It’s easy to live a green life now, with all the green restaurants, furniture, home and personal items. And now, even fashion designers have decided to embrace green life and share it with their clients.

Meet some of the world’s green fashion designers.

Anja Hynynen (Sweden)

Based in Sweden, with regular trips to Scotland, Anja Hynynen, 27, creates clothing from organic materials. As an independent designer, her collection is mainly womenswear, with some for men and children. Her designs include tailored pieces with exquisite detailing in woven fabric, knitted pieces and pieces with application work.

Raquel Allegra (USA)

Born in Berkeley, CA, Raquel Allegra creates unique shirts made from oversized vintage shirts recycled from the Los Angeles County Prison System. Coupled with comfort and a modern romantic design, no wonder her cult following follows her from Los Angeles to Beirut.

Jane Palmer (USA)

Jane Palmer, along with her partner, Marianne Fairbanks, created a powerful bag called Noon Solar. Noon Solar bags come equipped with thin solar panels to help you charge your iPod or cell phone. Jane Palmer is also the founder of the first and only natural-dye production house in the US.

Julie Roebuck (UK)

Julie Roebuck, from London, designs and produces clothes from used or surplus garments. She uses only rejected items, materials that are unwanted and have been discarded to create brilliant chic street wear masterpieces.

Dandi Maestre (Canada)

Born in Colombia, studied in New York, worked in Bogota and now living in Toronta, Canada, Dandi Maestre’s jewelry designs is a mix of naive and urban cultures. She uses shed antlers, bone, driftwood, crocodile skins, skulls and shells to create avant-garde jewelry masterpieces.

The best thing about sustainable green practices now is that so many companies in different industries practice it. This includes the beer, wine and spirits industry, of which well are featuring a few.

New Belgium Brewing Company (Fort Collins, CO)

The first wind powered brewery in the United States, New Belgium Brewing promotes beer culture, world-class beer and responsible ways to enjoy beer. Born through the adventures of a boy on a bike, New Belgium Brewing exclusively made and brought Fat Tire to the public. As a sustainable brewery, they make sure that they are alternatively empowered.

Being alternatively empowered means increased efficiencies in the brewing process, a utilized green design in the entire building, an improved wastewater treatment process, sustainable eventing, actionable advocacy and supporting innovative technology. So, remember when you buy a Fat Tire on bottle or tap, you are supporting all these sustainable activities.

The Winery (New York, NY)

The Winery is a specialty wine store located in South Harlem in New York, that focuses on promoting and selling small-production boutique wines. They proudly offer quality wines from producers who give particular respect and care to nature and the environment. They also try to support local production and non-profit communities as much as possible.

Death’s Door Spirits (Washington Island, Door County WI)

Vodka and gin are their specialties, and they believe that great spirits only come from good practices, and that’s exactly what they do. All their ingredients are herbicide- and pesticide-free. All ingredients are sustainably grown on Washington Island or sourced as locally as possible.

Frey Organic (Mendocino County, CA)

Operating since 1980, Frey Organics is America’s first organic winery. For 30 years, Frey Organic has practiced consistent sustainable ways, including organic and biodynamic grape growing, biodynamic farming, organic gardening, and more. Supporting Frey Organic not only means supporting an organic and sustainable winery. You also support a green and sustainable Mendocino County.

Hall Wines (Napa Valley, CA)

Besides delivering some of the best wines in Napa Valley, Hall Wines is also California’s First Winery to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification. To achieve this prestigious certification, they made sure to include sustainable design elements, such as radiant floors for precision wine-making and maximum energy efficiency, solar panels and solar energy, local materials (sourced within 500 meters from the winery), recycled building materials and water conservation.

Next time you drink a glass of beer, wine or spirits, find out if they practice sustainable green practices. You might be surprised to find out that they actually do.

At first, one may not realize that certain toys are more environmentally-friendly than others, but upon further consideration, it is easy to tell that it is possible to make green choices for just about any purchase, including toys! When shopping for toys, keep your eyes out for the following:

Wood – It might seem contradictory to encourage the purchase of wooden toys for the sake of the environment. However, wooden toys are not toxic to the environment like their plastic counterparts. Besides, wooden toys are always classy and can be passed on through generations.
Long-lasting – If you have to go for plastic, think about the endurance of the toy. Will it be headed for the landfill in a year, or will it be able to stand the test of hundreds of uses and then some more?
No batteries – Aside from avoiding the obnoxious noises and flashing lights that are concomitant with battery-powered toys, there’s another reason to stay away from them. Used batteries are waste products. If your child absolutely needs the electric power, make sure to use rechargeable batteries.

