a green gala fling

On Friday night I attended 'Dining at Sunset', a benefit organised by one of my friends to raise funds for Sunrise Orphanage in Nepal.  Australian Emma Taylor co-founded Sunrise with two friends in 2005 after volunteering in a Kathmandu orphanage the previous year; it was their vision to establish an orphanage to provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for Nepalese children in need. Today Sunrise supports over 70 children in the orphanage and also runs scholarship programs and community training and development centres to support the larger Kathmandu community.

Emma Taylor opening the evening

This dinner (and similar events in Melbourne and Adelaide) was held to generate funds to build Sunrise Children's Village.  The village will incorporate a permanent home for up to 100 children (they currently rent facilities and are forced to move on average every 18 months), a training and development centre and a school, which will serve both the Sunrise children and the wider community.  Last year I read the incredibly moving book Half the Sky and the number one recommendation in the book to reduce female poverty and extremism is education; Sunrise is a perfect example of a charity putting that principle to work right now.  I felt honoured to attend this dinner and even more so to have a few words with the charming Emma herself (who is missing her kids terribly after two weeks in Australia!).

The beautiful setting at Doltone House - inside 6 Star
Green Star - Office Design v2 workplace6

As if all of that wasn't enough to encourage me to support this amazing organisation, the new Children's Village is designed to be environmentally sustainable and self-sufficient. Below is a pic of the draft plan including solar panels, rainwater collection tanks, a natural toilet system and organic gardens included amongst the meditation rooms, sports and activity areas, school and dorms.  Local materials, resources and labour will also be used and assist the local economy whilst instilling a sense of ownership among the people.  It is Sunrise's intention to provide a model that can be replicated in other communities.

As the date of the gala approached of course I'd been thinking about what to wear.  I was tempted to rent another fabulous frock, but instead I opted to put the money I'd have spent on the rental toward solar panels at Sunrise Children's Village, and dug around in my wardrobe for something appropriate.  One of the best things about being a recovering shopaholic is the range of quality pieces remaining in my closet.  I pulled out an oldie (but a goodie) and styled it a little differently than I have before so I didn't feel like I was wearing 'this ole thing' again. (This was also great practice for Buy Nothing New month coming up in October!)

On the left (apology for the fuzziness!), 2007, long hair down and long bling necklace. On the right, hair pulled up, black tights, red lipstick and shorter bling necklace; I also wore my black Gorman Tencel bomber jacket for part of the evening. Four years on and I still love my Flame dress by Willow, and with its timeless, flattering design I suspect it will remain a favourite for years to come. (My hubby is wearing the same suit in both pictures as well - totally unplanned coincidence - he also re-styled the suit with short hair, glasses and a dark shirt and tie.)

Okay, I admit it. There were some incredibly beautiful and trendy women at the benefit and I experienced the slightest twinge of jealousy of their 'so hot right now' dresses.  But surrounded by friends and having a great time eating, drinking and dancing the night away in honour of the beautiful Sunrise children, I really didn't dwell on it.  I still felt like my glamorous self in a fabulous dress.

Feeling inspired? Donate and support Sunrise Children's Association.

A side note on transportation - even in my fabulous frock and sparkly stilettos I took a ferry, then a train, and finally a bus, to get to the gala dinner.

My sparkly shoes look even prettier on a dingy train!

a green aussie fashion fling

As seen on The Vine

These days you don’t have to farewell fashion in order to become a greenie; check out five of Australia’s hottest (and greenest) labels.

SOSUME

As seen in Peppermint

SOSUME may just be the antithesis of fast fashion. Dedicated to style and sustainability, the designers of this forward-thinking collection have meticulously selected sustainable fabrics to create modern, sophisticated pieces certain to last many seasons in your wardrobe.  Preferred fabrics of the label include organic wool, raw silk, micro modal (made from Beech trees), Tencel (Eucalyptus trees) and Lyocell (Oak and Birch trees).  The collection’s draping shirts, vests and tops are incredibly soft to the touch, and any chemicals required to create the soft fibres are used in a closed-loop process, ensuring no chemical runoff into land or waterways.  SOSUME’s business operations are sustainable, too, with a commitment to carbon offsets, use of recycled paper and boxes, and soy inks for printing.


