Somewhere around the age of 8, painting your nails becomes one of the more exciting things a girl can do. A decade and a half later, the feeling has resurfaced for me. I’m 22 years and want nothing more than to paint my nails on a Thursday night with friends. No big deal right?

Unfortunately, my conscious and environmental studies background lead to an overwhelming sense of guilt when it came to this indulgence. Smothering my nails with toxic chemicals so they can look pretty, and then removing the polish with another toxic product was something I was no longer willing to do. I agonized, let my fingers go bare for weeks, told myself I didn’t need the color, and the sweet, smooth, glossy finish that catches my eye as I click away on keyboards in the library (it’s the little things).

On the first day of my Women’s Health and Environment class I divulged my guilty secret, and I was not alone! My peers had the same woes. Fortunately for all of us, we came across nail polish we could actually feel good about: Scotch Naturals. They are even approved by the skin deep database!

I purchased several Scotch Naturals nail polish colors for my painting pleasure: A tri-pack of darker hues-- a dark blue, tan/brown, and a midnight purple.  I find the the polish goes on smooth and leaves a shiny finish as promised!  The nail polish remover works too, and has no stinky chemical smell! The only downside- without a toxic top coat, my tips tend to chip quicker, but that can be easily retouched! 

Happy paintin'!

Remember Jelly shoes from the late 80’s/early 90’s?  I sure do! I loved them and wore them throughout my childhood.  So you can imagine how excited I was when I found these—the new and improved jellies! 

Original jellies were made out of PVC (the notorious “poison plastic”). But these new kicks by Melissa Plastic Dreams have an environmentally-friendly twist. 

Melissa Plastic Dreams uses sustainable development in order to provide these retro, plastic fashions to current plastic shoe connoisseurs everywhere without compromising the needs of inevitable future generations.   They are all made out of mono plastics that can be dismantled, recycled, and reused.  Even the processes with which these shoes are made involve treating and recycling every solid, liquid, and gas within the factory in order to reduce waste. 

Now you no longer have to sacrifice your desire to stay green when fulfilling your passion for plastic fashion! Find these new jellies at Shopstyle.  Also, check out MindBodyGreen and their list of “3 Fierce Green Shoes” for more fashionable and environmentally friendly shoes. 

Additional green fashion tip: Read Summer Rayne Oakes’ best selling book Style, Naturally, which provides easy, and affordable options for staying green and looking great!  I will definitely be checking out this book as part of my continual process to be greener and more environmentally friendly.  What better way to start this somewhat overwhelming and daunting change in your life than by starting with your summer wardrobe!

Going “green” doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are many alternatives fabrics out there that are both good for the earth and good for your body. Here are some of our fav’s.

Organic Cotton: Unlike its evil-twin, regular cotton, this organic variety is free of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and any other harsh chemicals. Many avid wearers believe this type of fabric feels softer and is easier on your skin, since it’s grown naturally. One of the best things about organic cotton clothing is it comes in a variety of styles. From sports wear to evening-wear, and everything in between, organic cotton is one of the leaders in sustainable fabrics.

PPNNE Employee sporting a bamboo dress from Sweet Lady Jane (Burlington, VT)

Bamboo: This fabric is no longer just for koalas! Bamboo is toted as one of the softest fabrics around, with a feel similar to silk. Bamboo as a plant absorbs 35% more carbon dioxide than equivalent trees, which means it helps to fight global warming. Plus, bamboo is extremely absorbent (great for towels and bathrooms), it’s hypo-allergenic and it’s an extremely breathable fabric. Ahhh… Those koalas are so smart.

Hemp: Did you know the original Levi Strauss jeans were made of hemp? Hemp has definitely come a long way since Levi’s, but it’s always been regarded as a strong and durable fabric. Hemp is great for the environment in part because it is so easy to grow. It is literally a weed, meaning it requires very little water or fertilizer. Like organic cotton, organic hemp is free of harsh chemicals making it safe for our earth and our bodies.

Turns out Kermit had it all wrong—it is easy being green, with eco-friendly clothing.

Here are two other websites to check out that are great resources: www.alternativeapparel.com
www.thehempest.com