If your cousin's persona idol is Al Gore, she recycles maniacally, and her speech is peppered with terms like "carbon footprint," "paraben-free" and "eco-certified," don't be obnoxious and buy her a lifelong supply of hairspray.
Check out these great gift ideas for those who want to be chic and live a greener lifestyle.
1. Stella McCartney for LeSportsac Carry-On Bag, $395. Visit Tobi.com
Ever the eco-conscious trailblazer, Stella McCartney recently collaborated with LeSportsac on a line of luggage, using 100% recycled polyester to create her functional, elegant pieces. This carry-on bag measures 22" in width, 12" in depth and 13" in height and features two interior mesh pockets, a large magnetic exterior pocket, a shoe compartment at the bottom, rolling wheels for easy maneuvering, and even a soft travel blanket (which is just icing on the cake). It's a must-have for those in the fashion Mile High Club!
2. Mini-Me Hand-Coiled Bamboo Bowl in Kiwi Blank and Cayenne Blank, $11.95 each. Visit Amazon.com
You don't have to use ratty, recycled cardboard plates to set an eco-conscious dinner table. Just check out these bamboo bowls by Mini-Me, available in punchy colors like kiwi green and cayenne pepper.
3. Terra Plana Lauren Quilted Boot, $295. Maple Boot, $250. Visit TerraPlana.com and enter the code TPLOVESSTA at checkout to get a 20% off discount!
Ladies, the days when boycotting leather goods meant wearing gargantuan, amorphous, blob-like hemp shoes are long gone. There are some stylish vegan shoes out there -- sure, footwear is probably the last frontier environmental and animal rights activists have to conquer, but there are companies like Terra Plana pioneering this realm. Thought Te Casan was the only vegan footwear company out there? Well don't believe the hype. Terra Plana features an array of shoes (pumps, wedges, boots, and more) in adorable prints and silhouettes and at more reasonable prices.
Just check out these funky, Bohemian chic boots. The Lauren Quilted boot (pictured at top) is my absolute favorite for Fall/Winter: the quilted floral pattern has a '60s flower child vibe to it, but the color scheme is very '80s pop star-esque. The stitching details on the rounded toe add a playful vibe to the silhouette, as does the rouching along the side of the boot. Another great style is the Maple Boot, which has a granny boot-like silhouette (the lacing along the front and the tapestry-like detailing — it's a totally novel take on a retro shape.
Now, these are shoes in which you can walk tall — and proud.
4. Matt & Nat Kogan Clutch in Pewter, $185. Visit Amazon.com
Nobody would ever have guessed that this rockstar-worthy clutch was made of all-vegan materials. Then again, that's why Matt & Nat have become the go-to brand for vegan handbags and wallets — they manage to create pieces so stylish they rival those of any leather-pushing brand and yet they're all made using materials like Japanese rice paper, treated cardboard and vegan leather (no animal products whatsoever). This particular clutch, made of pewter vegan leather, features antique silver zipper an hardware details, the Matt & Nat rectangular bar, and a gray faux suede lining. Talk about a silver lining, huh?
5. Red Flower French Lavender Little Flower Candle, $12. Visit Beautorium.com
This petite, 1.5-ounce vegetable wax candle has a lot of heart. The pale purple hue creates an aura of serenity and meditation, and the French lavender scent calms both mind and spirit. And what else can we expect from red flower?
The worldly bohemian-esque brand combines modern design sensibilities with environmentally friendly ingredients and practices that are designed to solidify the connection between the inner and outer worlds, the physical and the spiritual, the tangible and the abstract.
6. Earth Happy "Flower Pot" Tank Top. For more information, visit EarthHappy.net
Made of organic cotton, this vibrant, colorful tank top practically screams flower power — from the Jerry Garcia-esque fluorescent colors to the very usage of the flower image, the tank is perfect for shiny happy people everywhere.
