There is no doubt that over the many years that mining has been carried out across the globe, the practice has caused untold damage in a myriad of ways. The non renewable nature of fossil fuels means that many beautiful landscapes throughout the world have been ravaged. In addition, large mining companies have been accused of abusing the human rights of those in their employ and polluting the local environment.

However, in recent years, as worries about the damage we are doing to the world have increased, many people involved in mining have tried to find ways to lessen the impact of mining and make it more environmentally friendly.

Replenishing the Environment
For many larger mining companies, planting trees on old mining sites has become an important part of what they do. For example BSGM, one of India’s largest mining companies, who extract minerals from quarries, have planted over 30 000 trees in and around disused quarries. The company have also planted trees on wasteland, roadsides and around office complexes. BSGM have pledged that they will plant at least another 2000 trees annually.

Creating Homes
AngloAmerican, one of the biggest mining companies in the world, have devised a way to build eco friendly housing using the waste materials from mining. The company have been purifying water which had been polluted in the process of mining for coal. They realised that the by product of the purification process, gypsum, could be utilised to make highly energy efficient bricks. These bricks are now being used to build houses all over South Africa.

Ethical Responsibility
Diamond mining has caused much controversy as the world was made more aware about the exploitation of miners, particularly in Africa. Brilliant Earth, a jewellery company based in the USA were among the first to ensure that all the materials they use, including diamonds, are ethically sourced. The company uses only recycled metals to create their jewellery and ensures that any precious stones and diamonds used are ethically sourced.

Decommissioning
Many energy management companies, such as UK-based SLR consulting, have been working within mining industries across the globe for many years, working to help companies in less developed countries plan their mining practices to create the least environmental impact possible. To date, SLR have helped to create recreation areas, housing and nature reserves in several countries.

Mining on a Small Scale
After the industrial revolution, small scale mining became practically non existent as new machinery allowed mining to be carried out on a much bigger scale. Today, more and more small companies are realising that small scale mining, such as gold mining, can be lucrative and impact far less on the environment. Some companies have returned to much more traditional methods, such as using water to flush gold fragments out of sand or gravel. Small scale mining has very little impact on the environment because it does not use any chemicals processes and no deep digging is required.

The human race has become reliant on the materials we gain from mining and it is very unlikely that we will ever stop mining completely. However many companies, such as the ones mentioned here, are looking for new and innovative ways to make mining a more positive practice.  Rules and regulations regarding how industry impacts the environment will only continue to get tougher which will hopefully lead to even greater reductions in the harmful effects of mining.

Images courtesy of Bert Kaufmann, Esprit de sel, and deltaMike {Flickr}. 

Lucy

Lucy Pitt is a freelance copywriter who writes on various subjects across the web including environmental issues. Lucy works to promote ethical environmental practices. For more information on ethical practices in energy consulting, please check out her blog.

Can Mining Ever Be Environmentally Friendly? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dear EarthTalk: What is the environmental impact of so many people now using sites like Facebook and spending so much time online? –Bob Yearling, Paris, TX

The environmental impact of so much online time really boils down to energy usage, which in turn affects the amount of greenhouse gases we pump into our atmosphere. For one, each of us can help by limiting computer time (whether surfing the net or not) and shutting them down or putting them into sleep mode when we aren’t using them (this can be automated via the computer’s power management control panel).

Also, when shopping for a new computer, consumers and businesses alike can opt for models certified by the federal government as energy efficient with the Energy Star label. If all computers sold in the U.S. met Energy Star requirements, Americans could pocket $1.8 billion annually in saved energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to taking some two million cars off the road.

Individual responsibility aside, the creation and management of more efficient data centers by the major online hubs—especially as we enter the age of “cloud” computing whereby most of the software, content and services we look to our computers for resides online and is served to us as-needed—is what can have the biggest impact. Google, Facebook, and Amazon.com are already deeply committed to the cloud computing model, with Microsoft, Yahoo and others following suit accordingly.

For its part, Google has been a real leader in the building of green data centers, even powering them with renewable energy. The company recently released environmental footprint scores for several of its data centers. While the energy usage required to run its cloud services (Google Search, Google+, Gmail and YouTube) seems huge in the aggregate—it used 260 megawatt hours to power its data centers in 2010—it boils down to only 7.4 kilowatt hours worth of energy annually per user. Google reports that to provide an individual user with its services for a month uses less energy than leaving a light bulb on for three hours. And because the company has been carbon neutral since 2007, “even that small amount of energy is offset completely, so the carbon footprint of your life on Google is zero.”

