Run Green With Brooks, Newton and Vibram Five Fingers

As a runner myself, I'll admit I'm completely obsessed with the gear. Whether it's the flashy short shorts, the reflective jacket (perfect for those late night runs) or the latest kicks, part of the reason I love running is to have a reason to wear the coolest new stuff. Okay, yeah I run because I enjoy it and also for the health benefits but I'm one of those runners whose closet has more running clothes than work clothes.

Brook's "Green Silence"
Photo Rights: www.brooksrunning.com 

Part of going on my runs is simply to take in some fresh air and enjoy the quiet trails and the changing seasons. As someone who completely avoids the treadmill at all costs, I love finding a new route, one that passes by a quiet river or a wooded path where the deer are never far from the trail. Part of being a runner is enjoying the environment and also taking care of your surroundings. You wouldn't throw a plastic water bottle on the ground (plus, why are you not using a reusable water bottle?!) so why would you wear clothes with toxic dyes, colorants and adhesives?

Brooks offers the first "built for speed" biodegradable midsole running shoe. Composed of 75% recycled material and made with non-toxic dyes and colorants, the "Green Silence" shoe even requires less petroleum and energy to create.

Newton Running "Distance" Line
Photo Rights: www. newtonrunning.com

Perhaps you've seen the "barefoot" running shoes lately. While they may look like something out of a science fiction movie, there has been plenty of talk about the potential benefits of a barefoot running experience, which "barefoot" running shoes mimic. Several companies now offer their webbed creations made from renewable wool, scrap material and recycled plastic water bottles and recycled nylon. Vibram Fivefingers, Vivobarefoot,  Kigo, and Newton Running  all offer minimalist barefoot styles for trail running, speed training and level to the ground options made with recycled laces, webbing and soles.

If you're a runner, you have to have a watch. While Sprout watches aren't traditional running watches, the water resistant selections would work well for runners who think, "I just need to be back in an hour," and simply want to keep track of the time. Sprout watches are made with organic cotton, corn resin and cork and are supported by corporate philanthropy focused on advocating for clean water and working with the  Trees for the Future center.

For the time being, eco-friendly watches for runners seem to be in short supply. There are plenty of solar powered watches made from recyclable materials but aren't ideal for an activity such as running.

Tweet @GreenChild1 and let me know if you are aware of any eco-friendly running watches. Where do you find your environmentally friendly gear?

The Biggest Grassroots Environmental Protests

Normally my blog focuses on topics like sustainable fashion, trending environmental topics and eco-friendly tips. I thought I'd mix it up on this post and try something a little different. It's no secret thousands of people flocked to the White House last week for the "Forward on Climate" protest. Demonstrators are more than passionate about stopping approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline will be able to transport 830,000 gallons of crude oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and President Obama has delayed making an official decision twice already. Reports claim upwards of 50,000 people engaging in the rally and nearly fifty people have already been arrested, including Daryl Hannah, renowned environmental actress. Some are calling it the biggest environmental rally in U.S. history. One thing is for certain, no matter the outcome, the Keystone XL decision will leave a lasting mark on Obama's time in office.

It's hard to ignore a protest of 50,000 strong. That's why I set out to find a few interesting environmental protests and demonstrations. Let's just say some people have a creative way of making a point.

1. The World Naked Bike Ride
"Celebrating freedom from oil and the beauty of people." The World Naked Bike Ride is more than comfortable with nudity but just isn't okay with our dependence on oil. The event is offered in 70 cities in 20 countries worldwide and demonstrates cycling as an alternative transportation method. Cyclists aren't afraid to get decked out and maybe even splash on some body paint. Use caution when browsing search engines for this event!

2. "Climate Change: A Matter of Life or Death"
In March 2009, protesters marched in a mock funeral outside Coventry Cathedral in England and even erected a symbolic headstone during the Climate Change Day of Action.