7. Froote Jewelry By Elizabeth Moore Adella Necklace, $595. Visit FrooteJewelry.com
Elizabeth Moore's eco-conscious Froote Jewelry seeks to shed light on the beauty found in nature and to underline the interconnectedness of the human and natural realms, of the physical and the metaphysical, the logical and the divine. The way Moore sees it, when a woman clasps one of her stone necklaces around her neck, she's tapping into the energy of those stones and harnessing her own spiritual energy.
The "Adella" necklace pictured above features pale aqua chalcedony, rose quartz and freshwater pearl stones. The necklace is part of the Island Collection, which was inspired by Moore's travels to the Pacific Islands and which conveys the soft, unfettered sensuality innate to the female form.
8. Recycled Jewel-Tone Bottle Vases: Small Gold Vase, $39; Medium Brown Vase, $59; Large Gold Vase, $79. Visit VivaTerra.com
These regal vases come in rich, earthy tones like gold, copper and ruby, hues that add warmth to a house and make it all the more inviting. Made of recycled glass, there's a translucent quality to the vases that furthers their jewel-like coloring and their slightly imperfect shapes add a sense of distinction and individuality.
9. EcoTools Bamboo 5-piece Brush Set, $10.99. Visit Walgreens.com
With organic products flooding beauty retailers' shelves, it was just a matter of time before proud tree-hugging cosmetic gurus turned their attention to the tools used to achieve their desired makeup looks. In April 2008, ecoTools led the way with their affordable collection of eyeshadow, blush, powder and liner brushes (not to mention body buffing pads, loofahs, shower mitts, sponges and more), made using recycled stainless steel and aluminum, bamboo, crushed walnuts and soybean oil (among other ingredients).
As their popularity grows, so does their product line and, for 2009, ecoTools has added a Mineral Powder Brush (perfect for your Bare Escentuals compact), a retractable Kabuki Brush, and this great 5-piece set, which includes the aforementioned brushes, as well as the Eye Shading Brush, Concealer Brush, and their Hemp and Linen Cosmetic Bag.
10. ThaiCraft Recycled Paper Flowers, $17.50. Visit GiftsWithHumanity.com
Who doesn't love flowers? Well, maybe people with really bad allergies but, them aside, flowers are pretty universally embraced. But you know what absolutely sucks? They die. See, every time flowers are picked from the ground, they're deprived of the nutrients they need to live and grow. Shoving some stems in a nice vase, fanning them out, and adding some water may yield a breathtaking arrangement but, as far as the blooms go, the whole ordeal is equivalent to putting those babies on Life Support.
So, if your cousin is serious about honoring nature, she's probably into planting things rather than extracting them from the ground. But that doesn't mean you can't give her flowers! Just invest in some recycled paper flowers like the ones pictured above — she'll gladly showcase those in her living space.
11. Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm, $28. Visit Drugstore.com
Why stock your bathroom with a gazillion lotions and balms targeting different areas of the body when you can invest in one powerful multi-tasker? Revolution Organics' All-Over Body Balm is a portable moisturizer packed with organic ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, apricot oil and vitamin E. And, while it may look like a small tube, this potent balm has over 22 uses — it can soothe chapped lips, moisturize cuticles, prevent stretch marks, condition hair, tame flyaways, soften lines, calm flaking or ashy knees and elbows, and much more. Talk about a great stocking stuffer!
12. Boscia Best of Boscia Collection, $48. Visit Sephora.com
This preservative-free product trio is all about achieving healthier-looking skin. Packaged in a shiny silver box, the Best of Boscia Collection contains the following best-selling products: Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15, which features ingredients like skin-calming green tea and jojoba leaf and oil-combating silica powder and burdock root; Enlivening Amino AG Eye Treatment, which contains puffiness-reducing coix seed extract, cell renewal-boosting jujube fruit, wrinkle-reducing alanine and glutamine, and Vitamin E to diminish dark circles; and Recharging Night Moisture, which contains soybean to protect the skin from environmental damage, phytoglycogen to restore vitality, hydrolyzed yeast to accelerate the skin renewal process and more. While Boscia is not an organic line per se, it dos rely heavily on botanical ingredients and completely banishes harmful preservatives from its formulas.