In an April 2011 report entitled “How Dirty is your Data?” the non-profit Greenpeace examined energy sources for the 10 largest IT companies involved in cloud computing, finding Apple, Facebook and IBM especially guilty of getting significant amounts of power from coal-fired power plants. (Facebook had come under fire earlier this year when reporters uncovered that the company planned to buy electricity for its brand new eco-friendly data center in Prineville, Oregon—one of the greenest such facilities ever designed and constructed—from a utility that derives most of its power from coal.) Yahoo, Amazon.com and Microsoft scored best in use of renewable alternative energy sources for cloud services.

In the long run, analysts think that the widespread shift to cloud computing will be a great boon to the environment. A report released in September 2011 by Pike Research, “Cloud Computing Energy Efficiency,” predicts that because of the shift to cloud computing and increasing efficiencies, data center power consumption will decrease by 31 percent between 2010 and 2020.

CONTACTS: Energy Star, www.energystar.gov; Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org; Pike Research, www.pikeresearch.com.

Images courtesy of (Domino) and bugeaters {Flickr}.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

How Dirty is Your Data? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard of green roofs, but what are “green walls?” – P. Spencer, Alcoa, TN

Green walls (also known as biowalls, vertical gardens or vertical vegetated complex walls) are wall structures partly composed of or filled in with growing plant matter. More than just easy on the eyes, green walls work like green roofs by filtering air and water, soaking up carbon dioxide and helping lessen the “heat island” effect of urban areas while reducing air conditioning costs in their host buildings.

The self-proclaimed creator of the vertical garden concept, French botanist Patrick Blanc, pioneered the use of hydroponic cultivation techniques—plants grow in an irrigated mineral nutrient solution without the need for a soil substrate—to create large green wall installations in both residential settings and within larger public structures and even office buildings from Singapore to San Francisco and points in between.

Blanc’s installations start by placing a metal frame on a load-bearing wall or structure. The frame supports a 10-millimeter-thick PVC plate, upon which are stapled two 3-millimeter-thick layers of polyamide felt. “These layers mimic cliff-growing mosses and support the roots of many plants,” he says, adding that a network of pipes and valves provides a nutrient solution of dissolved minerals needed for plant growth. “The felt is soaked by capillary action with this nutrient solution, which flows down the wall by gravity.”

“The roots of the plants take up the nutrients they need, and excess water is collected at the bottom of the wall by a gutter before being re-injected into the network of pipes: The system works in a closed circuit.” Plants are chosen for their ability to grow in this type of environment and depending on available light.

“Each vertical garden is a unique wall composition of various types of plants that has to take into account the specific surroundings of the place in which it is created,” says landscape architect Michael Hellgren, who founded the firm Vertical Garden Design in 2004. “It is not only the colorful interplay between the plants on a ‘green wall’ that is fascinating, but also the appearance of the wall itself, which changes daily.”

Hellgren, who has designed and implemented large green walls in his home country of Sweden as well as in Spain, Portugal and Italy, among other locales, sources plants for his projects from various climate zones around the world. His favorites are so-called “lithophytes”: plants that can grow on rocks, branches and tree trunks without necessarily being rooted in soil. “Among other things these climbing plants have the enormous advantage of their roots acting as excellent natural drainage on the wall,” he adds.

While large “vertical gardens” are surely impressive, critics question the sustainability of such endeavors, given the energy inputs needed to run the pumps and other equipment used to maintain proper nutrient and air flows, and the emissions caused by the manufacture and transport of specialized materials. Also, larger green walls need more water than rain alone can provide, and thus don’t necessarily save water. But as the field matures, practitioners are finding wider arrays of plants to choose from that are better at taking care of themselves—and scaling back on inputs and supporting machinery with the hope that one day many of the walls will be self-sustaining gardens that cleanse our dirty air and compromised storm water.

CONTACTS: Patrick Blanc, www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com; Vertical Garden Design, www.verticalgardendesign.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Driving Green Up the Walls is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

With new studies touting biking as a new fountain of youth and community involvement, 2012 might be the perfect year to take it back to two wheels. I made the jump in August, and I’ve been thrilled with it. Commutes that were once frustrating and boring are now a playful treat. It feels like I’m getting away with something.

