GREENING YOUR CLOSET

Facts:
The average American throws away about 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per year. Conventional cotton uses more chemical insecticides than any other single crop, representing 25% of the world's insecticide use and 10% of the world's pesticide use(Pesticide Action Network North America). One-third of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals is required to produce enough cotton for one tee (The Sustainable Cotton Project).

Increase your eco-cred by asking all the tough questions before you buy:

• is the fabric organic and enviro-friendly?
• are the dyes vegetable-based, non-toxic and environmentally safe?
• does the manufacturer guarantee fair trade certification or a sweatshop-free environment and fair and safe labor practices?
• has the manufacturer made a commitment to environmentally sound products?
• is it a design-conscious, high-quality piece that will be a functional long-term addition to your closet or are you getting caught up in the trend of the moment?
• is it the quantity of clothing options or the quality that is more important?
• is your purchase supporting an independent ethical business?

Choose clothing made from organic and sustainable fibers or surplus fabrics that is fair trade and sweatshop-free. Balance ethics with style and function to guarantee a timeless and durable wardrobe. Spending a little more is worth it to ensure quality and you'll find those favorite jeans won't need replacing. Support independent ethical businesses that walk the walk and aren't trying to co-opt the movement.

Feeling your wallet a little light from buying the best in ethical fashion? Even it out while keeping it authentic by scouring second-hand shops and flea markets for chic vintage wears. 

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Support local trades and work with your neighborhood tailor or seamstress to make your ideas into one-of-a-kind pieces or for other big projects.

Care for your funky finds like a hip faux fur coat passed down from your grandma. When its broke, fix it. Instead of treating tees and denim as disposable pieces that were meant to last a season, channel your inner crafter and learn to sew a button or fix a hem. Can't seem to find the time or the skills? Barter with family or friends and trade some homemade fair trade chocolate cupcakes for a renewed outfit.

Find out if that cashmere sweater really needs dry cleaning or if you can use a mild shampoo and conditioner (recommended by Stewart + Brown for their cashmere collection). If your hair care won't do the trick, search for an independent local cleaner who went green and phased out carcinogenic dry cleaning chemicals like perc (tetrachloroethylene) for safe new enviro-friendly methods like GreenEarth, liquid carbon dioxide and wet cleaning.

When its time clean to the closet, close the loop by selling your goodies to a thrift shop, online community or donating them.

GREENING YOUR SPACE

Fact: According to a report by the Environmental Working Group, one third of all personal care products contain one or more ingredients known to be human carcinogens.

In the never-ending search for the fountain of beauty, we are attacked with cancer-causing toxic chemicals that have been banned in Europe and are not even included on US labels. Our best bet for safe personal care products is to go organic and natural. And make sure the claims are true by digging deeper, read labels thoroughly and check online with the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep guide and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics for more information. Find an independent ethical business that you can trust to offer the safest alternatives while promoting fair trade and organic lines. Choose products that are cruelty-free and are not tested on animals. Don't stop with what's inside, find out whether the company uses enviro-friendly and recyclable packaging?

If in doubt, go back to basics. Tired of buying "all natural" products and later finding toxic chemicals on the label. While you're doing research on store brands, find homemade recipes and mix it yourself. There are enough healthy essentials to suit anyone's taste: rosemary, lavender, sugar, salt, papaya, pineapple, lemon, oatmeal, honey... this is one dish that can make even a mediocre cook shine.

GREENING YOUR SPACE

We're not talking about curbside couches and hand-me-downs that would make Archie Bunker proud. Sustainable designers have been crafting durable pieces from reclaimed wood, recycled and eco-friendly materials worthy of a spot in the MOMA.

Some tips and choices:

• Seek out innovative designers that address environmentally sound practices, fair labor standards and sweatshop-free conditions. Protect your inner sanctuary by opting for furniture that is low toxicity.
• Try to find quality functional pieces with history that have been re-crafted into modern designs.
• Combining recycled metals and plastics add a hip edge while keeping the materials out of the landfill.
• Make sure raw wood was harvested sustainably from forests, tree farms or reclaimed sources. The Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance certification promotes environmental, social and economically sustainable management of the earth's forests.
• Bamboo will get you a green star, but make sure to find a source that is organically grown without pesticides and processed without chemicals while ensuring fair labor practices.
• Support independent ethical businesses that keep it real and can back up their claims.
• Most new furniture found in conventional home furnishing stores is no match in durability for re-used materials that have weathered the times.
• When the time comes to kick that coffee table to the curb, keep your furniture out of the landfill and sell at the thrift shop, online community or donate.

GREENING YOUR KITCHEN

By supporting organic agriculture, you are not only doing the best for your health, but also supporting the health of farm workers and the environment by ensuring protection from agro-chemicals and pesticides. Fair trade certification guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions for those who work in fields and factories while requiring strict criteria for environmental sustainability. In your search for small batch artisanal foods, opt for supporting independent ethical businesses that practice real fair trade over large grocery chains.

Buy seasonal, local produce, which supports the local agricultural and business community while lessening the impact on global climate change. Buy a share in your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Become a member of your neighborhood food co-op. These options also cut down on the over-packaged foods found in grocery stores and specialty chains. Try to cut down on waste by buying only what you need and complete the cycle by composting your organic waste.

Paint your thumbs green by planting a garden. Don't have the space? Check your neighborhood for community gardens or plant some herb boxes.

GREENING YOUR GIFT LISTS

Share your ethics. Before deciding on that cute whatchamacallit, think about its function. Can't find one? Time for a better idea. Instead of buying into thoughtless consumer culture, make gift-giving mean something. Look for Fair Trade, organic and green products that don't sacrifice style. Buy high-quality, functional gifts that will last.

Choosing where you buy is just as important as what you buy. Support independent ethical businesses; it's a movement, join in. Who said that it doesn't matter what's on the outside? Chose eco-friendly gift wrap and find creative ways to re-use paper and packaging materials.

Fact: The holiday season brings a 25% increase in trash.