13. Melissa Joy Manning Limited Edition Cobaio Calcite Freeform Necklace in Sterling Silver, $440. Visit MelissaJoyManning.com
Since she first started making her mystical, nature-inspired necklaces, earrings and rings back in 1997, Oakland, California-based designer Melissa Joy Manning has been committed to maintaining ethical work practices and to utilizing green resources.
Each piece is handmade in her Oakland studio by her personal staff of metal smiths, all of whom work at competitive wages and enjoy the necessary benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.). She often utilizes found objects and recycled materials in her one-of-a-kind designs, which incorporate 14 and 18k gold, sterling silver, and precious and semi-precious stones.
Working exclusively with US vendors and working with recycled metals makes her one of the few jewelers who are truly committed to green standards. And did I mention her jewelry is exquisite?
14. Le Cherche Midi Scented Candle Collection, $150. Visit LeChercheMidi.com
The name Le Cherche Midi is derived from the French phrase for "found moments," and that's precisely what this assortment of scented candles does: conjure up sweet memories.One candle, for example, smells like the ocean, bringing you back to summers spent by the beach. Another was inspired by garden parties and features the crisp smell of freshly cut grass. This 6-candle set comes packaged in a reusable 100% recycled wood box.
15. SpaRitual "Give The Good Life" Gift Set, $24. Visit SpaRitual.com for a retailer near you.
SpaRitual, the vegan line of nail lacquers and elixirs, is giving holiday shoppers a taste of the good life with this pampering kit, which includes three products meant to balance your body's different chakras (sources of energy).
The "Give the Good Life" set incudes: the Instinctual Organic Moisturizing Lotion, which contains nourishing organic Madagascar ginger and moisturizing aloe vera, olive, sesame and soy bean; the Intensely Wise Fragrant Mist, which re-centers the crown chakra and relieves mental and physical exhaustion with a few spritzes of the French lavender oil-based fragrance; and the Infinitely Loving Oil, a blend of Chinese jasmine extract that balances the heart chakra and leaves your hands and feet looking replenished and youthful. All three products come in a cotton-and-hemp cosmetic bag for added convenience.
16. Nahui Ollin "Itsy Bitsy" Letters Wristlet, $30. Visit NahuiOllin.com
Remember how, on Season 4, Episode 6 of Project Runway, contestant had to make an outfit using materials purchased at the Hershey's Store in Times Square? Well, while Rami's winning dress, made entirely of candy wrappers, was expertly tailored and undeniably chic, the idea wasn't altogether new.
For several years, Nahui Ollin has offered quaint handbags (from shoulder bags to clutches, wristlets and coin purses), wallets, planners, cell phone cases, headbands and placemats made of hand-woven and hand-folded, recycled candy wrappers, gum wrappers and soda bottle labels. This particular style features only labels with letters, creating a whimsical, Scrabble-meets-Alphabet Soup effect.
17. L'Artisan Parfumeur Jatamansi Organic Shower Gel, $50, and Jatamansi Candle, $70. Visit ArtisanParfumeur.Us
The shower gel, body oil, eau de toilette, and scented candle in L'Artisan Parfumeur's eco-certified line of organic goods, Jatamansi, incorporate notes of Himalayan Nard (the main ingredient), as well as ylang-ylang, rose, Indian papyrus, cardamom and incense for a refreshing, woody scent. The shower gel also features vanilla and bergamot notes for a more sensual experience, and the formula's vegetable glycerin leaves the skin feeling baby soft. The candle, meanwhile, leaves behind the bergamot and rose floral notes in favor of more crisp, sparkling citrus notes that awaken the senses.
18. Rebe Lucy Sac, $165. Visit FairTribe.com
FairTribe.com, an online destination for consumers looking to make ethical and environmentally responsible purchases, offers recycled jewelry, clothing and accessories for women, men and kids. Among my favorite items in stock is this "Lucy Sac," designed by Rebe, a mother-daughter design team constituted by Debra Weiss and Hillary Sproatt.
