This spring, you might be wearing the latest in denim fashion trends courtesy of Levi’s: used plastic bottles.

“These jeans are made of garbage” is the pitch line Levi Strauss is using for its latest denim line, Waste‹Less, which uses eight brown or green plastic bottles to make every pair of the jeans. Unveiled last fall, the jeans are hitting stores as part of spring denim collections and range in price from $69 to $128—quite a bit for wearable garbage, but still a comparable price for a pair of good quality jeans.

Twenty percent of every pair of the Waste‹Less jeans are made from entirely recycled plastic materials, and store displays will feature crushed soda bottles to help illustrate the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Levi Strauss was once known as the workingman’s brand of durable denim capable of standing up to hard labor, whether on the farm or in the factory. The company now wants to be known as the sustainability brand, working awareness into every aspect of the business. And as the biggest jean maker in the world (sales in 2011 were nearly $5 billion)—the impact Levi Strauss can have in fostering a green message is immeasurable.

Changes started happening for Levi’s in 2007 when it assessed an environmental impact on Dockers and 501 jeans, reports Businessweek, “Levi’s found that 49 percent of the water use during the lifetime of a pair of 501 jeans occurred at the very beginning, with cotton farmers.” The company joined the Better Cotton Initiative in order to help farmers in countries including Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Mali to reduce the amount of water used in growing cotton. While growing organic cotton has proved too expensive for the brand to continue at this time (they killed their organic jean line in 2008), the low-water cotton is proving to be just as beneficial a pursuit as water scarcity, particularly in the cotton-growing countries, is a very serious issue.

The first low-water cotton was finally harvested last year—and made its way into more than 5 million pairs of jeans at a rate of about 5 percent per pair. By 2015 the goal is 20 percent per pair. To further encourage better resource management, Levi’s also ran a marketing campaign suggesting people wash their jeans less often, using only cold water, and line-drying them instead of putting them through energy-draining dryers.

Now, as the new Waste‹Less is hitting stores, 3.5 million plastic bottles have avoided ending up in landfills, or the ocean in the company’s first run of about 400,000 items (including jean jackets). While only a small drop in the plastic bucket—Americans consumed 33 billion bottles of soda in 2011, reports Businessweek—it’s certainly a good starting point, setting an example for industry and making consciousness affordable and fashionable. “Is turning eight bottles of plastic into a pair of jeans worth it? I think so,” James Curleigh, president of the Levi’s brand told Businessweek. “Some things are more for making a point than a purpose. We want critical mass.”

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image: Levi Strauss

The post Levi’s Makes Wearing Garbage Fashionable with ‘Plastic’ Jeans appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnA behind-the-screen look at the consistently ridiculous inbox of a writer.

At EcoSalon, we receive our fair share of email pitches, and we’ve decided to give you a weekly peek at this valuable information inside our inboxes. These products, people, and services are 100 percent real, although we’re not always sure that they should be.

Take Your Heart on a Toxic Joyride!

Maybe it was because this PR firm thought we were a bunch of incense-burning hippies that would be pumped to hear about  “a blend of seven naturally powerful, antioxidant rich plant and fruit extracts developed in the Alpenrose Clinic in Switzerland.” Far from it. This “revolutionary supplement” intended to skyrocket human energy levels, “get your skin glowing and maximize your workouts,” is nothing more than speed in a bag. If we wanted a less packaged energy product we’d go hit the nearest drug dealer for an eight ball.

Who doesn’t need energy? We’ve covered more natural ways of attaining it however. REBOOTizer is “Packaged in ultra convenient portable pouches, you simply pop the pouch to activate the potent blend of fruit and plant extracts and purified reverse water and let your body know you mean business. The beauty of REBOOTizer lies in the greater bio-availability of the mixture compared to other pre-made anti-oxidant drinks on the market.By delivering an instant shot of this potent liquid, you are guaranteed the effects of this powerful, better mind and body booster.”

Toxic drink.

Plastic pouches.

Rebooting.

Give us a break.

Get Eco With These New Disposable Razors from Schick!