What I’m not getting away without, however, is all of the stuff I use in the course of a normal day. Having switched my transit from a car to a bicycle doesn’t mean I no longer need my laptop, a lunch, a constant supply of water… for something that’s about being footloose and fancy free, biking can really weigh a girl down! I’d like to share some of my favorite finds with you; they make my life easier and keep me riding high and feeling fantastic.

Takeya

Takeya Modern Glass Water Bottle I am tough on my bottles. They go everywhere with me, I drop them, they get dirty. I’d been sticking with stainless steel for that very reason. But my switch to glass left me smitten; ergonomic design makes these bottles fit beautifully into the hand and their silicone sleeve makes cleaning a cinch. Glass means no off-gassing or plastic leaching, and the design of the cap also means it’s less likely to roll. In a few months, I’ve dropped it notably less than my old Earthlust bottle – and no chipping! A slim line means it slides into almost any bag I carry; I have a feeling I may have made a lifelong friend in hydration.

Aladdin

Aladdin Insulated Tiffin Lunch Set My quest for a bento box, or tiffin, style lunch container is legendary. I work long hours at multiple jobs, and have a penchant for elaborate lunches. Coworkers often teased me about the alchemy of my meals, which always seemed to need to be at different temperatures and mixtures to thrive. But you can’t mess with good taste. This leakproof lunchbox is as sleek and adaptable on the inside as it is sturdy on the outside, coming with interchangeable screw top lids and a divider. Best of all? It’s microwave safe, foam insulated, and BPA free. Now the only limit to lunchtime creativity is my own imagination.

Baggu

Baggu Bags Just about everyone has heard about these addictive and useful little stunners. They are my update to the old Parisian stereotype. Instead of walking along the Seine with a baguette and a hearty red wine, I’m biking home with one slung over my shoulder, kale sprouting from one side. They are stylishly indispensable. But did you know that when you do need to dispense with them, the company will take them off your hands to recycle? The fabric takes a licking and keeps on ticking; melted down, it is then turned into more nylon. Infinite recyclability results in a loop you can just keep closing – and as an incentive, the company takes $1 off your order of new bags for every one you send in.

Wren

Wren Carryall Bag But what about when I’m carrying something more substantial: my laptop, for example, or heavy bottles or cans? This is when I turn to the big guns – my gorgeous Wren carryall. I change purses extremely infrequently, largely because I’m quite picky. But save an exterior pocket, this bag has everything I need. Meticulously handmade in South Africa from an upcycled Brazilian coffee sack, it fits all of the above like Mary Poppins’ magic carpetbag: three Baggus, my lunchbox, my laptop, my water bottle, my planner, a book or three, wallet, camera, umbrella, sunglasses… friends have been known to check the table for a false bottom as the parade of things I haul out of it increases. It has a gorgeously slim line so its weight balances perfectly on the shoulder, and best of all: last week when it rained, I discovered that it released the warm smell of roasting coffee beans.

The Basket Lady Rattan Bicycle Basket There is something so classic about a vintage bike with a basket. It speaks to a bygone era, braces and newsboy hats. This sweetly curved basket captures some of the flair of that time and combines it with sustainably harvested and handwoven rattan. I haul a lot of stuff, and occasionally I do worry that my schlepping will be too much for the elegant leather straps. But riding home from the market with flowers in the basket and a grin on my face is absolutely unbeatable.

Do you have any indispensable biking paraphernalia? Share it with us in the comments! My next bike roundup will focus more on safety gear; if you have any suggestions, please feel free to get in touch.

Disclosure: Wren Design and The Basket Lady graciously provided sample products for review. All opinions expressed here are solely those of the author. The receipt of samples does not guarantee a favorable review or endorsement from Modern Hippie Mag, its writers, or any of its affiliates. All images courtesy of their respective companies.

Form Meets Function on Two Wheels is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

PURE CTIZEN, a flash sale site with a heart, runs members-only flash sales for a limited time – representing the industries leading global eco-brands as well as independently run mom & pop shops. From women’s and men’s fashion to beauty and home care, Pure Citizen will fill your inbox with their Daily Love emails with inspiration from company missions out to change the world. With up to 70% off  favorite brands, what I love the most is the chance to save less and donate more where you can give away a portion of your purchase to their featured non-profit while saving less on your purchased goods. With 20% of Pure customers donating, over $10,000 has been donated this year alone. 