3. Rappelling in Rio
In 2002, Greenpeace activists rappelled from the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro in protest to the results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

4. Berkeley Tree Sitting Protest
Several tree sitters at the University of California at Berkeley occupied one of the school's oak and redwoods trees for 21 months in 2007-2008 in protest to proposed plans for a new athletic center. After the injunction was lifted allowing construction to begin, five people were arrested and charged with trespassing after planting an acorn sapling on the chancellor's lawn. Protesters eventually climbed down and the event ended peacefully.

5. Protesters Glue Themselves Together in Protest of Keystone Pipeline
To wrap up my post, I just had to find out more about the Keystone XL pipeline protest. In January 2013, eight people occupied TransCanada's (the multinational corporation to build the pipeline) corporate office and proceeded to super glue themselves together, chain their ankles and wrists and sit in a circle. The protesters commented their actions were used as a last resort for the U.S. government to understand how deadly the Keystone pipeline will be for the environment.

These five examples are only a few of the most interesting and recent cases of environmental activists and protests going to creative lengths to make a point. Leave comments about the protests you feel should make the list!

Eco at the Office

It's finally here! You're ready for what could be the biggest interview of your life (or maybe it's just your next job and you really need the cash-no judgement here!). You have your outfit planned down to the last shiny button but are your shoes leaving a bigger ecological footprint than you thought? How about that new power blouse? We'll I've got you covered for your next interview or maybe just another day at the office. Check out these links and sites below for both formal and casual office options no matter your style.

Women's Casual Wear
Pencil skirts are a classic and are great choices for the office. Yala offers trendy organic cotton options for women who are just getting started in their careers or for the experienced veterans. These knee-length options look great paired with a neutral top and are completely appropriate if your office is laid back or offers a "casual Friday." Check out my favorite, the Bamboo Dreams Sadie Skirt pictured in aubergine/black made from 95% viscose from bamboo and 5% spandex.

Coclico's Hama lace-up oxford wedge.
Photo Rights: www.coclico.com

Like many women, I believe the perfect pair of shoes truly completes an outfit-they can make or break the entire visual! Ok, maybe that's going a bit too far but I have really been into shoes lately. If you haven't heard of Coclico, you're in for some great news. Based in Mallorca, Spain, Coclico is revered for its ability to provide higher wages, safety standards and environmental consciousness in the production of their footwear. Coclico works with vegetable-tanned leathers from certified tanneries and utilizes pure wood and cork in their shoes, as well as recycled foam and lead free hardware. Coclico emphasizes quality and integrity while creating what I have to say is an unbelievably beautiful shoe collection. The Spring 2013 collection offers booties, heels, wedges, clogs, flats and much, more more. Typically the workplace isn't a suitable place to show off your new pedicure but never fear, there are many other choices from Coclico that will still keep all eyes on you. The "menswear" trend has been on and off for several years now and this electric blue suede oxford number might just put keep them "in" in 2013. Coclico has many unique menswear options such as the leather geometric cut-out Ishiro and the clog-wedge-menswear combo Takao and Taro.  Personally, I believe in pairing menswear shoes with one more feminine clothing piece as well, whether it be a lace blouse or a delicate necklace. The contrast is an interesting approach and really pulls the whole look together.

Alex and Ani use eco-friendly and recycled materials in their jewelry collections including metal scraps. The collections center on positive energy and are focused to "enlighten the mind, empower the spirit." The various collections include everything from animal totems to charities and zodiacs, allowing everyone to express themselves individually and still fit in well with a more relaxed work atmosphere. I would also suggest vintage, hand crafted treasures from Love It, Beth's Golden Grass & Eco-Friendly Accessories and Green Karat.

Formal Attire

Samantha Pleet's "Passage Jacket"
Photo Rights: www.samanthapleet.com

Samantha Pleet utilizes organic materials for her collection and the Spring 2013 collection offers neutral, earth tones that are perfect for the office. The Expedition blazer pulls together a formal pantsuit in a professional yet fashionable way and the Passage jacket will keep you warm on those cool, breezy spring mornings.