• PVC-free – PVC is commonly found in plastic toys like rubber duckies because it makes them more flexible, but PVC also makes the toys more dangerous. It has been connected, in some cases, with cancer and hormonal disruptions. So, in addition to avoiding a product that is toxic to the environment, you might be protecting your child from potentially-harmful elements.
• Non-toxic art supplies – One might start to see the pattern here, and it makes an awful lot of sense, that products that are toxic for children are also toxic for the environment. Feel free to add “to be green” to the list of reasons why spending the extra few cents for non-toxic paint or glue is worth it.

On top of all that, there are even more options that can keep you entirely out of a store. Yard sales often have toys that were never even used, and neighbors often have old toys that they would love to see leave their homes. Or, entirely skip the toy-searching step and use the great outdoors as your playground!

Hawaii always has been paradise on Earth, with its blue waters and blue skies. But now Hawaii, particularly Honolulu and Kona, has a different color: green. That’s right. Honolulu’s gone green, and they’re getting greener by the minute.

Go green with them as you visit these establishments!

1. Lush USA

If you need bath products or fragrances, visit Lush USA. Lush uses only the freshest organic fruits and vegetables in all their products. Every product is made by hand and uses little to no preservatives and packaging. Their products are all 100 % vegetarian and some are even 70% vegan to give you the most nutritious ingredients you can use for your skin. Their products are never tested on animals nor do they deal with suppliers who perform animal testing. They try not to use packaging for their products as much as possible, but when they need to, they use post-consumer recycled, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Lush USA is available nationwide and globally.

1450 Ala Moana Rd, Unit 1206, Honolulu, HI; Tel. (808)941-7400; 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Unit c120, Honolulu, HI; Tel. (808)923-5874.

2. Earth Tones

If you need Internet or a phone or both, then Earth Tones is the one for you. They are the only communications company to provide long-distance phone, wireless service and Internet access and donate 100% of its profits to environmental organizations.  Earth Tones was founded and currently is maintained by a coalition of non-profit groups. Aside from funding environmental research, they send out Green Alerts to keep their customers aware of the environmental issues and how they can help protect the planet themselves.

http://www.earthtones.com; Tel. (888)327-8486

3. Lotus Cafe

Lotus Cafe is the only Pan-Asian restaurant in Hawaii, serving the best in Thai, Indian and Indonesian cuisine. They use natural, organic and homegrown ingredients to create authentic dishes for their customers. Even their gelato offerings are 95% organic and all vegan. And they’ve switched to using solar panels to power up their restaurant, and they’ll teach you how to do the same for yours!

73-5617 Maiau St. Kailua-Kona, HI; Tel. (808)327-3270

4. Down to Earth

Down to Earth is Hawaii’s only all-vegetarian organic and natural food store. They carry wide choices of natural and organic food products and includes dairy, local organic produce, vitamins and natural supplements, body care products and household items. They don’t carry meat, eggs, fish oils, gelatin capsules and other products that contain animal rennet. More than that, they also participate in community outreach programs that commit to helping people live and maintain a vegetarian lifestyle.

2525 South King St. Honolulu, HI 96826; Tel. (808)947-7678

Most skin care products are loaded with preservatives and are created by companies that discard the importance of using environmentally-friendly ingredients and production methods. Golden Path Alchemy creates products that, unlike their counterparts, are all-natural, handmade, and effective. This company recently was nominated by Green America as one of the top ten green businesses to vote for in its People’s Choice Award competition.

The mission of Gold Path Alchemy is “to create holistic herbal skin care to transform your skin, body, and spirit, revealing your radiant beauty.” The company has an extremely unique approach to the manufacturing of their products, from the beginning of production to their final marketing. They create their products in small batches and buy local, organic materials. The products are sold in glass containers that can be recycled more easily than the typical plastic ones. The company primarily uses 100% recycled paper, and the default receipt method is electronic rather than paper.

Gold Path Alchemy offers general skin care products, facial products, body & spiritual products, and an assortment of other extras including tote bags and sample kits. The skin care line has five categories: Awaken, which is designed to bring out the radiance of skin; Purify, which cleanses oily skin; Refine, which has been formulated to refine skin to improve one’s overall complexion; Renew, which revitalizes dry or aging skin; and Illuminate, which is designed to brighten skin for a more luminous complexion. Specifically for the face, Golden Path Alchemy also offers cleansers, toners, moisturizers, masks, and steams.

The only caveat here is that the shelf life of the products, without being jam-packed with preservatives, is inevitably much shorter than that of a typical department-store product. Yet, most of the products still have a shelf life of several months to a year, which would be sufficient for most products, assuming they are used regularly.

Golden Path Alchemy is based in Los Angeles, California, but shipments can be arranged to all 50 states and even other countries. To lessen its environmental impact a step further, the company commonly ships in recycled boxes, using previously-used materials as often as possible.

