmental Sustainability: Individual/Agency: 2nd Place: PUMA Clever Little Bag by fuseproject.

Environmental Sustainability: Individual/Agency: 3rd Place: Living Principles Community Website by Tomorrow Partners.

Environmental Sustainability: Student: 1st Place: Chinese Character Practice Book—No Print Book by Li Xu.

Environmental Sustainability: Student: 2nd Place: Sustainability Guide by Erin Harp.

Environmental Sustainability: Student: 3rd Place: Balanza Verde: Educational Waste Management Unit for Elementary Schools by Alëna Konyk.

Environmental Sustainability: For Profit: 1st Place: Method Refills by Method Products Inc.—In-House Creative.

Environmental Sustainability: For Profit: 2nd Place: Method Greenskeeping Tool Kit by Method Products Inc.—In-House Creative.

Environmental Sustainability: For Profit: 3rd Place: Method Laundry Detergent by Method Products Inc.—In-House Creative.

Environmental Sustainability: Non Profit: 1st Place: Living Light by The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Team Living Light.

Environmental Sustainability: Non Profit: 2nd Place: A Zero Carbon, Handmade Stationery by Luce Beaulieu.

Environmental Sustainability: Non Profit: 3rd Place: GreenBlue Brand Identity by GreenBlue In-House Creative.

The range of entries was extremely diverse, from design students to seasoned designers and agencies. Entries included everything from the design of an undersea monitoring unit that studies decaying coral reefs, to a non-printed book with die-cutting and embossing that teaches the blind Chinese characters, to underwear products and packaging that gives 10% of profit back to charities, uses 100% organic, locally farmed cotton and sources packaging entirely within a 100 mile radius. Other projects that were entered included detergent packaging, a portable and reusable homeless shelter, an identity system for the University of Hawaii School of Architecture and a website for the creative community to share and showcase best practices, tools, stories and ideas for sustainability thinking. There was a fine line dividing sustainability and social responsibility and many times it just truly blended perfectly which made the judging challenging.

“I was impressed by the range of sustainable and socially innovative strategies shown by many of the entries,” says Naomi Pearson, one of five judges faced with the task of selecting winners from a strong set of submissions. “Especially impressive were entries that tackled both environmental (and human) health and social responsibility, given that these two issues are so closely linked.”

As an active practitioner in the field of graphic design, it is indeed nice to see that designers are starting to look beyond recycled paper and water-based inks, and instead looking carefully at the bigger picture. Sometimes sustainable design can be about coming up with smarter solutions and producing less stuff for the same amount of impact. And you don’t have to work for big-name clients like Method to do great, sustainable design.

Social Responsibility: Individual/Agency: 1st Place: PACT underwear by fuseproject.

Social Responsibility: Individual/Agency: 2nd Place: HERproject Toolbuilder by Tomorrow Partners.

Social Responsibility: Individual/Agency: 3rd Place: Verbien “See Better to Learn Better” by fuseproject.

Social Responsibility: Student: 1st Place: Fresh Fest New Orleans Poster by Azu Romá.

Social Responsibility: Student: 2nd Place: Helping Hands Guides by Karen Villalba and Kelsey Anderson.

Social Responsibility: Student: 3rd Place: Cupcaked by Derek Maxfield.

Social Responsibility: For Profit: 1st Place: Living City Design Competition by SoftFirm Studios.

Social Responsibility: For Profit: 2nd Place: Cascadia Programming Guide by SoftFirm Studios.

Social Responsibility: For Profit: 3rd Place: International Living Building Institute Identity by SoftFirm Studios.

Social Responsibility: Non Profit: 1st Place: cause/affect: Make Your Mark poster by Kristen Bouvier and Arvi Raquel-Santos.

Social Responsibility: Non Profit: 2nd Place: Cardborigami, Inc. by Tina Hovsepian (who I got to assist putting up her clever cardboard shelter).

Social Responsibility: Non Profit: 3rd Place: Inner-City Arts Website by Kim Baer.

“The (Re)design Awards competition encourages inclusivity for every level of designer, from student to professional, and from non-profit organizations to for-profit corporations in all disciplines of design including Graphic and Product Design, Multi-Media, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Architecture, and we believe our mission was successful,” says Stan Evenson. “Bringing this competition from national to worldwide, we were thrilled to have entries from 14 different countries and throughout the U.S., that featured great design thinking with purpose and substance in the categories of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”

“I decided I wanted to do something to help the homeless,” says Tina Hovsepian about her school project Cardborigami. “It boiled down to the basic human necessity of shelter. I played with materials, ended up with cardboard, played with origami and picked this form that became the shell.” Hovsepian’s school project has since evolved to a non-profit, in the stages of funding. “I really believe that design can do a lot,” she says. “Everything we learn through our rigorous training can be used for good. Green design is definitely the way to go.”

“Thursday’s gala event was all about celebrating sustainability and social responsibility,” says Evenson. “We need to have the wiliness and conviction to make a difference on this planet by doing well, by doing good. And while doing that… take time to celebrate great design thinking for these two critical issues of our lifetime.”

Maybe design can’t save the world, but it can facilitate a great deal of important change, and that power should never be underestimated.

The post The AIGA (Re)Design Awards Celebrates the Best in Sustainable Design appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sustainable style news from EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor.

Modal T— There’s not much point to a t-shirt, environmentally-friendly or not, if it doesn’t hold its shape or last a long time. Jeff Denby, founder of San Francisco based PACT organic underwear, took his considered approach to making undies and applied it to the task of reinventing that other wardrobe essential, the t-shirt. Launching PACT shirts this month with a stellar line of tanks, V-necks, and crew-necks, the secret to Pact’s perfect tees is their proprietary blend of premium organic cotton and super-durable and soft modal. Not only are the subtle design details perfectly placed, but they’re perfectly pitched. For every PACT t-shirt purchased you’ll be making a positive impact on the world. This latest venture will continue PACT’S fundraising efforts to support over 150 artists with disabilities at Oakland’s Creative Growth Art Center.

Chez Borja — For most of us mixing wine with fashion results in taking home a little more fashion than we maybe intended. Luckily for us, Berkeley designer and knitwear extraordinaire, Cari Borja’s recent vacation to the Barolo wine region of Italy simply inspired her to make more gorgeous clothes. Joining her Chez Panisse tribute collection, inspired by her internship in the Chez Panisse kitchen, Borja added a second “pairing” collection of gowns and coats based on her favorite Italian wines to go with the main meal and dessert. Raise a toast to both collections this weekend at a dedicated pop-up store and reception for the designer at The Gardener store on Berkley’s Fourth Street.

Fashion Frenzy – Music and fashion together is always a collaboration worth checking out. Add to that some irresistible sketches of bears, boats and trees and you’ve got a super appealing fashion item to keep you cool all through California’s Indian summer and beyond. Los Angeles’ favorite green lifestyle brand, Alternative Apparel have enlisted A Fine Frenzy’s Alison Sudol to design three limited edition tees for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Alternative will donate a portion of sales from each tee purchase to the IUCN, for which Alison serves as a goodwill ambassador. To kick off the partnership, catch Sudol at the line’s launch event at their flagship Venice store on August 20th.

The post Eco Style West Vol. 22 appeared first on EcoSalon.