Guys can also easily find eco-friendly clothes suited to their career. Arthur and Henry offers formal organic and fair trade cotton shirts. I especially like this line for its unique and subtle details on the breast pockets.

Natural Mystique offers one-of-a-kind messenger bags, cross body bags, briefcases and overnight travel bags. This line produces hand woven bags and allow you to immerse yourself in various cultures. The Thailand collection offers unique details and many of the offerings are very affordable.

Where do you find fashionable yet sustainable clothing? Leave me some comments or follow me on Twitter @GreenChild1

An Eco-Friendly Wedding-Part Two

My last post covered eco-friendly wedding dresses and options for sustainable decorations and centerpieces. But every bride knows there's a lot more to planning a wedding!

Invitations

The first impression your guests have of your wedding is your save the dates and invitations. This is your chance to express your style and present any theme your wedding may be following. While important, your invitations don't need to be wasteful or harmful to the environment. Make sure you choose companies who offer invites made from recycled paper or ones that don't include trees at all. Many sites also include sustainable envelopes as well. If you are creative and have the time, consider designing and making your own invites. Just don't forget eco-friendly menus, place cards and RSVPs or any other paper needs you may have.

Invite Site-Wedding Invites

Earthly Affair

Our Wedding Plus

Shoes

Besides the dress, shoes really are important. Whether your style is glamorous, understated and classic or funky, there are ways to look trendy and earth friendly. More companies are working toward making their shoes vegan and leaving out any animal products such as fur, hair or hides. If you're sporty or looking for something more casual, TOM's now offers shoes for brides and bridesmaids as well as your groom and groomsmen. Plus when you purchase from TOM's, another pair is donated to a person in need. Olsen Haus is another option if luxurious and high fashion is something you dream about. Elizabeth Olsen's vegan shoes never sacrifice style in their pursuit for sustainability and that's something you can feel good about. Calleen Cordero is another high fashion name who effortlessly combines it with her "earthy" shoes. Best of all, her styles are made in the U.S.A.  Jeffrey Campbell, one hand offers vintage, romantic footwear and on the other, futuristic, hard core street styles. And of course it's a vegan line. Some styles are intimidating but for the urban bribe, the shoe might just fit. Check out both a classic type and one that is bold to say the least. . You decide!

Tell me what other tips you would like to see regarding sustainable weddings!
         

An Eco-Friendly Wedding

Wedding season is fast approaching and many lucky ladies are planning for their spring and summer weddings. As a bride to be myself, I've been thinking of how to make my wedding as eco-friendly as possible. It seems like the average wedding today costs more and more. Large quantities of food are being wasted and dinner, decor and even favors are thrown away or are just plain harmful to the environment. I've compiled a list of a few ideas for you to utilize in your upcoming plans regarding sustainable decorations, serving utensils and much more.

1. Decorations 

Decor, decor and more decor. Weddings are the perfect opportunity to show off your style and personality through the use of color, ribbons and any other materials you might choose. One simple way to cut your use of expensive decorations that will probably just go to waste, is to consider your location. An already beautiful venue doesn't need much dressing up. But understandably, most brides are married in churches and are concerned with centerpieces and an overall theme or feel. A friend of mine recently included moss, yes real moss in her centerpieces which created a beautiful, earthy feel. Here's a link to explore more moss options: Want that Wedding

Another idea is to use any plants or flowers you have at home. By using your own plants or even any fake flower arrangements you already own, not only are you cutting down on costs but these items don't have to be thrown away after a few hours. If you don't own any potted plants, ask your family members to bring them as part of their gifts. Perhaps you want to have lilies at your wedding and if you have your family members each bring a lily plant, they can take them home to enjoy. It's a win-win! You had beautiful flowers and your family gets to take them home and they didn't die after a few short hours.

Another idea is to use biodegradable petals that are 100% natural and freeze dried. Check out the Green Bride Guide  for these petals and other vintage and rustic decorations.

