Lets Move The Earth...
So Earth Months over for another year, but, do we keep up our planet saving pledges (did we even make any??) or do we go back to our old careless convenient ways with a somewhat clear conscience that “Hey, I did my bit in Earth Month!”. I know on a whole as consumers we have become more aware of what we put in our bodies and its impact on our health and on our environment, take for example chicken and eggs, the meats pumped full of artificial additives, chemicals and toxins and who can bare to think of those poor birds living their entire life in a cage so small they can’t move? So we choose to buy organic, free range chicken and eggs? But what about what we put on our bodies?
I’ve been a self professed planeteer since Captain Planet and the Planeteers hit tv screens in the 90’s, I was obsessed, I even had my own little Captain Planet club going. I mean who cud resist that catchy theme song, not to mention a crazy green haired pollution fighting super hero and his gang of groupies in their very cool matching t-shirts and the ultimate accessory, the planet power rings! Although, now-a-days i don’t run around pretending i saw Captain Planet flying over head at breaktime in school i do try to do my bit, but even at that i get carried away with life and convenience from time to time to the immense disapproval of the pint sized planeteer inside me. So i got to thinking (dangerous territory some might say...) how can we minimize our negative impact on the environment daily through what we choose to put on our bodies both cosmetically and sartorially? So i did a little research, tried and tested a few planet friendly products and got the low down on some very inspiring companies...
One way to help preserve the planet, fight against climate change and the hole in the ozone layer (yes its still there) is by reducing our carbon footprint, and now that Mother Nature has decided to smile upon us with a bit of sunshine, why not walk or cycle to work, and i’ve got just the shoes for you to do it in... TOMS. TOMS began in 2006 and pioneered the One for One concept, for every pair of TOMS bought they give a pair of shoes to a child in need, one for one. By 2011 they had given over two million pairs of new shoes to children in need. They have also branched into TOMS Eyewear and for every pair bought they help save or restore the sight of one person in need. TOMS are available in Schuh and Brown Thomas and start at €45, you could literally be creating a better world one step at a time.
When it comes to shower time or relaxing, and soaking your troubles away in a bath, depending on your disposition, the day of the week or your schedule, why not indulge yourself in some lushious pampering from one of the greenest companies around... Lush! Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. In my opinion its not just a company, Lush is a revolution. You may have been overpowered by a sweet, intoxicating mix of fragrances leaving the open doors of a Lush shop on your favorite busy city shopping street and if you ventured inside you know exactly what I’m talking about, if you didn’t, give them a chance, they have a fragrance and a product for every one and for just about everything, from the boppy, glitter happy teenager to a mother in her autumn years and everyone in between, including the men. They have a very strict not tested on animals policy and because all of their products are 100% natural, fresh, organic and vegetarian they test them on humans instead, after all its us that will be using them! They have taken the water out of their products where possible to keep packaging at a minimum so their shampoos, hair dies, conditioners and deodorants come in a novel bar form. The packaging that they do use is 100% recyclable and they have a facility instore for you to drop off your used Lush pots and packages for them to be recycled in their own plant in the UK and reused. Better still, they have a sort of customer rewards policy, if you bring back five full sized black pots you get a free face mask, what could be better than that! The company strives to support charities and campaigns for human and animal rights creating an awareness of environmental and political issues through protests and petitions. So join the revolution i say and go Lush!
When it comes to war paint ladies, are we as concerned about our brands being as committed to the environment and creating a better world as they are to creating a glowing flawless complexion and photo finish facade. Make-up is by its nature completely synthetic but it doesn’t need to be totally devoid of a conscience either. We all know about MAC’s Viva Glam Lipstick campaign thats highly anticipated every year and promoted by the planets biggest stars, 100% of the retail sales proceeds go to organisations that help people living with HIV/AIDS. What is possibly a little less known is their Back to MAC Program, return six primary packaging containers to a MAC counter and receive a free lipstick of your choice (excluding the Viva Glam Lipsticks), recycling rewards don’t get much better!! However if recycling and charity work doesn’t cut it for you in terms of make a difference make-up, how about Urban Decay. Another huge favorite of mine (i mean those eyeshadow palettes... wow!) Urban Decay is a cruelty-free brand dedicated to ending animal testing and is certified by PETA and The Leaping Bunny Program (CCIC) plus many of their products are vegan meaning they contain no animal by-products. Their vegan products span all their ranges and are easily identifiable by a little purple paw print! Combining the policies and ethics of both these brands would leave us laughing for the just about perfect photo finish.
So thats our feet, bodies, hair and faces sorted what about some feel good fashion... well i have that for you too. Stella McCartney has always been known for pioneering responsible, sustainable, ethical fashion in her exquisite collections but for those of us who unfortunately cant afford the hefty price tag they come with theres a high street solution... H&M Conscious Collections - Sustainable Style. Not only have they a collection of casual essentials but at the start of April they launched their ‘Conscious Exclusive’ collection. This beautiful, chic Hollywood inspired collection has already been seen on the red carpet, its high fashion at a fraction of the price and manufactured from fully sustainable materials, recycled polyester and chiffon and organic cotton to be precise. The Swedish company has been practicing eco-friendly fashion since the 90’s when they launched their first collection with organic cotton and a few years ago joined forces with the likes of the Adidas Group and M&S to create the Better Cotton Initiate (BCI). Realizing that material production is a huge part of the environmental impact of the fashion trade and that cotton is arguably the worlds most important renewable resource and a staple to the fashion industry the Better Cotton Initiative pledges to manage cotton resources more responsibly, erradicate both child labour and forced labour in cotton production, to increase the sustainability of the cotton industry and enhance the livelihood of the farming communities that depend on this valuable crop. The ‘Conscious Exclusive’ collection comprises of flirty cocktail dresses, breathtaking ballgowns, tailored pieces and mens tailored suits it's available online at www.hm.com it ships to ireland and prices range from €39.95 to €299. It just proves that beautiful, eco friendly fashion doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag attached.
So thats it my pick of inspiring brands striving to make a difference to the world, we only have one planet so why not make choices to support those who are trying to make it a better place. Don’t go green just for earth month, go green for life. In the words of Captain Planet...
THE POWER IS YOURS!
Above Images ; www.mobilecommons.com, www.collider.com, www.toms.com, Bath Melts www.lush.co.uk, Viva Glam Campaign History www.glitterglossgarbage.com, Urban Decay stand www.sephora.com, Dresses from H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection www.eonline.com
