The Green Fashionista

Green used to represent envy, but with the current environmental craze, it has morphed into a trendy statement about one's concern for our earth. First came Anya Hindmarch's "I'm not a plastic bag," and then came the succession of poor imitiators keen on capitalizing on this green trend. But are green bags enough--or even worthwhile?

As a fashionista and as a modern-day consumer, I have found that the mass tizzy to acquire goods has reached intoxicating levels; we are expected to buy, buy, buy. And while I am not advocating senseless withdrawal on a limited "Earth" day--it is rather ridiculous, in my opinion, to do so only on one designated day--I am advocating a lifestyle alteration in how we see consumerism. I still buy things, but with a heightened awareness of the reason behind that purchase. It takes discipline to cut back on the unnecessary purchase of another dress or another piece of fruit; it takes understanding to consider how one's purchase affects her environment. In the spirit of "Earth Day," here are some suggestions to incorporate a truly fashionable view of the environment:

1. Recycle your clothing. Give unwanted clothing up for adoption; local Salvation Army stores, thrift stores, or churches gladly take items that no longer have a place in your life. Or donate these items to friends.

2. Beware of "eco" clothing that only makes you spend more. Choose instead to look in your own closet or to make use of existing bags that are neglected.

3. Reuse rags. Instead of throwing away that ripped camisole, use it as a rag.

4. Avoid purchasing mediocre clothing on sale. The "sale" lure is the most dangerous and causes us to consume without consideration.

5. Don't over clean garments. I've said it before, not only does it damage your clothing to over dry-clean anything, but the chemicals also damage the environment. If it is at all possible, choose an environmental dry cleaner or use cleaning agents that are friendly to the earth.