Tires and Milk Jugs and Hemp... Oh My! ECOSNEAKS have arrived.

Shoes are personal. They not only protect your feet to get you to and from, but more importantly they help portray your personal style and at times can make a statement all on their own. I'm not going to lie, I participated in the jelly shoe trend and rocked heels of oh so many inches that at times I questioned my own sanity and love of fashion.

By Lesley Chilcott, Unscrewamerica.org

When I walk through any store, a little mantra repeats in my head. "Every dollar is a vote... Every dollar is a vote." Sometimes I hear "Waste equals food" as Bill McDonough says but most of the time it's just, "Every dollar is a vote." Now back in 1970 when Earth Day started I think people were thinking more along the lines of use less, rather than buy more, but let's face it, we DO need to buy things. And when we buy, we need to do so more responsibly. So after you've saved energy all day buy using natural light but you find you actually DO need a bedside table lamp, consider what you put in that lamp. In February we launched a little non-profit called Unscrew America. Basically, unscrew your regular energy-wasting light bulbs and screw in more energy-efficient ones like CFLs and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). We did this because of radical facts like this one; Switching to LEDs could reduce U.S. energy consumption by 10%. That's a rather astounding fact. Memorize it. We also need people to know that when you use CFLs you must dispose of them properly due to their mercury content. We're peddling facts and safety. And we tell you about how to pick bulbs and make some suggestions on where to get them. And did I mention we have a dancing kangaroo on the site?

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

We all take it for granted... how could we not? We've been using it every day since we were teenagers and it becomes so routine, we don't even think about it. But despite our blase attitude, we need to take a closer look because these products we think are so helpful have a more insidious side and pose potentially serious health risks.

As a start, nearly all commercial deodorants contain aluminum salts, usually aluminum chlorohydrate. Manufacturers like aluminum because it effectively suppresses perspiration but the metal has a dark side once it makes its way into our body. Aluminum toxicity is a serious issue, but fortunately, for most of us one that can be easily avoided, I turned to my doctor husband, a cancer researcher, for the facts.

Dr. Nick Gonzalez:
Thirty years ago researchers first detected significantly elevated aluminum levels in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, and subsequently proposed a link between the heavy metal and the disease. Though scientists still debate the connection, certainly aluminum is a toxic heavy metal that has no useful biological function, and which we don't want building up in our bodies, ever.

Manufacturers long discounted any such effect from aluminum salts in deodorants, which they claimed would not be absorbed through the skin. This assumption has proven wrong, and over time users of commercial deodorant do accumulate the stuff, sometimes in significant levels. A recent medical report described a woman who ended up with severe aluminum toxicity directly as a result of her deodorant use.

Most commercial deodorants also contain parabens, which act as preservatives and stabilizers, but which like aluminum can be absorbed with systemic effects. Parabens mimic estrogen, and though the amounts we absorb on a daily basis might be small, over time, the accumulation can be significant. A report from England in 2004 documented a relationship between parabens and breast cancer.

Fortunately, natural, organic alternatives abound, containing neither dangerous aluminum nor the dreaded parabens. I spent a long time trying to find the perfect natural deodorant and the trial and error testing was at time embarrassing. Some natural deodorants work just fine for an ordinary, low stress, low humidity day. But I'll still turn to my basic alcohol prep swab when I think I'm facing a particularly tough day. Yes, alcohol swabs, applied directly to the underarms (but not right after shaving, ouch!). Alcohol doesn't inhibit perspiration, but it kills the bacteria. Bacteria lives on sweat, and creates the odor that can be embarrassing. So kill the bacteria, kill the smell! Alcohol may not be an elegant answer, but it's cheap, it's natural and it works.

Natural, Paraben and Aluminum free deodorants:
Kiss My Face Active Enzyme: $4.99; Fragrance Free, Patchouli, Lavender, Skin Deep score: 1
Dr. Hauschka: $19.95; Fresh (sporty) and Floral; Skin Deep score: not rated
Avalon Organics: $5.95; Peppermint, Wild Yam, Lemon and Lavender, Skin Deep score: 0-1
Nature's Gate Organics: $5.99; Chamomile and Lemon Verbena, Skin Deep score: 1

Hope this helps you keep fresh and cool in the safest and most natural way possible.