Gorman

The capricious and distinctive designs of Gorman have captured the attention of Australian women since 1999, with environmentalists also paying attention thanks to the label’s strong commitment to sustainability.  Since it began Gorman has reduced garment packaging by 90% and now uses recyclable packaging materials like LDPE when required.  In addition to energy-efficient lighting and great recycling practices, the company also uses 100% accredited green power and has hired an environmental consultant to work with the label both in Australia and in its overseas manufacturing facilities to lessen the label’s environmental impact. Gorman has even been known to give discounts to customers who ride their bikes to the store.  In 2007 the label launched Gorman Organic, which features fabrics sourced from certified organic or sustainable farms and treated only with non-chemical and/or closed-loop processes.


Lane Palmer Green

Born out of a desire to create environmentally minded fashion, Lane Palmer Green’s collection of clothing and accessories was launched by mother-daughter team Lane and Adele. Inspired by European summers, the collection is modern bohemian chic, innately fashionable and kind to the planet.  Sustainable fabrics are used throughout the collection including hemp, organic cotton, recycled PET (plastic bottles) and vegetable tanned kangaroo and parrotfish leather.  The team apply their sustainability values to all aspects of the label, from carbon offsetting flights to the manufacturing process of the swing tags, and it’s hard not to appreciate their candid admission: “We are not perfect, but we are certainly trying to practice what we preach.”  Here’s looking forward to more seasons from this feminine, ethical collection.


Funkis

Funkis range of clogs, clothing and homewares are inspired by the designers’ Swedish background, including strong design aesthetics and environmental responsibility.  Currently working toward carbon-neutral status, Funkis has a number of sustainability initiatives already in place including use of 100% accredited green power, no plastic in garment packaging, plantation timber used in their clogs (along with vegetable dye-treated leather), and a range of organic cotton clothing and fabrics.  The collection is also designed to operate on-demand, ensuring minimal extras and waste.  Encompassing sustainability into all aspects of the collection, manufacturing takes place only in Sweden or Australia to ensure good working conditions and fair wages for people involved in the production of Funkis goods.


Elk

If you’re seeking unique, sustainable accessories then look no further than Melbourne-based Elk. The label creates jewellery, textiles and knitted apparel using only the finest, sustainably sourced, natural materials from around the globe.  Elk’s bold wooden jewellery is a standout in the range, and the wood used in its production is offset by a tree buy-back scheme.  The designers work directly with independent manufacturers to guarantee safe and fair working conditions and ensure efficient, low-waste processes, while also bringing us beautiful pieces made with traditional techniques from cultures around the world.

a green sample sale fling

Can you be a greenie and a fashion lover at the same time?

I hope I'm living proof that you can, and with labels like One Teaspoon it's getting easier all the time.

The other day I dragged myself to the OT sample sale to score something from their Salvage range to refresh my summer wardrobe. My eco-fashion curiosity had been piqued recently when I heard about OT's line of upcycled denim, so when Missy Confidential alerted me to the warehouse sale I jumped at the chance to get some Salvage at a discount.

The things I do in the name of research.

The very chic, very clever folks at OT scour the globe for pre-loved jeans (only 1 in 8 pair make it through the strict quality tests) then pull them apart and re-stitch them into the hottest shorts, jeans and minis on the market.  No additional colour or chemical treatments are made to the denim, only the occasional distressing or detailing. And though each piece is truly one-of-a-kind they are all totally One Teaspoon (read: extremely covetable).

The colours and detailing all vary because of their pre-loved nature.