The funky frame purse fuses together vintage fabrics for a patchwork-like effect. I love how the deep pocket in the front features a completely different pattern than that of the bag itself and yet the seemingly clashing prints somehow make for a coherent piece (it's the look Ugly Betty seems to go for in every episode and yet never seems to achieve! LOL).
19. Nature's Gate Pineapple Holiday Gift Set, $9.99; available exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores. Nature's Gate Lotus Flower Holiday Gift Set, $9.99; available at PrettyLikeMe.com
If you've never heard of Nature's Gate, I'm officially concerned. The company, which offers botanical-based haircare and skincare products, as well as holistic health remedies, has been around for over 30 years (back then, founders Leo and Vladimir hand-collected rainwater, blended it with herbs, and created their very first shampoo — incredible, right?).
These cruelty-free, eco-friendly products contain all-natural ingredients and are carefully formulated to deliver optimal results. Each of the two gift sets pictured above contains a body wash and lotion — an incredible bargain for under $10. I'm particularly fond of the Lotus Flower set, since the smell is refreshing and empowering and the lotion delivers just the right amount of moisture to your skin.
20. Quiksilver Women's Eco "Shibuya" and "City Bird" T-Shirts, $44 each. Visit Quiksilver.com
Those who rock Quiksilver gear tend to have an appreciation for the wonders of nature — after all, the line is popular among surfers, wakeboarders and snowboarders (and their dedicated fans). So it only makes sense that Quiksilver would launch a line of organic tees, thereby showing its respect for Mother Earth. Their Eco Women line features comfy 100% organic cotton jersey T-shirts with urban chic screenprinted graphics.
21. Pier 1 Imports Small Prann Body Wash and Lotion Set, $4. Visit Pier1.com
Developed in Thailand, Pier 1's Prann collection is free of alcohol and artificial fragrances and utilizes 100% natural ingredients like energizing lemongrass peppermint, moisturizing rice bran oil, calming jasmine oil, soothing lavender oil and cooling eucalyptus oil. Perfect for travelers, this miniature body wash and lotion set comes in a sheer golden pouch (so there's no need to wrap it! Score!).
22. Tiny Decor "Raspberry Flowing Dots" Boudoir Pillow, $48; Tiny Decor "Mint Riverstones" Bedoir Pillow, $48. Visit TinyDecor.com
These picturesque designs are printed on natural 55% hemp/45% organic cotton blend covers. The fabric is hand silk-screened by designer Lara Cameron using water-based, non-toxic inks. A comfortable, bamboo pillow lies inside each cover. These 12" by 16" pillows add some personality and spunk to any room of your pea pod (meaning your green home).
23. Korres Sugar Plums Gift Set, $29.50. Visit Sephora.com
It's officially the holidays when folks start referencing turtle doves and sugar plums. Right on cue, Korres Natural Products has released this adorable gift set, which includes: a moisturizing Plum Lip Butter, which is packed with shea butter and rice wax; a Plum Cherry Lip Gloss, which boasts hydrating cherry oil and antioxidants like vitamin E and C; and a Plum Sunflower and Evening Primrose Shimmering Eyeshadow.
The wine-colored lip gloss and deep purple eyeshadow can be used together for a dramatic, evening-ready look or separately to accentuate one of your features (a kissable pout, perhaps?).
24. My Bag Cares "The Original," $25. Visit MyBagCares.com
You've probably seen many a gal walking around with bags just like this one and, if you were wondering what exactly it was that their bags "cared" about, now you know: it's the environment, silly. Made of 55% linen and 45% untreated cotton, this roomy tote is a great — and necessary, if we want to protect our planet — alternative to the plastic bags handed to us at supermarkets, delis and drugstores. Plus, it can be used time and time again.
Better yet, whenever a customer purchases a My Bag Cares tote, the company plants a tree! Talk about the gift of life!
25. PLANK Bamboo Series "Bling" Towel Set, $175. Visit Nimli.com
Remember when, at the height of his career, MC Hammer blew his fortune on a mansion decked out with solid gold faucets and sinks? That's a tragic example of flashiness and hip-hop excess gone very, very wrong (I mean, Hammer ended up broke as a joke and that's just sad).