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

Compai, a crafty green design studio in Brooklyn, is the collaboration of a sister-team that has been making waves since 2002, in Florence, Italy. “99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie And Rock Your Scarf” is a DIY treat. Those interested in recycling their scarves by turning tired treasures into ascot masterpieces will love "99 Ways." Their first two books in the DIY trilogy convey the same philosophy using t-shirts (their first publication) and denim (their second publication). Each page is decorated with clever drawings matched with a photo of the project, and detailed instructions with sketches and a glossary of terms, to make following along simple. Each project also gives you a heads up on the approximate amount of time it will take (and level of difficulty), so if you don’t have 45 minutes to dedicate, find a design that fits your schedule! "99 Ways" may sound like a lot of twists on a simple subject, but you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were. Amazon has copies for only $13.57, so click here to get your hands on your own book.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

We're loving the moms over at Mom Logic for giving us the heads up on the new Spring/Summer collection from LeSportsac. Vegans have always loved this mega bag maven for their fun, leather free alternatives, but now, through a partnership with one of our favorite sires of fashion, Stella McCartney, comes their premiere and truly eco-friendly line. Available on a pre-order basis only, you can be one of the first to tote (or roll) around one of these cute, yet sophisticated designs - made from entirely recycled fabrics. For the modern mom on the go, with a desire for form, function and sustainability, Stella's Sportsac's got it in the bag.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

Spring is definitely in the air for our East Coast contributors. Or wait, is it just global warming rearing its hot head? Either way, it's got some of us planning our spring wardrobes in the middle of February. For a sure thing when it comes to organic style, we checked out Loomstate's autumn collection. It's a good thing we don't believe in all that "no white after Labor Day" nonsense, because the Flux skinny white jeans are begging to be worn once the slush ceases to overrun the streets of New York. The slouchy green parka and long peach cardigan are spring staples for a sunny afternoon to breezy evening transition. Loomstate's clothing is made with 100 percent certified organic materials, so we won't blame you for stocking up on spring styles from their line, though remember to mix it with what you already have. Barneys has many of the best Loomstate pieces, and even has some styles unavailable elsewhere, so it might be worth a visit to one of their outposts.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

I have had a re-occurring nightmare since childhood where I'm foaming uncontrollably at the mouth. And then animals and people come at me with their mouths engrossed in a white foamy mess. To this day, I simply cannot watch someone brush their teeth without being overcome by a deep rooted sense of fear. After much analysis, it seems that my unusual reaction is perhaps connected to being 10 years old and chased and bitten by a potentially rabid neighborhood dog or perhaps it is a premonition of the health dangers of foaming, chemical laden Sodium Lauryl Sulfate toothpaste.

As an eco-conscious Adult, I've learned that next to eating organic foods, the second best Green thing I can do for my preventative health is to brush with natural, Fluoride-free and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-free toothpaste.

Why avoid fluoride? Hasn't this mineral been proven to lower our risk of dental decay? Well, not exactly. In fact, when scientists have closely evaluated the epidemiological "proof," that fluoride blocks dental decay, the data seems at best sketchy, with some claiming that areas with little fluoride in the water have less decay overall than highly fluoridated regions.

Fluoride can actually be quite toxic, hence the warnings on toothpaste cartons about swallowing the stuff! It has been linked, ironically, to stained teeth, weakened bones, even, in some animal studies, cancer. So why has it been so widely promoted as the answer to dental decay? Industrial processing yields huge amounts of fluoride or fluroro silicic acid, a highly toxic substance. Chemical companies, sadly working with government officials, thought the best way to dispose of the material would be to dump it into the water supply and claim it as a gift for our health. The widespread fluoridation of water actually represents one of the greatest human pharmacological experiments ever conducted with some claiming the end result will be massive degenerative disease.