I hot-footed it to opening day of the sale and less than two hours after the doors opened the place was already buzzing. Scores of the Northern Beaches most stylish were hunting through racks of denim, maxi dresses, knits, swimsuits and tees, feverishly seeking out the best fashion bargains. I couldn't help but feel overcome with nostalgia for simpler days when my only warehouse sale concern was whether I'd find my size, and had to remind myself that just because the prices were amazingly low didn't mean I could buy whatever I wanted (and yes, I wanted); I was here for recycled denim only.

These large black tags hung from each Salvage item helped focus my attention.

I found a selection of Salvage shorts and skirts in my size and worked my way into the crowded group changing area.

As I huddled with the other fashion-lovers I felt a twinge of jealousy toward their carefree shopping attitudes.  It was hard to see all the gorgeous tops, dresses and non-recycled denim being modeled by my fellow shoppers knowing that I wouldn't be buying anything *new* today.  I felt I was betraying my fashionista-sisters by only buying one item so tried on my options as fast as I could. (I admit I was thisclose to buying a cropped tee because it was totally *now* and only $15, but put it down because it wasn't even organic.)

I stayed strong and walked out with only one pair of Salvage shorts - after waiting in a queue twenty people deep - excited that my purchase left both the environment and my wardrobe better off.

All in all I had fun revisiting the scene of many fond fashion memories. Though my resilience was strongly tested, it was fantastic to be shopping amongst my fellow fashion-lovers and find eco-fashion by a mainstream label.  I only hope more labels take OT's lead and create upcycled, recycled and eco-fabric fashion so we can all (easily) be eco-fashionistas.

Now bring on summer!

I LOVE this mini plastered with black sequins

The shorts are longer than they seem and totally flattering - but
still really good motivation to keep up my yoga!

a green swap fling

Clothing swaps have to be the eco-goddess' gift to recovering shopaholics - new clothes at no cost and no carbon footprint. 

I've participated in a few swaps at work and among other things I've scored a now-favourite sundress and comfy harem pants perfect for my writing days.  So when I spotted an ad for the next swap hosted by The Clothing Exchange (as part of the NSW State Library's On Sale! exhibition) I quickly jumped at the chance to attend a swap hosted by these pioneers of the swap trade.

The last swap at work was only a couple months ago, and since I've generally cut down on my shopping over the past few years I really had to dig around for quality pieces that I no longer wear.  I managed to find a pair of Michael Kors metallic strappy sandals and a Saba dress, both in good condition and both in need of a new owner - they're so beautiful I've just grown tired of them, and they deserve better than being hidden in a dark closet.

 

When I checked in at the swap (check-in lasts about 45 minutes while the volunteers examine everyone's goods and then hang up the accepted pieces on Green Hangers) the volunteer looked baffled when she confirmed "only two?" and then handed me two buttons, my currency for the evening.  Swappers are allowed to trade up to six items and plenty of them come armed with more than six in case some of the pieces don't make the cut; my two items were a pathetic attempt compared to the seasoned swappers in the room. The exchange rate for items is exactly one for one - one button equals one item - and no value is placed on designers or style because, as they put it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The racks were starting to fill as I waited to check in - who wouldn't want to
shop at this chic store?

Patient swappers waiting to exchange their clothes.

As I waited for the swap to start I could feel the excitement building as swappers plotted their attack on the racks.  This was a reasonably small swap, I'd guess about 100-150 people, and I can't imagine what the atmosphere must be like at some of the larger swaps (Clothing Exchange has hosted a swap of 1700 people!).  The room continued to fill, as did the racks of clothes, and there were swappers of all ages, sizes and even genders (though 99% of us were women).  As the rules of the swap were announced - including a coin toss decision if two swappers grabbed an item simultaneously - everyone pushed to the front to enter the 'store' that had been set up on tables and wooden racks where items were separated by category. 