This PR firm reached out to us three times. That means that three times we made pretend a disposable razor company wasn’t asking us to write about them. With all the plastic floating around the planet, and how often EcoSalon writes about it, why we ask, (we implore), would Schick still pitch us? Because they don’t care.

So here you go Schick.

Their new “greener shave,” with the Schick Xtreme3 Eco is the first disposable razor designed for maximum sustainability, is made with a handle comprised of 100 percent recycled plastic and 100 percent recycled paper packaging. Hey wait, this sounds great! Recycling, green sustainable – we like! We liked even more all the reasons why they thought we should write about it:

• We Are a Plastic Nation: Enough plastic is produced in the United States each year to shrink wrap Texas. By using recycled plastics, the Eco razor will save about 118,000 pounds of this virgin material from landfills. It’s enough to reach the top of the Washington Monument over 2,300 times!
• Chain Reaction: Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4000 kilowatt hours of electricity.  This is enough energy to power the average American home for 5 months. Schick estimates they’ll be saving 15,500 pounds of virgin paper from going into landfills each year by using recycled paper in the packaging.
• Royal Flush: The bathroom is one of the least eco-friendly places in your abode. In fact, 75 percent of all water used in the household is used in the bathroom, and people are not accustomed to recycling waste as they do in the kitchen. By offering a product whose creation makes an immediate positive impact on the environment, Schick has made it simple and easy to go green in your bathroom routine.
• No Compromise? No Problem: The Eco razor provides the exact same high-quality shave (and high-value price) that Xtreme3 users know and love – now better for the environment!

Wait. What about those reusable razors? The metal ones we can have for a really long time to reduce plastic use and even the need for recycled packaging? The razors that don’t demand we need more water usage, oil or trees to keep making them? Geez Schick, didn’t you think about that? What is this eco 1990?

We commend you for putting recycling to good use, but are you missing the point?

Available exclusively at Wal-Mart, Schick is planning a campaign to coincide with Earth Month, including a partnership with celeb couple Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse.

Oh boy.

Who Cares if You Smoke?! It’s Just Vapor!

Thanks to Brittany for sending us this pitch on smokeless cigarettes, because nothing says EcoSalon better than a good smoke.

She writes: “Even the most beautiful people have the nastiest habits. Just like everyone else, celebs can suffer the negative consequences of their cigarette addiction. From yellow teeth and grayish skin to smelly breath and hair, just one cigarette can deplete their good looks. That’s why stars like Jerry Ferrara, Karina Smirnoff, Katherine Heigl, Uma Thurman and Jenni ‘JWOWW’ Farley are turning to South Beach Smoke electronic cigarettes.”

Wait Brittany, I’m not a celebrity, so how does this work for me as a writer and editor?

The pitch goes on: “South Beach Smoke is a smokeless electronic cigarette which gives users a way to obtain nicotine without tobacco. Smokers can enjoy the physical sensation and flavor of a traditional cigarette but are exhaling water vapor instead of the harmful smoke. With South Beach Smoke electronic cigarettes you can say goodbye to wrinkled skin and bad teeth and hello to a smoother, healthier way to puff.”

Healthy=puffing?

Smoking=no wrinkled skin?

We have a pretty strong feeling that these vapors have to make something murky and wrinkly somewhere.

We’ll pass on the samples and the test starter kit.

Oh, and good luck to Uma!

The post Better Living Through Publicists: ‘We’re Probably Not the Right Fit’ Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

Bringing in a sustainably fashion forward new year with…The Box!

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

Just because we’re stuck in the middle of winter doesn’t mean we can’t look good and feel good. Slip on your new designer shades, crack open a thick novel and do some DIY…or indulge with a gift certificate or two! Regardless, of what you do with it, this is a curated collection you won’t want to miss and keep all for yourself or share with some friends.

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

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

Eco by Modo

Designer sunglasses? No, we’re not kidding. Eco by Modo pushes innovation and promotes sustainability with sunglasses made of recycled stainless steel and plastic to bring a radically new perspective into eyewear without sacrificing quality, design or price. All of the sunglasses capture attention by featuring the iconic Eco logo, a circle on the temple tip, which connects directly with the 360°-approach to sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle.