What is so bad about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)? This detergent and foaming agent is often used in personal care products to create foam to properly disperse the ingredients and ensure easy rinsing. People have been conditioned to believe that the foamy suds are part of the cleaning process. However, SLS has been linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage and cataracts. The Environmental Working Group states in their Skin Deep Report that SLS may possibly be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable carcinogen.

Now I'm not a scientist. I simply prefer the no risk, no cancer option of a chemical-free toothpaste to clean and protect my teeth and gums. And whenever in doubt, I'll listen to my premonition.

Best Natural Dental Care Products:

Kiss My Face: Offers fluoride-free and SLS-free products with no animal ingredients, no artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals and their products are not tested on animals.
- Wake Up: Certified Organic Aloe Vera Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1
- Triple Action AloeDyne Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1
- Whitening AloeDyne Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 2
- AloeDyne Fresh Breath Mouthwash: Skin Deep score: 2

Jason: A Hain Celestial Group company, their natural and organic toothpastes are fluoride-free and SLS-free.
- Healthy Mouth: Tea Tree Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 3
- Powersmile Whitening Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1

Auromere: Auromere provides Ayurvedic products that are pure, authentic, cruelty-free and their toothpaste contains no fluoride or SLS. I love their non-foaming, Cardamom and Fennel herbal toothpaste.

Tom's of Maine: A Colgate-Palmolive company, Tom's of Maine sits on both sides of the fence. They offer SLS and Fluoride products as well as SLS-free and fluoride-free toothpastes with glycyrrhizin, derived from licorice root, to foam and disperse ingredients. Skin Deep scores not available for these specific recommended products but other Tom's of Maine products scores range from 0-5
- Natural Clean & Gentle Care SLS-Free Antiplaque plus Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
- Natural Sensitive Care SLS-Free Toothpaste
- Naturally waxed, anti plague, unflavored, flat dental floss

Finding the right natural toothpaste for your personal needs isn't easy. I've often spent more than 30 minutes at a time in the natural beauty aisle reading the detailed toothpaste ingredients. Some "natural" products sneak SLS in as one of the last ingredients. Others list sorbitol, a sugar, as one of the first ingredients. Though sorbitol, unlike common sucrose, isn't suppose to cause dental decay, why would I want to brush my teeth and gums with sugar? Aren't I brushing to get rid of the sugar that causes tooth decay? Manufacturers add sorbitol to appeal to the sweet tooth and sugar addictions of consumers.

We can be smarter and not fall for these tricks. We can take our toothbrush into our own hands and stop foaming at the mouth.

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog

By Zem Jaoquin, ecofabulous.com

Only eight more days! Whether you want to surprise your S.O. with something sexy in a box or cloaking you, nothing says happy Valentine's Day like lingerie. When the candles start flickering on the 14th (soy or beeswax preferably), Enamore's got you covered (albeit scantily so). Produced in the UK, from the finest organic hemp, soy, cotton and hand selected vintage fabrics, we think it is pretty enticing that Enamore is a steward for the planet while creating smolderingly hot garments. Additional green options for all your Valentine's Day needs can be found on our Ecofabulous Lust List. Get busy y'all.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

It's that time of year when we use heart shaped goodies and perishable treats to express our love for friends, family, crushes and for our one and only - how about showing your love in more ways than one this year? We've scoured the greatest sustainable and seductive gifts that are floating around in cyberspace, to bring you the most ecofabulous options available (across all budgets), and hope sparks will fly as you celebrate your passion. But amid all the shopping, don't forget your mother... earth, that is.

Chocolates For Melting an Eco-Heart:

Organic Style: Nothing says Happy Valentines Day more boldly than a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Artisan Chocolates from Organic Style come from fair trade cocoa, from Costa Rica, which is what makes this 17-piece offering such a lovely gift. In this box full of love, you'll find hand-decorated, heart-shaped ganache in three delectable flavors: Bing Cherry, Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Jamaican Spice Caramels. Your sweetheart is sure to be sweet on this slight twist on tradition.