The swap started and it was mayhem!  Swappers crammed in between racks, rushing around with their arms full of clothes, frantically deciding between this maxi sundress or that velvet blazer.  I had played it all wrong - I'd been so busy chatting and observing the scene that my friend and I found ourselves at the back of the pack entering the swap, and most of the racks were quite bare by the time I got to them. For awhile I even took post outside the fitting room hoping some good rejects would be tossed back onto the racks. 

Savvy shoppers abound - yep, there's a fella in amongst the ladies.

I had fallen in love with a skirt during check-int - red cotton with tape-measure ribbons in green, yellow and blue running around the bottom hem - but it was gone by the time I got to the skirt rack.  Later I saw the skirt in another swapper's arms and my shopping-jealousy kicked in - I needed that skirt! In my friendliest voice I asked her to let me know if she decided she didn't want the skirt because I loved it so much. She was lovely, but I was rejected; she had won it in a coin toss and I was the third person to ask her for it.  Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but that skirt was desirable to many of us.

I ended up with two new additions to my wardrobe at the end of the swap (which only lasted about 25 minutes, impressive effort swappers!) - one vibrant peacock top and a cute cotton skirt - definitely no brand names but I really didn't mind.

Truthfully, I grabbed the skirt just because I had a button to spare. It's too big for me so will require tailoring; if I don't get around to it I'll just bring it back to the next swap. My friend ended up with five new pieces - including a fabulous black and white sundress and a great floral number that will look amazing with black tights and should easily work in the office or out and about.  We were among the last to leave, and I was impressed with how few items remained on the racks (the remaining pieces will be donated to Red Cross and Fitted for Work).

One lone shopper remains - I met her during check in, a Clothing Exchange
regular, and apparently very patient. She loves swapping because "It's a
great way to clean out your closet, get new things and it's good for
the environment" - well said!

Thanks Clothing Exchange for a great night!  I'll be back at your next swap, and you can bet I'll be waiting at the front when the swap opens with my plan mapped out.  Who knows, maybe that red skirt will even end up back on the rack?

product of the week: stem organics smooth skin exfoliant

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at Musq I've been introduced to my new favourite skincare brand, Stem Organics, and their Smooth Skin Exfoliant.

I have an oily complexion and this exfoliant with its tiny bamboo particles has been just what I need to naturally exfoliate my skin without any irritation.  It contains organic Aloe and Jojoba to sooth and moisturise, and also contains Pomegranate and Kakadu Plum extracts to give me a nice anti-aging vitamin C booster.  I've been using this exfoliant every other day for a few weeks now and my typically fussy skin is very happy (those with less oily skin could get away with using it once a week).

Stem Organics creates ethical skincare products out of the most divine organic ingredients and what they call 'natural skin super nutrients'.  Every Stem product includes three signature ingredients: Australian Kakadu Plum, one of the highest plant sources of vitamin C, antioxidant rich and anti-inflammatory Pomegranate, and organic Aloe, which they use instead of water as their top ingredient.  This exfoliant also includes Bottle Brush flower essence, Willowbark extract and essential citrus oils; it is 78% certified organic content. 

If you couldn't tell from the ingredients list, products are made in Australia.

Stem Organics also works with Climate Friendly to offset their carbon emissions, uses only recyclable packaging and ships products using cornstarch packing beads.  The ethical good news continues with Stem Organics supporting The Butterfly Foundation, which supports Australians with eating disorders, and World Wildlife Fund, and they have been certified by Choose Cruelty Free for not testing on animals.

Can the news get better?  For this recovering fashion and shopping addict it definitely can, because Stem Organic products are continuously recognised in mainstream fashion magazines including:

• Cleo Magazine
  (The Organic Cleansing Milk made Cleo's 2010 Beauty Hall of Fame)
• Marie Claire
• Wallpaper
• Madison
• Vogue Australia

After all the amazing things I've learned about Stem Organics it seems the only things left to ask are why did it take me so long to find them, and what will I try next?

a green melbourne food fling

Like any good greenie I always travel with my KeepCup (and like any good fashionista I wear my new clothes as soon as I can).

