Have you bought anything you loved lately? In the PEOPLE StyleWatch offices, the answer to that question is usually “Yes.” And this week, in honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting six things that are eco-friendly, made sustainably or help the environment in some way. Check out the fashion, beauty and more that makes it easy to be green.
Courtesy H&M
Brittany Talarico, Associate Style Editor: I’m in the process of planning my honeymoom. The location changes on a daily basis (right now the Greek Isles are in the lead), but we know it’s going to be somewhere with a warm climate and beaches. So even though it’s not officially booked, I’ve been happily purchasing clothes (a lot of clothes) for my trip. Basically, everything from H&M’s new Conscious Collection would be great for say a vacay in Santorini, not only because the pieces are so freakin’ cute, but also because they are sustainable, promote environmental awareness and safe work practices. Plus, the H&M Conscious Foundation improves access to education and clean water to communities in need.
Now that you’ve heard the spiel, you can totally see why I’m about to add this hot-pink tassel tunic ($29.95) to my shopping cart. It’s perfect as a beach coverup or topper to a pair of white skinnies. The only thing left to decide is if I need the black one too.
Courtesy People’s Movement
Bronwyn Barnes, Senior Style Editor: Save the whales, the dolphins and the sea turtles! Not only is this People’s Movement anchor t-shirt “adoranautical” (take that, Zooey Deschanel!), it’s made of used plastic bags collected from the harbors of Southern California by kids at Canyon Elementary School in Pacific Palisades. Plus, a portion of the profits is donated to 5 Gyres, an organization dedicated to stopping plastic bag pollution, which kills over 100,000 marine animals each year.
I can’t wear a Breton stripe shirt every day of the summer (though, technically, I own enough of them that I could) so this silver cotton tee is the perfect alternative. It’ll go perfectly with a pair of white denim cutoffs and my New Balance newSKY sneakers, which are made of recycled plastic bottles.
Courtesy ThredUp
Heather Viggiani, Assistant Editor: Last week, you heard about how Alex sent her unwanted clothing, bags and shoes to ThredUp.com. Well, one woman’s closet clean-out is another woman’s style win! I scored this Robert Rodriguez jersey dress (NWT!) for less than $100 on the site. Who knew recycling could be so chic? The dress was actually part of their new “X Collection,” a section dedicated to secondhand finds from hot brands like Parker and Elizabeth & James — it’s pretty amazing. Hop on to give some great dresses, tops and more a second life—as long as you don’t share my size!
Courtesy Eminence
Sarah Kinonen, Assistant Beauty Editor: In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to shine a light on one of my all-time favorite skin care brands: Éminence Organic Skin Care. Just as its name claims, Éminence is a Hungarian organic skin care company that strives to bring users clear, younger-looking skin with each one of its many cleansers, serums and masks, all made from organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. Although the masks are my favorite (hello, Cranberry Pomegranate Mask, you’re perfect), I love the fact that Éminence plants a tree for every product sold. How can you not love this brand? Help celebrate the planet by checking Éminence out!
Courtesy Puretergent
Alex Apatoff, Style News Editor: I’m trying very hard to do my part for the environment by buying less and taking better, greener care of the things I do have. Though I’m not quite at the composting stage of life (don’t tell my crunchy San Francisco neighbors, please) I have been thinking more about the detergents and soaps I use in the dishwasher and washing machine. I realized that if I can avoid rinsing tons of chemicals down the drain, I probably should.
The problem is that many eco-friendly solutions to the problem don’t quite get my laundry as clean as I’d like. I tried a sample of this Puretergent (which is based out here in Oakland, Calif.) and was pleasantly surprised. It smells fresh but not sweet, works really well (it’s high-efficiency) and the packaging is chic and sustainable. (All that blah blah here.) I’m not quite ready to be a regular hiker or craft all my own clothes out of hemp, but this is a start.
Courtesy Birchbox
Whitney Little, Associate Producer: Everyone I know loves Birchbox . All you have to do is fork over $10 for an assortment of beauty samples, delivered to your door monthly. But now I love Birchbox even more, because the company put together a limited-edition Free for All box, filled with popular eco-friendly brands and a FEED pouch.
I’ll admit I’m always nervous to try these types of products — they tend to be hit or miss for me. But this box is full of the best of the best, so you’ll be sure to find a line you need in your life. (And once you do, you can visit Birchbox’s new ingredient-conscious site to order even more!)
What are you buying lately? Tell us in the comments. Plus, check out what else our editors have been loving over the past month…
What We’re Buying: The Bags and Shoes We Can’t Live Without for Spring
What We’re Buying: The Hottest Heels, Coolest Jacket and Perfect Pick-Me-Up
What We’re Buying: The Perfect Spring Jacket, Dress, Crop Top and Booties
What We’re Buying: Chic Jewelry, Affordable Spring Finds and the Cutest Rain Boots