The collection carries a UL Environment Validation, certifying that the products are made from a minimum of 95% recycled stainless steel and plastic. Thanks to the One Frame One Tree initiative, for each pair of Eco by Modo frames purchased, Eco by Modo plants one tree together with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that has been helping communities around the world plant trees since 1989. So far over 600,000 trees have been planted…and counting.

We have 15 in black and 15 in Tort Gold just for you (above). First come first serve, so specify in comments when paying!

(Retails for $160)

P.S. – I Made This…

It’s a movement. It’s a call to action: reimagine, reuse, and reinvent. P.S. – I Made This inspires and encourages us to embrace the concept of I see it, I like it, I make it. Part designer DIY, part fashion and lifestyle inspiration guide, P.S. – I Made This was born from Erica Domesek’s wildly popular website of the same name. Domesek’s collection of unique projects will tempt any green fashionista who’s ready for serious DIY style.

The book features more than 25 projects inspired by iconic fashion looks, runway trends, and celebrated style mavens for readers to create themselves. The user-friendly “Designer DIY” projects, ranging from lucite bangles to faux-fur vests to studded heels, are featured alongside inspirational, vivid fashion montages and clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

Erica’s projects have been featured in publications such as Glamour and Teen Vogue, among others. Based in New York City, Erica has styled numerous campaigns for big-name fashion brands.

(Retails for $18.95)

Recycled Leather Tote

Edgy street style and a designer price point, yours in this edition The Box. This buttery-soft leather bag has rectangular chevrons and pockets galore for women on the go who need a bigger bag. Large snap pockets fore and aft hold books, your trusty Moleskine or that new vegan lip gloss you just got while two stash pockets wrap around the sides. Toss the adjustable strap over your shoulder, or remove it and slip your fingers around the comfy handle. Perfect for the organized fashionista in us all.

(A $279 retail value!)

Roux Maison Laundry Detergent

Roux Maison’s eco-luxe laundry line includes custom formulated, fabric-specific laundry detergents and a stain remover.  They are all made with the finest natural ingredients and are designed to be both gentle and highly effective. Full-sized, super concentrated formulas allow for 40 loads of laundry with just 16 oz of detergent, regardless of type of washing machine used. Most of Roux Maison’s detergents are currently available in two bespoke natural fragrances, Sweet Tea and Ambrosia, that are both exclusively made from 100% pure and therapeutic-grade essential oils, with no artificial fragrances or additives. Detergents are also available in fragrance-free versions with absolutely no masking ingredients added at all. Enjoy a full-sized vibrant Lavender version in this edition of The Box.

(Retails for $14.99)

$50 Gift Certificate to Soleone + 25% EcoSalon Exclusive Promotion

Soleone garments are crafted from bamboo fibers, which makes them both incredibly soft and luxuriously comfortable. The signature fabric has built-in properties to wick away odor and moisture, keeping you dry. Besides being better for you, bamboo fiber is better for our planet. A sustainable resource grown without pesticides or fertilizers, bamboo is 100% biodegradable, while being hypoallergenic and wrinkle resistant. Stock up on fresh new year skivvies and deliciously silky-smooth lounge wear with your $50 gift certificate and an additional 25% off on any purchases beyond $50 with promo code SoleoneEcoSalon.

(Retails for $50)

$50 Gift Certificate to Future:Standard

Future:Standard is an online boutique that provides ethical clothing and accessories (eco-friendly, fair trade, locally made, and anything made with respect to the planet and those who are making it). Owner Jessica Althoff explains it best: “is waiting for the day that what we purchase does not need to be described as sustainable or fair trade. This assumes that all products are made in the most sustainable way possible and with concern for those making the products. That all of this is standard. This is our Future:Standard.”