This is a members only site where you can invite friends and earn a $10 credit to your account for each new friend who purchases a Pure good.Pure Citizen vettes companies that adhere to ethiquette standards; handmade, organic, fairly produced, eco-conscious, recycled, cruelty free, made in the USA, one of a kind, vegan, and pure safe products.

Founder Amy Ludwigson, a seeker of all things pure, and idealist, launched the site in 2010. Amy is a giver. She saw a need to engage companies with consumers in a fun way that moved products out of inventory while promoting their brand, bringing consumers closer to conscious shopping at affordable prices, and raising thousands of dollars for their non-profit partners.  Amy says the model is “a win-win for everyone involved.”

Amy says, “Pure Citizen is a place where you can find great items on sale, get your essentials, and shop for your entire life knowing that your purchases are creating a better world.” 

Starting today Pure Citizen features a flash sale of my very own brand, ecovogue365. With a newly launched website and concept, ecovogue365 brings you a way to lessen your fashion footprint. We curate designs that are convertible (meaning multi-functional), that are handmade exclusively for us in small batches of 365, from global designers. Our current designer is Russet. Focusing on the ABC’s of convertible design, she brings you ‘B’ a design that can be worn 20 ways. And soon to bring you ‘C,’ a reversible Caftan for the Spring.

'A' Ripe Scarf in southwestern turquoise

We’ll give you a bit more info on ecovogue365 today at 2! Meanwhile, for Pure Members only Russet designed, ‘A’ Ripe Scarf you can wear three ways while keeping warm this winter. Made from 100% super soft high quality organic cotton t-shirts screen printed with a limited design of a ‘woman of the sea‘ and trimmed with a warm fleece. These come in three colors; southwestern turquoise, pure snow white, or geometric moss. They can be worn three ways; as one open circle, as two wrapped circles around the neck, and off the shoulders. With only a small batch of 96 available for Pure Citizen members at a discounted $35 price this makes a perfect holiday season gift.

'A' Ripe Scarf worn as long circle style

SHOP THIS FLASH SALE 

TODAY ONLY Pure Citizen is GIVING away one ‘A’ RIPE scarf to one lucky winner. To Win! Like Pure Citizen on Facebook or sign up at www.purecitizen.com for their 24 day Christmas Giveaway, new gift everyday / new winner everyday

SALE SALE SALE for the Pure Citizen is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

As the end of the year rolls towards us, the American government recently narrowly avoided another shutdown. The economy is still shaky, and people are spooked. Prevailing wisdom is that we are too broke to dream big about the future of our nation. But is that the whole story?

Annie Leonard and the team behind 2008′s award-winning The Story of Stuff are back with a new tale: The Story of Broke. In another relatable animated short, they explore the ways in which our money is currently being used, as well as ways in which we can demand greater accountability, take it back, and rebuild a better way forward for our home.

Image courtesy of danielmoyle (Flickr)

The Story of Broke is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of Francisco Javier Argel (Flickr)

In the last 18 months or so, Puma has hit the ground running with a number of industry-leading (and, truthfully, world-leading) sustainability initiatives. From their groundbreaking environmental profit-and-loss statement to green packaging plans to a commitment to zero toxic pollution by 2020, the sportswear company has made big strides on addressing its environmental impacts.

But as with all consumer-facing companies, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is what happens to your goods when your customers no longer want them. Another sustainability-minded brand, Patagonia, recently took steps to get people to buy used clothes first, but Puma is taking a different tack: Making their clothes compostable.

In The Guardian, Louise Osborn reports on comments made by Puma CEO Franz Koch suggesting that the company is looking at closing the loop on its products. Osborn writes:

“We are confident that in the near future we will be able to bring the first shoes, T-shirts and bags, that are either compostable or recyclable, to the market,” Puma boss Franz Koch told the German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche.

He explained that the company was working with partners on developing products on the principle of the “cradle-to-cradle” design. “It follows two circuits, the technical and the biological: I can use old shoes to make new ones or something completely different, such as car tyres,” said Koch, who has led the sports clothing company since July.

