Eco Friendly
Europe Bans Animal Testing on Cosmetics
What: By 2013, no European cosmetic products (at least legal ones) will be tested on animals - in theory - thanks to two new bans that outlaw animal testing on cosmetic ingredients and consequently, the sale of animal tested cosmetics.
What We Say: Bravo to the EU for taking such a difficult step toward animal rights. Even those of us who aren’t PETA members like to hear that “no animals were harmed in the making of this makeup.” British-speaking lab rats are probably throwing a party right now.
But it’s a lot more complicated than that. After all, there’s a reason animals are tested in the first place, and that reason isn’t that creators of cosmetics hate animals. Unfortunately, we just haven’t found alternatives that are as effective as animal testing... yet. Although the FDA doesn’t require US brands to test their cosmetics on animals, it does require such cosmetics to be safe. And if you’ve got to have a lab rat on hand to prove such a thing (which is often the case), well, you’ve got to do some animal testing.
So, what’s Europe’s secret? Well, if all the players in the industry are dealing with the same legalities, they’re all about even. We could see some of them coming to America to market their animal tested products, getting back their edge.
Do you care if your cosmetics are tested on animals? If so, what brands do you buy - Avon, anything else?
Gift Wrapping for Less
Usually we’re all about saving money on the gifts we’re buying this time of year, but what about all that dough we spend on wrapping paper (7 bucks for 20 feet of silver foil? Ridiculous!), ribbons, bows and the like? That’s why the folks at green living Web guide SustainLane.com have created this list of gift-giving styles and the eco- (and budget-) friendly ways to dress up your gifts for less:
Sensible: Go for reusable cloth, bags, paper, old maps and boxes in lieu of new wrapping paper.
Classic: Make festive gift-top décor with re-used bells, whistles, fake holly or mistletoe, Pez dispensers, dreidels, small, ceramic figurines, gelt, etc.
Earthy: Plant trimmings also make beautiful gift decor. Rosemary keeps its shape and fragrance even after it’s dried.
Wacky: Use old VHS and cassette tape as ribbon.
Creative: Tie your packages with old holiday lights for a funky, found-art look.
Rustic: Wrap gifts with brown paper bags or newspaper.
Resourceful: Skip scotch tape, and hold the bundle together with string or twine.
Want more info? The full green holiday guide can be found at SustainLane.com
image courtesy of SustainLane.com
Loomstate For Target: New Organic Fashion Line
Target is partnering with Scott Mackinlay Hahn and CFDA award-winning designer Rogan Gregory to launch the Loomstate for Target collection. All of the cotton used in this eco-friendly collection is 100% certified organic.The collection features both men’s and women’s apparel and will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide April 19, 2009, timed perfectly to coincide with Earth Day. The well-priced fashion collection will be available through May 16, 2009.
Sarah Palin Moose Tote: Get It
To discuss this issue (let’s be nice)- please head to the TBF Forum
What: Sarah Palin’s much bally-hooed, eco-friendly, pro-hunting moose tote
The Lowdown: Moose hunting? Well, here at TBF we don’t have a whole lot of experience in that arena; however, we’re all about being eco-friendly. If you love Sarah Palin (or just kinda think women hunting moose is cool) you’ll be pleased to know that this “Real Women Hunt Moose” tote is available to you for a very budget price—just $15.99. Use it for school, work, groceries, whatever, and be ready to respond to lots of comments from Palin lovers, and others . . .
Shop: Cafepress
Eco-Friendly Dresses at eDressme.com
What: Our blog, The Budget Ecoist, teaches us how to live a green life on a budget. eDressme.com helps fashionistas like that stretch our desire to be eco-friendly with fashionable, pretty and bio-degradable dresses.
What We Say: Expand your wardrobe and infuse a social conscience into your wardrobe. You might’ve thought “organic” just referred to food—we admit we’re still learning, too. We like the idea that our clothes could potentially help the environment. Wearing these dresses is practically the same as recycling your glass, plastics and metals. Just stylishly.
This white cotton mini dress by Trinity is only $69.00. We like the keyhole in the back, pleats at the hem, and of course, it’s 100% cotton.
The Catalina strapless dress by Zen-Knits features an interwoven waist, a bow in the back, and best of all, a bright and cheery orangey red. Now $85.00.
Do you like to shop eco-friendly? Did you know there was such a thing as a biodegradable dress?
Sewing, Fish Bowls, Green Reading: The Budget Ecoist
Check out these green tips from our blog, The Budget Ecoist!
—Save loads on money by sewing clothes. Whether you alter clothes you already own or buy bolts of fabric and make your own, it saves money and the re-using saves the environment. If you don’t own a sewing machine, head to a local studio. They often offer lessons and space for you to sew. Learn where to go in this post.
—We all know that fish don’t have very long lifespans, and those empty fish bowls often lie around in the basement, gathering dust. Be creative and re-use your fish tank for different decorative purposes. Of course, being the fashionistas we are, we’d probably stuff it with hair ties or beauty products, but The Budget Ecoist has prettier suggestions.
—Check out The Budget Ecoist’s list of the top 20 green blogs. We all work together to provide eco-friendly tips to the everyday citizen.
Looking for more eco-friendly tips? Head to The Budget Ecoist!
Capiz Shells, DIY Pillows, Recycled Goods: The Budget Casa
Looking to spruce up your home on a budget? Our blog, The Budget Casa, has some great tips! You already know budget fashion inside and out—check out some home decor how-to’s!
—Capiz shells (pictured above) can do a lot to accent your living space quickly and easily. Capiz shell lamps, bowls, platters—all for under $25. Learn the best spots to shop for capiz shell pieces and how to integrate them into your decor. You’ll be surprised at how a few simple changes improve the look of your home.
—Gone will be the days of bland outdoor furniture when you master the skill of making outdoor pillows. Follow the easy steps to make colorful, striped cushions for your deck or patio. They’re festive, durable, easy to make, and best of all, cheap (in that good way we love).
—Etsy is a site that sells home-made goods, and The Budget Casa is helping you pick out the best and cutest items for your abode. Many of the items are made out of recycled materials, and they’re significantly cheaper than buying similar items from a home goods store.
Like what you see? Head to The Budget Casa for more!
News Alert: Sheryl Crow, Denim Designer
What: Sheryl Crow is designing a clothing line consisting of jeans, t-shirts, and other laidback styles that jive with Crow’s persona as a rocker chick, according to Styledash. This line is a bit different from your standard celebrity designs, however—it’s eco-friendly. The line will be called Bootheel Trading Co. by Sheryl Crow.
What We Say: All we wanna do is…find out when and where we can check out these new clothes. We never knew Sheryl Crow to be a fashionista, but since we’ve secretly wanted to cruise and see the sun come up over Santa Monica Boulevard, we want to try on this vintage-inspired wear and see if we feel any hipper. We love the fact that it’s eco-friendly, too. We’re all about helping out the environment and looking great at the same time.
Image from InTouchWeekly
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