Going green in New York is not as hard as it seems. You can go out and still live green.

1. 70 Park Avenue Hotel

Part of the Kimpton Hotels, 70 Park Avenue Hotel participates in its Earthcare: Eco Program. As an eco-friendly hotel, they implement a linen and towel re-use program and an extensive recycling program. They use energy efficient light bulbs throughout the hotel. All hotel materials and paper are 100% recycled and use soy-based inks. All the cleaning materials they use are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Participating guests get extra discounts, including using hybrid cars.

70 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016; Tel. (212)973-2400

2. GustOrganics

The Green Restaurant Association has certified GustOrganics as a Green Restaurant. They have an excellent recycling and composting program. They use wind energy and solar lighting. They have environmentally friendly packaging, including biodegradable take-out containers, cups and flatware. They use biodegradable and environmentally safe cleaning products. And the entire restaurant was constructed with recycled wood and eco-friendly materials. They serve organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even have an organic bar and organic tapitos. GustOrganics supports the Green and Organic cause and this is a great place to visit if you support the same cause, too.

519 Avenue of the America,s New York, NY 10011; Tel. (212)242-5800

3. Birdbath

Birdbath is the Neighborhood Green Bakery. Their walls are made of wheat, they use wind power, they used recycled wood for their floors. The countertop display and shelves are made of 100% recycled paper. Their paper bags have no wax lining and their cups are made of corn.

223 First Ave. New York, NY 10003; Tel. (646)722-6565

4. Kaight NYC

Kate McGregor has redefined vegan fashion so her customers can still feel pretty while helping the environment. Kaight NYC only features designers who practice the same beliefs. Matt & Nat uses recycled plastic water bottles to line their bags. Ashley Watson uses recycled leather for her bags. Loomstate uses organic cotton for their clothes. EDUN uses sustainable practices to make organic clothing. Drop by their store when you’re in New York or order online at www.kaightshop.com.

83 Orchard St. New York, NY 10002; Tel. (212)680-5630

5. giggle

giggle is the newest parent store for babies in New York. All the must-have baby items are here, and you’ll be able to provide everything your baby needs. Products include non-toxic and recycled items that are good for your babies and the earth and support causes. Products include formaldehyde-free beddings and fabrics, washable toys and nontoxic cleaning and bath supplies.

120 Wooster St. New York, NY 10012; Tel. (212)334-5817; 1033 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021; Tel. (212)249-4249

Boston, Massachusetts is on its way to becoming an environment-friendly, eco-living US city.

Here are some establishments that have earned places in this developing green city.

1. The Lenox Back Bay Boston

The Lenox Back Bay Boston started its urban eco-tourism campaign as early as 1989. They conserve natural resources, minimize chemicals and wastes and help raise environmental awareness among its guests, employees, partners, etc. As part of their environmental campaign, they use environmentally friendly cleaning products, provide hybrid rental cars, uses ENERGY STAR office equipment and waterless urinals.

61 Exeter St. Boston, MA 02116; Tel. (617)536-5300

2. The Fairmont Hotel

The Fairmont Green Partnership Program practices sustainable and responsible ways to take care of the environment. They conserve energy through the use of energy efficient lights and green power purchase. They conserve water through low flow shower heads, low flush toilets and tap aerators. They manage waste with their recycling programs, organic and composting programs and donation of untouched products, including food and household goods, to local shelters. The Fairmont works hard to save the environment one by one.

138 St. James Ave. Boston, MA 02116; Tel. (617)267-5300

3. Greenward

Greenward is an eco-modern store that sells eco-modern goods. All of their products are made from recycled, organic and sustainable materials, and are handmade, energy efficient and biodegradable. Their entire store is also eco-friendly, starting with their renewable, eco-friendly cork floor, energy efficient fluorescent bulb lights, low-VOC painted walls and 100% recycled kraft paper for their gift wrap with biodegradable ribbons.

1764 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02140; Tel. (617)395-1338

4. Hatched

Hatched is Boston’s very first organic baby store. They sell baby clothes made with organic fibers, toys that are eco-friendly and even eco-friendly diapers.

5 Green St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130; Tel. (617)524-5402

Be sure to let us know if there are other eco-friendly establishments or cities you want us to feature next time!

Hoping to live the green life in Chicago? Here are some key green places.

1. Hotel Burnham

At Hotel Burnham, part of the Kimpton Hotels, caring for the environment is very important. As part of the EarthCare program of the Kimpton Hotels, guests always are provided with eco-friendly bath amenities, in-room recycling bins, paperless check-in/out service for all guests, organic coffee and tea, as well as organic snacks, the linen and towel reuse program and a comprehensive recycling program.