Cocoa Vino: Everyone should indulge in these lovely chocolates at some point, so why not now! These regional, sustainable and organic chocolates, made by artisanal perfection, are a simple but powerful way to show that someone special how much you care (about them and the earth). The ecofab favorite is the olive oil bonbon with hazelnut and sea salt - yum!

Theo Chocolate: Theo pioneered the organic chocolate movement, in 1994, and has been blossoming ever since. The award winning bars capture the flavors of the regions in which the beans are grown - like Madagascar and Venezuela - and are available at Whole Foods.

Eco-Flower Power:

That bouquet may be a fragrant way to show your love, but it's also, most likely, the result of unacceptable labor practices in foreign countries, where people (mostly women) are poorly paid and exposed to huge amounts of dangerous pesticides and fungicides. Make sure your next floral token carries its ethical weight.

Organic Style: Our favorite flower buys come from Organic Style. Go for the tried and true - what says "I love you, deeply" better than a velvety rich bouquet of a dozen red roses? Maybe two dozen? Organic stems are always appreciated (especially when the Rosa Parks Foundation gets a little boost from your purchase). Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your beholder may prefer cosmopolitan lavender buds or the fresh-from-the-garden look of Aphrodite pink Roses. There are lots of colors and styles to choose from and all of their stems are Veriflora certified.

Or get really gifty and opt for a charity bouquet - in which 5% (10% in the case of the Rosa Rose) of the purchase price goes towards the organization paired with each made-to-order bouquet. To see all their Valentine's Day specials, visit organicstyle.com

Or check out Local Harvest: find sources of local organics near you.

Conflict-Free Diamonds are a Green Girl's Best Friend:

Jewelry is glamorous, however - from earth to finger - its making is not. The production of one gold ring is said to create 20 tons of mine waste! Additionally, the dirty business of where we get our rocks is getting difficult to ignore (hello Blood Diamond). Ensure the bauble on your lover's finger (or anywhere else) will not support violence, human rights violations and environmental destruction by supporting ethical jewelers like the ones below.

Brilliant Earth: A shining example of earth-loving jewelry; they go beyond just pedaling beautiful jewels... they teach about diamond-related issues, offer gorgeous solutions and give back by supporting the Diamonds for Africa Fund. Their diamonds are exclusively mined in Canada, according to strict environmental laws, and - taking it a step further - they also use reclaimed precious metals (refined to be identical in quality to newly mined metals). And if you decide to choose Valentine's Day to ask your significant other to share your life, or to just further celebrate your commitment to one another, Brilliant Earth is the chicest solution. If you're just after a fancy find, a pair of diamond studs will do the trick.

Linda Loudermilk: this faucet necklace, constructed from reclaimed silver, will drop a fashion hint about water (one worth making) - part of L.L.'s "Water is a Human Right" Collection.

Verderocks: what designer Gwendolyn Davis has termed "nouveau vintage" employs only organic, vintage, recycled and "certifiably" sustainable materials. From condom cases to crowns, and all the jewelry in between, her stuff is contemporary with an antique twist that we just love, and we're pretty sure so will YOUR queen... or king.

Verdier: handmade from components old and new, incorporating filigree, Lucite, glass and metals from the 1920s to the 1970s, these pieces are sure attract some eclectic tastes. Though the Brass Beetle pendant may not appear to be the most romantic of gestures, the right girl would be stoked to don it. If my son could afford it, he would love to make it my V-day gift (but I have a feeling I'm getting the collage card again).

Toby Pomeroy: When genius jeweler Toby asked the largest gold manufacturer to source pure gold, derived entirely from reclaimed sources, they agreed! So he and his skilled team of artisans use their Midas touch to churn out timeless, refined treasures with their brilliant Eco-Gold.

For Your Knight in Shining Amour:

CotoLuxe: any man would be lucky to don these duos - the Antler Corozo and the Indian Head Nickel Links, made from fallen rack antler horns and antique Native American nickels (respectively), and backed with corozo wafer buttons, made from South American tagua nut. And they come in the perfect gift package - a wooden box made from sustainably-managed, Canadian forests.