(Retails for $50.00)

United by Blue Shark Fin T-Shirt

United by Blue founder Brian Linton attributes “The Blue Movement” to deepwater explorers like Jacques Cousteau, “an avid diver whose own passion for the underwater world transformed a generation,” and to Dr. Sylvia Earle, “whose groundbreaking research continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and discoverers.”

With Cousteau an obvious pick for inspiring ocean love and research, who are the new Blue Movement pioneers? They’re people like Linton and his United by Blue team, who not only sell sustainable apparel and jewelry that contribute and support their cause, but get down and dirty themselves. For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways through company organized and hosted cleanups.

This super cute shirt is a little longer than most tees, perfect for layering or wearing on its own and flattering to all figures. Specify S, M, or L – first come, first served!

(Retails for $25.00)

AB Designs Upcycled Bike Tube Earrings

From afar, these bike tube earrings look like they might even be made from metal, but in actuality they’re flexible and incredibly lightweight, just the thing for when you want an easy-to-wear statement piece. Handmade in Portland, Oregon out of old bicycle tubes, these earrings represent upcycling at its most stylish.

(Retails for $19.00)

Fisherman’s Daughter Organic Cotton Head Bands

Fisherman’s Daughter is a Cape Cod-based boutique as well as house for sustainable designer Taylor Brown Armour, whose line Fisherman’s Daughter is made from all sustainable materials. Armour’s unique collection of handmade organic clothing  and accessories give a strong nod to ocean themes and is collected by women all over the U.S. who appreciate her one-of-a-kind and bespoke pieces.

(Retails for $36)

Wildlife Works’ Mraba Scarf

Wildlife Works’ mission is to harness the power of the global consumer to create innovative and sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation. They call it Consumer Powered Conservationism. When you buy a Wildlife Works product, you become an agent for conservation. You’re wearing the brand that says you won’t sit quietly by while the last wild things in the last wild places disappear forever.

(Retails for $28.00)

PACT Organic Socks

The PACT organization partners with lots of different causes to promote awareness. Their current Share the Love collection helps bring awareness to Citizen Effect. Citizen Effect is driven by the idea that anyone can make a real and significant impact in the world. Their mission is to provide Citizen Philanthropists the tools and networks they need to work directly with communities in need around the world.

In partnership with Citizen Effect, PACT is sharing the love all over the world. When you buy PACT this Spring, you’re helping them raise money for community projects in Uganda, India, and America. PACT thinks what the world needs now is a little love. And no better place to start then your underwear. And in this case, your socks! Super comfy, one size fits most women’s feet.

(Retails for $10.00)

Orders are processed through Paypal. Simply click to buy!

SORRY, THIS EDITION IS SOLD OUT!

The fine print: Please note there will be an additional $30 flat charge which covers all shipping, handling and sales tax fees. Packages are processed and shipped with love within 7 business days of ordering via UPS Ground. We cannot ship internationally (we wish we could!). You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order has gone through. Due to the extremely limited nature of these special assortments, we regret that refunds are not possible if you change your mind. If any items you receive are damaged, the participating brands and EcoSalon are happy to replace them for you as soon as the item(s) is available. If the exact item is not available, one of similar value will be offered. Enjoy your assortment of green goodies! We’re excited to send them your way.

The post January Fashion Box: ‘This Is My Year to be Sustainably Sexy’ Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

Slip into some conscious shades and protect your eyes from age.

Made of all recycled materials, these sunglasses from MODO are polarized and ready for speed. MODO plants a tree for each frame sold which, based on the style factor of these shades, we think forests everywhere are booming.

$129

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: MODO Sunglasses appeared first on EcoSalon.

Summer is a hard time for shoes. Why? Well, because of the heat, all you want to wear are sandals showing off your pretty toes but what if your toes aren’t pretty?

These Coral Flats from Brazilian brand Melissa Shoes, are your perfect answer to non-painted or lackluster nails hiding behind a coral front.

Sandal meets flat? Yes my sister.

Hypo-allergenic, recycled plastic, smells like bubble gum (not kidding) and completely cute for at least three seasons. Sold.

The post Sandal Meets Flat appeared first on EcoSalon.