1 West Washington, Chicago IL 60602; Tel. (877)294.9712

2. green exchange

green exchange is the only mall that also doubles as a green building. They are LEED certified and have a state of the art green roof. They have solar thermal panels to deliver hot water and air-conditioning. They have a rain cistern to capture rain water and use it for irrigation and other water features. They low toxin paint for all the building walls. They have energy efficient windows that are built to bring in natural light and have the ability to control the temperature. They also have a state of the art recycling program.

2545 W. Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

3. Fox and Obel Market

Passionate about food and service, Fox and Obel Market features products such as locally grown produce, dry-aged beef on premise, freshly baked artisan breads and pastries, fresh seafood and the finest cheeses. There is also a cafe inside, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

401 E. Illinois Ave. Chicago Il 60611; Tel (312) 410-7301

4. Green Genes

Green Genes opened on Earth Day 2008 through the combined efforts of owners, Heather Muenstermann and Christina Isperduli. They use Green Genes to contribute to making the earth a little better than what it is now. They only source out organic and natural products created and manufactured through fair trade and sustainable production. They specialize in children’s clothes, bath products and toys. They’ve also made sure their store reflects their environment-friendly policies. The floor and the front counter are made of bamboo and kirei board, both renewable resources. Walls were painted with low VOC paints, and furniture was salvaged and recycled to look brand new. They only use packaging and gift wrap made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

5111 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640: Tel. (773)944-9250

What are you waiting for? Visit these places and start your contribution to a greener environment!

Next stop: Boston, Massachusetts

Dropping by Seattle, Washington? Be sure to check out these eco-friendly places.

1. Alexis Hotel

Alexis Hotel, in Seattle is part of the Kimpton Hotels and an active participant in the EarthCare: Eco Program designed to take care of the earth through responsible practice. As part of the EarthCare program, they promise to deliver premium guest experience while practicing and using earth-friendly products and services. All their corporate collaterals are printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink. All complimentary coffee at the lobby is organic, shade/grown or fair trade. They implement recycling programs for bottles, cans, papers, etc. Recycling bins are provided in every guest room, as well as organic snacks and beverages. Hotel Vintage Park, also part of the Kimpton Hotels in Seattle, is an alternative choice for a green hotel in Seattle.

1007 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104; Tel. (206)624-1844

2. University District Farmers Market

The University District Farmers Market is the largest and oldest farmers market in Seattle exclusively selling farmers only products. Open year-round on Saturdays, this farmers market features eggs, meats, poultry, seafood, preserves, fall and winter produce, among others. Local and seasonal fruits and vegetables are also available for purchase, including wild mushrooms and herbs as well as organic products including free-range chicken and eggs and pastured organic beef.

4519 1/2 University Way NE # 202, Seattle, WA 98105; Tel. (206)547-2278

3. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is managed by the Market Foundation in its effort to support the Market’s services for low-income individuals and families. Hundreds of vendors sell their own fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fresh produce, meat and poultry. A variety of nuts, honey, jams and juice can also be purchased at the Pike Place Market.

Parking Garage, 1531 Western Ave, Seattle WA 98101

4. Pagliacci Pizza

Craving pizza? Be sure to have some at Pagliacci Pizza where going green is part of their work practice. They compost their pizza-stained pizza boxes, which can’t be recycled anymore, earning them the 2008 Recycler of the Year in Composting and Food Waste award. They use green power to operate their businesses. They use Greenware cups for their drinks and Ingeo Polymer packaging for their salads, which are made from natural corn materials.

Next stop: Portland, Oregon

Whether you need a present for a “hard-to-buy-for” person or just are looking for a different idea, you might have considered donating money to a good cause.  What if this donation also helped the planet?  That is exactly what Trees for a Change does.

Trees for a Change was founded by Kim Isley and has arranged for the planting of trees since July 2007.  As their website notes, “Our trees are planted and cared for by Forest Service tree experts who specialize in reforestation. They choose which National Forests can benefit the most from our program.”

Sales for these trees have been strong with 1,857 trees sold in two years.  Although the economy has been struggling, sales have increased.  Kim states, “It seems the economic crisis has caused people to reevaluate their values, and people are getting sick of the focus on material goods.”

Trees for a Change may be gaining some recognition.  When asked about unique purchases, Kim cited one particular order, “Last year we had a PR firm in Beverly Hills order trees for 55 celebrities.  The tree gifts went into Earth Day gift boxes that were given out by Nintendo.”

To purchase a tree, simply visit their website.  These oxygen-providing gifts are very economical, with gift certificates available for as little as $15.  Trees typically are planted in the spring, so you can be assured that your gift will be situated in its new home no later than the spring following your purchase.  Once planted, your recipient can learn the type of tree that was planted in his or her honor and its location in the Tree Registry.

Give a gift and help the planet, all in one action.  Visit Trees for a Change today.