Citizen Eco Drive Watch: granted these watches are not made of recycled materials (which makes us unhappy) but they say goodbye to traditional batteries in favor of solar power. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, perfect for the man (or woman) in your life.

Apple iTunes Gift Certificate: we don't have to tell you why downloading your tunes is more eco-friendly than accumulating a pile of disks. Feed a music addiction with amounts ranging from $10-$200. Maybe the recipient will use it to download some of your favorite love songs. That's what we call a win-win.

For Love That's on the Rocks:

If V-day drives you to drink, seek out a Veev "Valentini" or "Love on the Rocks", which will be served at hotspots throughout LA, SF, San Diego and Miami. If you don't live in one of these Veev-friendly cities, you can still order a bottle and make these organic, luscious libations at home.

For Your Queen of Green:

Vegan Queen: this red clutch comes from V.Q.'s collection of bags which are recyclable, non-toxic, organic, cruelty free, made in the USA and ooze "eco-luxury" from the core. Crafted with materials such as monogram-embossed 100% natural rubber, nickel-free zippers, PVC-free eco-polymers, organic cotton fleece lining and recycled crest medallions, it's a hearty dose of goodness.

For the Frisky Environmentalist:

Enamore: it's a fun and flirtatious lingerie collection produced in the UK from the finest organic hemp, soy, cotton and hand-selected vintage fabrics. Hard to say who is going to enjoy this sexy, sustainable stuff more!

Urban Fox undies: recently launched, Urban Fox's handmade, eco-friendly undie sets are soft, silky and oh-so-sexy. We got to feel them over at the Eco Gift Expo, in Santa Monica, and can attest to their luxuriousness!

Eco-Boudoir: exquisitely sexy, this UK-based online boutique will take care of all of a sophisticated woman's intimate apparel needs, while engaging in environmentally responsible business practices. Eco-luxury with a conscience - now that's a gift.

Just Tell Me You Love Me:

Night Owl Paper Goods: these cute valentines are made from sustainably-harvested yellow birch, and come in five holiday designs. We're partial to the "owl love you forever" of course, but to make the message loud and clear, send out the four letter word.

Care2 e-cards: go the most environmentally-friendly route, and send out one of these e-cards, from Care2. You'll be able to find one for anybody and everybody who deserves your acknowledgment this year. The ThumbHug2 card will warm any parent's heart, believe us.

World of Good Journal: a 100% wood-free journal made from recycled cotton waste, using a chemical free, handmade process in Rajasthan (thus supporting local economy). For the person who wants to capture their poetry, or the kid who needs a journal to pine over their childhood romances, these scribbles are where the heart is.

Beeswax Candle: Made from pure cinnamon essential oil and 100% natural beeswax, bring some light to your life this Valentine's. A little ambiance goes a long way, this little candle burns for 5 hours, and is non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Sweet Thoughts Journal: this cute, little handmade journal utilizes a box of chocolate sweathearts as its cover and contains approx. 40% acid-free, recycled pages (not the most impressive of percentages, but...). Who can resist the little adages of this quintessential V-Day candy? "Be mine." "Kiss me." Carry them around in your pocket with this mini note pad.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

When a paint is marketed to pregnant women, parents of small children and people with allergies or asthma, it's pretty safe to say you've struck eco-gold. After all, in considering the health of the planet, we invariably improve upon the health of humanity as well.

An Arizona-based boutique color house is churning out handmade clay paints that are safe for everyone and everything at all times (as long as you don't guzzle down a gallon). Using ancient Mayan pigments and a soy resin - among a disclosed ingredient list that numbers under a dozen - Green Planet Paints provides a soft, silky clay finish in deep, complex colors. You can even create a smooth plaster finish by waxing the surface. Entirely free of Volatile Organic Compounds, these paints will smell only of soy, so you can be sure you aren't degrading your Indoor Air Quality (or outdoor!). I'm breathing easier already.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com