Alison currently resides in Brooklyn, New York and focuses on environmentally responsible work with interior spaces in New York City. You can imagine my excitement when Alison agreed to chat with me about green design, a topic that is just now finally coming to the forefront of the industry. More
Design theft is nothing news. Brands like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 have been accused many times of stealing designs from indie crafters and small brands. What’s different about this case of design theft is that the designers and community are speaking out! More
Consumers shopping for environmentally friendly eyewear should be wary of unsubstantiated claims by optical companies. Given the large amounts of water and energy necessary to produce and ship a pair of glasses, significant efforts are needed to make optics production sustainable. Eyewear companies selling “eco glasses” in a truly sustainable manner are far and few in between. Here are a few truly eco options. More
Willian, a ready-to-wear women’s fashion business headquartered in New Jersey, utilizes a variety of natural and organic fabrics, often combined with vintage materials reworked into contemporary silhouettes. Designer Keia Bounds-Thompson, also proprietor, sought a a sustainable fabric consultant. With her sweatshop-free and eco-friendly vision, Keia and partner James Thompson embraced 100% certified organic with natural […] More
Do yurts have to be built on a platform? Well, the FAQ page from Shelter Designs in Montana makes a case. In summary, just do it! It’s best to have a flat surface so the kit will assemble correctly. Make your life easier, they say. Avoid mildew, and finally, ‒ be more climate efficient for […] More
Like any building development, there’s a lot of back-and-forth. I mean it’s not a linear effort. Thus far I’ve covered yurt topics from getting started to climate and prices. However, design is always involved. Herein are some creative yurt doorway options. More
The contest winner of Chic Eco’s 2009 footwear designer poll is Cliff Drill for Splaff Inc. Perfected simplicity is where he’s at with only three style offerings for men and women. Read the previous entrepreneurial story and company history here on FGS. Cliff has lots of supporting fans who took the time to write sincere […] More
UJeans are made for you once you tell the company your exact measurements, plus the style and wash you like. The mass customization company uses green coloring techniques such as natural enzymes and minerals rather than harsh chemicals. The sourced cotton is sustainable and they explain their environmental commitments clearly stating that: UJeans is committed […] More
It’s that time of year again: wedding season! Here are a few companies helping brides say eco-chic on their big day. Here are a few tips for going green while wearing white: The Rings: Make sure you choose conflict free diamonds and recycled gold bands if you aren’t inheriting a family ring. C5 Company, Todd […] More
Green Design and Feng Shui on a Budget, and What’s Coming Next Recently I had a chance to ask a few questions of Kim Nadel, NCIDQ certified interior designer, LEED Accredited Professional, and co-founder of the Brooklyn-based NICHE environmentally smart design group. Kim is currently on the MFA faculty of the New York School of […] More
Scary news: Electronic waste is growing at three times the rate of other household waste, and at a higher toxicity. With the rapid and widespread use of computers and electronic technology in the past thirty years, the impact of all the heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, etc.), batteries, plastics, LCD and other screens, […] More
Whether you’re a bar soap kinda dude or a body wash kinda gal, we can all agree with one thing, soap is a necessity. With so many different soaps available in every shape, size, and scent, it can be difficult to find the one that is best for you and your skin. And the same […] More
If you’re like me, you try your best to be environmentally friendly in all facets of your life, personal care included. Opting for natural skin care products not only reduces the number of chemicals we’re introducing to our daily routines, but it helps support a toxin-free world, too! Whether you’re just getting started with natural […] More
We’ve all been there: we find the perfect lipstick, eyeliner, highlighter or mascara after months of searching, just to find out the cold truth that the company tests on animals. I’ve even had the experience of thinking a company was cruelty-free, bought the mascara and brought it home, only to discover that they were indeed […] More
Once you’re ready to kick fast fashion to the curb, finding companies that align with your fashion ethics can be tough. More
Sustainable fashion can be qualified as such through a variety of different means; overall, it involves looking at the garment’s life cycle. Even then, it means different things to different people, since we all prioritize different facets of clothing manufacturing. The goal of sustainable fashion is to bring environmentalism and social responsibility into the […] More
Far from being a frivolous fashion holiday, Fashion Revolution Day on April 24th encouraged fashionistas (and consumers in general) to ask, “who made my clothes?” More
I’m always on the lookout for more mainstream stores offering ethical clothing. A recent article suggesting that Target’s store brand was a good ethical choice really surprised me. Here’s a breakdown of Target’s sustainability record. More
As if sweatshop labor wasn’t bad enough, a New York woman’s discovery in her Saks 5th Avenue shopping bag revealed American goods produced using forced prison labor in China. More
Today we share an interview with Sarah Villanfranco, creator of Osmia Organics, on what inspires her + a look at her own beauty routine… More
Cropped jackets are going to be one of the hot spring 2014 fashion trends. Here’s how to stay on-trend in organic style! More