It took me years to realize that not only were sunglasses necessary to do the basic job of keeping the sun out of my eyes, they were also meant to protect the fine skin around my eyes.

Now, with sun damage lines grooved deep into the corners of my eyes, I wish I’d always worn sunglasses while out in the sun and thrown all care away for sunglass lines. According to All About Vision, an eye care journalism site, the UV Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) has made many Americans more aware of the risks of sunburn and skin cancer from the ultraviolet radiation, but when it comes to eye protection are we just not listening?

FYI, extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss.

Thanks to a slough of really hip sunglasses out there, you can protect your eyes while still looking hip and yes, even sustainably so.

Here are four lines I love and seven more from Eco-Chick Starre Vartan on MNN:

iwood

Made in the U.S. from FSC certified, reclaimed exotic woods, these glasses are feather light and offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.

icu

Made from recycled plastic and metal (and bamboo), this sunglass line (and this particular style) is a favorite with Oprah.

Moonwoods

Made conscientiously without harsh chemicals out of mill ends that would otherwise be discarded from a small (but growing) company based in Portland, Oregon.

eco

Utilizing recycled plastic and metal, eco plants a tree for each frame sold. A sunglass line doing double duty makes us smile.

Image: orangeacid

The post Screw the Tan Lines, Time for Sunglasses appeared first on EcoSalon.

Is it just me, or does summertime beckon you to move your living space into the outdoors? Who doesn’t love soaking up all that the sunny weather has to offer? This brilliant company called Loll Designs creates colorful, affordable and modern 100 percent recycled plastic outdoor furniture to make the transition from indoor living to outdoor reveling easy and appealing.

From Adirondack rockers and chairs sized for adults and children, to sun loungers, table and chair sets, birdhouses and dog bowls, it’s time to cozy up to the notion of spending quality time in your backyard!

All of Loll’s sustainably designed outdoor furniture is made in the USA from 100 percent recycled post-consumer HDPE, and Loll furniture is also 100 percent recyclable. You can sit pretty knowing that “for every pound of weight in a Loll chair there are an estimated eight recycled milk jugs being used, saving natural resources and reducing land-fill waste.” The furniture is also easy to clean and requires no upkeep!

Kids will love indulging in green art projects under a calm sky, at the cheery, kid-sized Loll table seen above. And parents can relax in the sleek de Luge sunbed while reading a great novel or writing in their eco gratitude journal.

Bird lovers will delight in Loll’s chirpy birdhouses, which come in a variety of punchy colors; and the dog bowls perched in convenient stands will help welcome furry friends to enjoy some R&R as well. The folks at Loll certainly have nature’s best interest in mind. To offset their carbon emissions, they spend one day per year planting trees for each order they received during the previous year!

The post Recycled Outdoor Furniture Eye Candy From Loll Designs appeared first on EcoSalon.

“What is that?” I asked my housemate.

He was doing his online banking, and next to his pad of scribbled finances was a small rectangular box of bright plastic, about the size of a credit card. He opened it up and slid out a few credit cards.

“Who needs a wallet?”

Who indeed. There’s the fact that most wallets and purses use leather, and our feelings are mixed on that issue. But how about functionality? How many modern money-holders are too big to fit in our pockets – or get too big, because the larger capacity they are, the more they accumulate stuff? Opening my wallet (yes, leather), I find stubs, used train tickets, receipts, brightly-colored paperclips and a gift-card with no credit left on it. Junk.

In contrast, the Jimi Wallet – “the wallet for people who hate wallets” – holds your credit cards, a driver’s license, a few reward cards and nothing else (although you can also buy a version with an external money-clip). If you always know where your keys are, hang the Jimi on your key-ring! It’s rainproof and sturdy, solid yet light, and it’s both recycled and recylable. As a further eco-incentive, the manufacturer invests 1% of profits in environmental causes.

A wallet that actually fits in your pocket. Now that’s progress.

Images: Branch

The post Jimi: The Wallet for Pocket-Sized Pockets appeared first on EcoSalon.