These PLANK towels, made of 75% organic bamboo and 25% organic cotton, are a much more affordable, sensible way to add some bling to a bathroom space.
26. Escama Puff Clutch, $60. Visit Elsewares.com
Back in the day, when I was in elementary school, we used to play this silly game where we took soda cans and twisted the tab back and forth, reciting the alphabet so that every movement constituted a different letter. Whatever letter we uttered right before the tab broke off was supposedly the first letter of our future husband's first name. Looking at this petite clutch bag, I'm guessing the folks at Escama played that game A LOT! Just kidding. But isn't it amazing how something so cool can be created by what most would consider trash?
27.Origins Tree-Mendously Ginger Gift Set, $59.50; Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Be Weil Collection, $79.50. Visit Origins.com
This holiday season, Origins is reaffirming its commitment to eco-friendly practices — after all, the company has been utilizing natural ingredients since its inception in 1990 — by releasing a number of wonderful gift options, packaged in boxes made of 100% recycled board and wrapped in carbon and acid-free, 15% recycled paper.
One of my favorites is the Tree-Mendousy Ginger Gift Set (pictured at top), which includes: the Ginger Float Cream bubble bath, Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash, Incredible Spreadable Scrub Ginger body polish, Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream, Ginger Essence rollerball perfume, and even a soft cotton bath mitt. When consumed, ginger has been shown to boost the immune system, aid the digestion process, improve circulation, lessen arthritis pain, and slow down the aging process. When applied to the skin, it can help to detox the body and killing off bacteria. Plus the products' invigorating scent will add some pep to anyone's step!
Another winning option is the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Be Weil Collection, which includes: the Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Facial Cleanser, Mega-Mushroom Face Serum, Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cream, Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Body Cream and Conditioning Lip Balm with Tumeric. The mushrooms at the center of Weil's Plantidote collection firm the skin and reduce inflammation, puffiness, redness and wrinkles.
28. Think & Write & Grow journals, $24.95 each. Visit BotanicalPaperworks.com
When I was a little girl, I faithfully kept a journal. Back then, girls' journals didn't come with any fancy locks or anything so my older brother would come up with all these schemes to get his hands on it (just to bother me — it's not like I had any good, Starter Wife-esque dirt in there at age 9!) One day, his evil plan came to fruition, and he revealed my secret crush (which I'd written about in my journal) to a room full of people. I wanted to hide under a rock (and hit him with one too)! After that, I was too terrified to even start a journal (I didn't start again until I was in my 20s).
Now, the problem is simply figuring out what to do with the journals I've finished and how to minimize the bulk created by those thick journal covers. Well, now I know how to handle that scenario (and so do you). These journals, made of 100% recycled paper and wildflower seeds, are designed so that, once you've filled up all the pages, you can plant the cover and grow flowers. Not only is it an eco-friendly gift, but it has a pretty poetic twist (think about it: one's thoughts can blossom into fragrant flowers).
29. Josie Maran Wildflower Powder Palette, $45; Visit JosieMaranCosmetics.com
If you're a beauty junkie and an environmentalist, you can't go without some Josie Maran Cosmetics in your makeup bag. With two blush shades, a pink powder for a dewy finish, and five eyeshadow hues, this mirrored compact is a veritable treasure chest.
30. Gaiam Printed Yoga Mat and Mat Bag, $34. Visit Gaiam.com
Yoga can be a great way of finding your center, of harnessing the power within your core. But in order to reach a place of serenity, shouldn't you nurture a harmonious relationship with your environment? Well, you can start by replacing that latex yoga mat and pick up one of Gaiam's microfiber and natural rubber mats. And, if you want to look cute while living a greener lifestyle, then pick up one of these new printed mats. Choose between the Flower of Life (purple), Dragonfly Hydrangea (pink) and Damask (sand) styles, and you'll get a matching 100% cotton bag in which to carry your mat.
