Supermodel Liya Kebede welcomes spring @ H+M

As we're about to ring in the new year, the fashion industry is already opening the doors to the spring 2012 collections. 

Check out eco-friendly H+M's island shoot featuring Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede here.

CoverGirl ad for eco-mascara banned

The U.K. banned an advertisement for CoverGirl's NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara on claims of excessive Photoshopping.

The ad featured celeb spokesgirl Taylor Swift with dreamy skyhigh lashes that the U.K. Advertising Standards Authority said the ad was accused of making "superior performance claims." The promised "2x more volume" and "20 percent lighter" lashes were not accurate.

Swift's lashes were enhanced by Photoshop, but photo manipulation is used by many beauty ads.

Read my post on how CoverGirl's NatureLuxe line is not entirely eco-friendly.

Victoria's Secret accused of child labor

An in-depth exposé this week in Bloomberg Markets revealed lingerie megacompany Victoria's Secret gets organic, fair trade cotton from Burkina Faso where children pick the crop, fueling child labor accusations.  

The company invested in the cotton crop believing it was sustainable and supplied employment to African farmers. It's a great multimedia story on how U.S. companies try to be eco-friendly but might get burned in the end.

Beyonce & Jay-Z on "partially vegan" diet

Beyoncé has been maintaining a "partially vegan" diet during her pregnancy, and her rap star hubby Jay-Z decided to join her, according US Weekly. 

Since I have been on a "partially vegan" diet, too, for some months, I'm now interested in the news surrounding it. Yes, I get off the diet sometimes, but I do eat meat during the day and at dinner take it out of the equation. 

It's not difficult, but when you're on the gluten-free/dairy-free diet, it does get hard to be creative with restricting your diet even more.

Eco-holiday accessories

With 16 shopping days left, New Year's Day is quickly approaching and parties are already scheduled, so the must-have accessories are necessary for an eventful night. 

They include the pair of pumps to appear taller, the clutch to hold your belongings, the beautiful earrings, and the lip gloss for that midnight kiss. 

And the eco-friendly versions of these accessories can reduce your carbon footprint before the new year begins.

2b Alma Faux Suede Platform Pump (faux suede), $39.95, bebe.com.

Embossed Faux Crocodile Clutch (faux leather), $14.80, forever21.com.

 

Satin Gold Plated 3-Leaf Crystal Chandelier Earrings (handmade), $52, etsy.com.

LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint (paraben-free), $24, sephora.com.

Eco-holiday dresses @ H+M

'Tis the season to be glamorous! And glam comes in green at the corporate eco-fashion store H+M where there are several choices for the eco-conscious shopper. 

All the chic dresses are made from 50-100% recycled polyester.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $49.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress in Orange-red (recycled polyester), $34.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $9.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress (recycled polyester), $17.95, hm.com.

Conscious Collection Dress in Cerise (recycled polyester), $34.95, hm.com.

Eco-friendly sleep cap

Some of us have to cover our tresses at night before falling asleep to ensure the health of our hair.  

Eco-Exquisite, an Atlanta-based company, makes an eco-friendly sleep cap made from natural fibers deriving from plants. They absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide they emit as well as biodegrade. 

Another beauty product that never crossed my mind to be eco-friendly, but it's good to realize there is a green version. 

Even the packaging is made from a plastic called biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) that doesn't contain chemicals and is recyclable.

Rethinking the vegan diet

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Since I have had allergies to wheat/gluten grains and dairy, I wasn't exactly keen to exploring the vegan diet. I mean I can't eat much in the first place, so what's the point of severing my diet even more?

In recent months, I have been hearing about the vegan diet phenomenon. People are cutting out dairy products, meats, and all other animal products like eggs and honey. 

After seeing Forks Over Knives, a documentary film on the positive effects of a vegan diet, I have been intrigued to try it. 

The vegan diet relates to eco-fashion and eco-beauty since a healthier diet can lead to a better appearance; your clothes fit better, your skin looks clearer, etc. 

So starting this week, I'm going to start slow with being vegan for one meal, then hopefully moving up from there. 

Campaign supports precious metal in jewelry

Magazines recently have had the "I'm So Over Heavy Metal" campaign ads among their pages to discourage heavy metals such as nickel and lead in jewelry and instead buy palladium. 

Palladium Alliance International has launched the $8 million-dollar media campaign promoting the precious metal's affordability and durability.

Palladium is a silver metal usually used to replace platinum as an alternative to white gold. In recent years, it has become alluring because it's naturally silver in color and is stronger than other metals. It's also hypoallergenic. 

Some people experience skin irritations from heavy metals because of their harsh properties. Even some jewelers like MiaDonna & Co. also use 100% recycled palladium.