2. The Dress

When you really think about it, it's a little disheartening to think we spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a dress we wear once. Of course your wedding is a big day and even I went all out on this aspect of my plans but I wish I had considered a few of the options I've gathered here below for all of you.

Ever thought about borrowing from a friend or relative? Chances are almost all of us have a close friend, cousin or sister who was recently wed. Don't be worried if this individual isn't your exact size; there are plenty of seamstresses out there who are able to make adjustments. Even when buying a brand new dress most women need alterations in at least a few places. Is there any way you can borrow your mother's dress? Lots of moms hope their daughters might want to wear their dress someday. Before you jump ahead and say your mom's dress is really outdated, lots of women are jumping on this trend. According to this Wedding Chicks,  less women are severely altering their mothers' gowns or picking and choosing pieces of fabric to include in their own and are deciding to wear the real thing. Definitely check out this site above and see how beautiful this bride's vintage wedding dress really is and this is definitely a viable option if you are considering a vintage theme.

If you're still thinking you want your own gown, check out eco-friendly designers like Tara Lynn Bridal.  The prices are pretty standard and in some cases very affordable; the Aphrodite gown in her Goddess Collection starts at $1,200 and is made from organic materials such as cotton, hemp and silk, all eco-friendly materials. Pure Magnolia's designer Patty Nayel is also looking to design sustainable wedding dresses from traditional fabrics. Sanyukta Shrestha believes in hand-made, hand-woven, hand-embroidered and hand-spun wedding dresses. That's a lot of hands! This London based designer believes in creating beautiful and luxurious gowns based on a "love green-believe in ethics" approach. Her spring/summer 2013 Wallis in Love collection contains truly remarkable and breathtaking gowns that you can feel good about purchasing. 

Of course there's more to wedding planning than decorations and the dress. I'll keep my eyes peeled for more eco-friendly trends and keep you updated.

P.S. If you're a bride and looking to plan a sustainable wedding, what tips or advice do you have?

Ecofriendly Super Bowl Parties

It's that time of year again and everyone is breaking out their NFL jerseys, the chips and salsa, drinking beer and gearing up for the best TV commercials of the year. If you're thinking about hosting a party tonight for Super Bowl XLVII, here's some tips to keep your party as eco-friendly as possible without looking silly!

1. If at all possible, use reusable plates, cups and silverware. But I get it, chances are you won't want to do dishes following the big game. But whatever you do, DON'T buy Styrofoam plates for your guests! Stick to recyclable plastic plates and paper napkins or products that are made from recycled materials.

2. You still have time to get out there and purchase snacks before kickoff. Try to buy in bulk if possible. Buying in bulk eliminates wasted packaging and saves you money.

3. Beer is pretty much a guaranteed staple at Super Bowl parties, cookouts and birthday parties. Have you thought about checking out the local brews? Many towns' grocery stores carry a selection of locally brewed beers that are just as tasty as major brands. Many co-op grocery stores also offer wine selections, organic and local trail mixes, veggies, etc. making it possible for you to support your hometown's economy.

Even the smallest towns have local breweries. Check out these two breweries located in the Cedar Valley, Iowa area.

Single Speed Brewing  Cedar Falls, IA

Broad Street Brewing Co. Reinbeck, IA

4. People often throw recyclables away simply because they don't see a recycling bin in sight. Make sure your guests can see the recycling bin plus you can rack up quite a bit of change depositing those beer and soda cans!

5. Remember you can always make your own salsa, guacamole and if you're feeling adventurous, potato chips. Remember to stock up on local vegetables and all the ingredients you might need.

Finally, don't forget to compost any leftover food scraps you have and clean up dishes and counters using a less harsh homemade vinegar cleaner. There are just about one thousand ways to use vinegar as a household cleaner. Check out this site for tips when cleaning with vinegar.

Have a great Super Bowl and remember to apply these tips and tricks to all your parties!