Considering that the average American now consumes over 28 gallons of bottled water each year, all packaged in single-use plastic, it’s a good thing that many companies are now incorporating recycled PET (the stuff those bottles are made out of) into their lines.

Yes, recycled PET has made its way onto the mainstream runway along with a bevvy of other smart eco-friendly materials. But it’s not just about innovative technology or drool-worthy duds from the likes of Linda Loudermilk. Stylish picks in eco-friendly materials are well-suited to daily life – everything from yoga to yardwork. Check out some of our favorites:

Outerwear

A longtime household brand in the sailing and yachting community, Henri Lloyd has also made its way onto fashion lists. Now the company known for its all-weather sporty yet fashionable jackets is another big name to join the list of brands that use recycled PET.

Henri Lloyd has teamed up with Japanese textile factory Tejin Fibers Ltd. (a factory that also works with brands like Patagonia and Nau) to launch the first program worldwide for the collection and recycling of used marine apparel, as well as incorporation of Eco Storm recyclable, waterproof fabric made from recycled polyester fibers. Henri Lloyd’s 2010 Blue Eco Range of sailing wear will feature the new material, and we’re hoping it spreads to more of the brand!

Workout

Yoga-based apparel company prAna has an extensive line of workout gear, perfect for your morning asanas, that uses recycled polyester fibers. Favorites include the Lolita Pant and the Bella Sport top.

Beyond recycled PET, prAna is a sound and environmentally conscious company. In 2005 prAna launched the Natural Power Initiative to raise awareness about renewable energy amongst customers, retailers and the outdoor industry. This year, the Natural Power Initiative is expected to prevent the emissions of 17,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Footwear

Ok, so I’ll go ahead and admit that these shoes aren’t made with recycled PET, but they’re too distinctive and eco-friendly to go unmentioned. Although it might not save any plastic bottles, El Naturalista’s Recyclus line does use recycled rubber and footbeds. In fact, the line is built on the idea that the entire shoe should be recyclable at its end of life.

“The name will be Recyclus; you will only need to pull a thread, and the sole, the in-sole, the leather, and the laces will separate into independent pieces to be deposited in special recycling bins that we will offer to stores.”

Bag

Hopefully your new year is going to be filled with lots of plans for intriguing adventures, which means you’ll need a sleek bag that can still carry a lot. Welcome the Motil Ped by Nau. The shell, lining and shoulder webbing are made of 100% recycled polyester. With a laptop pocket and ample zipper pockets inside, this can be your go-to back for any occasion, be it casual or fashionable.

For the home

Complete your sustainable wardrobe by adding a few key items around the house. As always, consuming less means more, but if you’re home is in need of a little freshening up, the Teppas stackable containers (made, natch, with recycled PET) from IKEA are a fun way to kick off a more organized lifestyle in the new year.

Main image: Adria Richards

The post From Yoga to Yardwork, 5 Great Picks for the Eco-Material Girl appeared first on EcoSalon.

I’ll get my mind out of the gutter and onto the green, where it belongs, and tell you about my latest obsession – plants in pockets.

I’d heard of hanging plants and plants that are potted, but the idea of putting a plant in a cloth-like pocket wasn’t in my repertoire. That is, until I came across the Woolly Pocket Garden Company.

It’s genius, really – a breathable container that can be hung vertically to cover an unsightly wall or spruce up a small space. Create yourself a lush little garden just about anywhere.

Woolly Pockets are made from recycled plastic bottles and are safe for indoors and out. They come in vertical or horizontal versions; small and large sizes. Try the Wally One, Three or Five; the Knoll, Wee Woolly or Meadow. Combine them to create an atmosphere like no other (see top image).

Best of all, you can leave your green (or brown) thumb in your pocket because you won’t need it with a Woolly. These pockets were made for planting.

Learn how easy it is to pot a pocket on the website at Pockets 101. And check out the blog (aptly named What’s growing in your Pocket?) for ideas and inspiration. As seen at Apartment Therapy.

The post Is That a Woolly Pocket on Your Wall, or Are You Just…? appeared first on EcoSalon.