According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The term sustainable has become a green industry buzz word and one that some people have a hard time using when it comes to product descriptions. Products can claim to be sustainable in all sorts of ways, but the fact is, every product takes some resources and materials to be created.
To be truly eco-friendly, the resources used to create a product should be such that they are self-generating and unlimited. This would be something to the tune of picking up bird feathers once a bird has molted and using those feathers to create a bracelet. Or picking a betel nut from the jungle floor and using that nut to create a ring. However, even the process of creating the bracelet and selling it to the consumer creates a footprint.
The best we can do, right now, is to minimize the footprint that each of us creates in our daily life. You know and I know that we have no plans to stop shopping. It is a fact that we will be purchasing another shoe, another handbag, and definitely another fabulous, must-have lip gloss. The question is whether the product we choose will last longer than one season of our favorite TV show, or whether it is hand-sewn by Fair Trade workers. It is so well cut, wonderful and well crafted that it will be an addition to our wardrobe for years to come? Or is it merely a trendy, one-season throw-away?
Once you define your style it will be easier to make choices that last over years and reflect your inner diva. Following your inner vision of style is one way to truly move towards sustainable, sexy style. Take some time to reflect on what ignites your passion, which colors make you feel fabulous, and what is important to you in your environment. The answers are a reflection of your own personal style.
What Are Some Things I can do to Stay Sustainable and Sexy?
Some sustainable choices you can make today are:
- buy local when possible
- buy fair trade
- only shop with something specific in mind
- shop vintage
- swap clothes with friends
- hold off on that purchase altogether
If you do absolutely need that new purchase, here are some incredible resources for green, sexy, sustainable shopping:
The list is growing daily! Even stores like Nordstroms, Target and Wal-Mart are making green choices easier by providing organic fabrics, PVC free shoes and bags, and skincare options that skip the toxins.
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