In Fitzroy Gardens, KeepCup in hand
and wearing my new vintage dress.

Okay, I'll confess that my Melbourne food choices weren't all as green as my shopping choices.  In particular the decadent afternoon spent lingering over a cheese plate at the City Wine Shop definitely raised my food footprint; the EWG's Meat Eater's Guide to Climate Change and Health tells me that cheese ranks just below lamb and beef in terms of carbon footprint, and that cheese plate was the equivalent to driving about 4 miles. 

I think I more than made up for it by visiting CERES on Sunday afternoon, though.  CERES is an environmental education centre and urban farm in East Brunswick, and we ate at the delightful restaurant on site, The Merri Table & Bar.  The Merri is fully committed to sustainability from the seasonal local menu through to the way the restaurant is operated, serving delicious food in a naturally beautiful atmosphere.

Fresh herbs growing outside the restaurant.

Pumpkin gnocchi, pie and fresh coleslaw - amazing.

After stuffing ourselves at The Merri we spent time wandering around the rest of the park.  It's really hard to imagine that it used to be a municipal tip now that the site is filled with gardens, chooks, solar panels and a marketplace. Groups like Bike Shed, Community Gardens and Chook Group also reside on site making this place a real eco-wonderland. I walked around filled with delight as I saw people tending to plots of land, collecting free chook poo and parents showing their children around the sustainable park.  If I lived in Melbourne I'd be signing up to volunteer tomorrow.

Later on we popped by Little Creatures for a refreshing beverage.  I was delighted to see community bicycles (to take on a picnic, of course), fresh herbs growing in window boxes, menus printed on 100% recycled paper and an interior design that embraced reused furniture and dematerialisation. Not your average pub, that's for sure.

We passed a couple casual vegetarian restaurants walking around but weren't hungry at the time to stop in (there's just never enough time!).  If you're in Melbourne try out Vege2go, a Vegitalian place, or Yong Green Food, and let me know how they are.

I don't know if it's because I was specifically looking for green activities in Melbourne, but it certainly feels like it is more sustainable than Sydney.  From the frequency of the trams to the cycling culture and the abundance of green food and fashion, I definitely found it easier to be green in Melbourne than I ever have at home.  Hopefully the old Sydney-Melbourne rivalry can extend to sustainable living, otherwise I may have to move.

Thanks Melbourne for a wonderful weekend!

product of the week: sukin hydrating body lotion

Sukin is an Australian skin and haircare company with a commitment to creating products that are natural, effective and environmentally sustainable (and a personal favourite brand of mine).  In stores now is a limited edition range of their Hydrating Body Lotion; for each bottle sold Sukin will donate $1.00 to Keep Australia Beautiful.

 

This deliciously moisturising lotion is filled with aloe vera, rosehip oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, shea butter and avocado oil, and is just the thing for my dry winter skin.

I think Sukin will always hold a special place in my heart because I discovered them when I was first becoming a greenie. One day I was searching for a new shampoo in the chemist, clutching my 'ingredients to avoid' list from Gorgeously Green, and stumbled upon this brand that seemed to answer all my eco-prayers.

Sukin products do not contain:

• Sulphates
• Animal derivatives
• Petrochemicals
• Artificial colours
• Synthetic fragrances
• Triethanolamine
• Mineral oils
• Parabens

The products are all made in Australia and, best of all, the company is certified carbon neutral.

I've been using their shampoo, conditioner and body lotion for a couple of years now and couldn't be happier with the results.  Sukin is widely stocked in chemists across the country (totally affordable - another bonus!), and in 2010 they extended into overseas markets.  So keep your peepers peeled for Sukin - you'll love how healthy your hair and skin feel after being pampered with naturally beautiful ingredients.