“In the biological cycle, I can make shoes and shirts that are compostable so I can shred them and bury them in the back garden. We are working on products that meet these two criteria.”

In the context of the Green Trinity, recycling is less preferable than reusing or reducing — and composting is a kind of recycling, of course. But even if we don’t all end up putting our soiled jerseys in the soil, it’s interesting to see a company pushing forward on innovative ways to close the loop on their products.

“Puma’s New Tack on Sustainable Consumption: Compostable Clothes” republished with permission from EcoSeed.

Ecoseed is a leading source for global green news, finance, and other resources in delivering green and renewable energy to mainstream business. Ecoseed’s mission is to provide global, complete, innovative, and up to date news, information, resources, and opportunities, catalyst to incorporate environmental awareness and responsibility into lifestyle, and in business practices. This world-wide platform is the place to find the latest and most relevant in-depth news and data covering the entire spectrum of the renewable energy industry and the low-carbon sector.

Puma’s New Tack on Sustainable Consumption: Compostable Clothes is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Where is all the men’s eco-fashion? For some men, it matters. For others, it’s all about the newest game of warcraft. But to our sustainably minded male readers, you will be happy to see your next purchase can be eco. (And there is nothing like a socially minded man to make the ladies swoon.)

In this post, we’re happy to introduce contributor Heather Meade. She’ll be your go-to girl for delivering current trends, insights, and ideas for men to dress fashionably sustainable. Heather, take it away!

I have recently found a new love for eco fashion. I’m a woman, yes. I’m a fashionista, even better. And I have been around and working in men’s clothing for a decade. I feel that we can all broaden our horizons and help to educate our men on eco fashion.

Let’s start with shoes. Guys, there are shoe lines that you may not even be familiar with that are now offering eco fashion.  New Balance, a brand that we’ve all grown to love, is now offering the newSky footwear. These shoes are not only lightweight, but also very trendy and made from 95% recycled PET plastic bottles. Click here to see how they make it happen.  It takes only about 12 bottles to produce one pound of fiber and only about 8 bottles to create an average pair of newSKY shoes.

Here is one of my faves: you can run the streets, take a hike, or jump on a bike…

newSKY Footwear $94

New Balance newSky footwear

Now that fall is here and winter is sneaking up right behind it, it’s time to break out those winter shoes and sweaters. A crucial part of any cold weather is a well-structured set of boots. Whether you are traveling through puddles or tearing up the city streets, Hickorees is an amazing brand both sustainable and attractive. The best part about this boot is that it is made to withstand 1,000 miles of wear and tear. Made in the USA, this boot is a brilliant sustainable choice from close to home.

1000-Mile Boot by Wolverine ($325)

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot

If you would like to add a sustainable spin to your wardrobe, TOMS shoes are a great way to start. Toms is an eco company with an amazing concept. Not only do they make their attire with remarkable sustainable fabric, but, for every TOMS shoe that you purchase they will send a child in need a pair of shoes! A wonderful concept, a fantastic piece of attire, for an amazing cause. Below is a great option that I just fell in love with for the “rugged regal” man and I hope you will too.

Men’s Botas $95

Movember Botas

Lastly, I bring you an incredible and cost effective shoe from Oliberté footwear based out of Africa. Currently Oliberté operates in Ethiopia, Liberia and Kenya with the goal of expanding to Cameroon, Congo, Uganda and Zambia in the coming years towards developing a middle class. Using quality materials, fair trade jobs, and low impact methods on the environment to make sustainable shoes, Oliberté states “This is Africa.”

They have cleverly created a three way shipping option. Once you have enjoyed your new footwear, if you cannot donate or reuse them, Oliberté allows you to send them back so they can recycle your shoes into new footwear. My pick is a pair with a lot of character made from 100% goat leather, which allows your feet to breathe naturally and recycled rubber bottoms made in Ethopia.

MOGADO HI Tan Nubuck $155

Mogado Boot made from breathable goat leather

Of course we all want inexpensive footwear that looks good on you. But if you can get stylish pieces at affordable prices and splurge on a few eco-friendly high fashion brand names, just an effortless mix and match will give you continuous eco-fashion. 

If we are shopping eco friendly and purchasing durable sustainable fashion, not only are you making a world of difference through one purchase, you are literally making a small change for the planet, and living a more consciously fashionable lifestyle. And who would deny a thoughtful, fashionably dressed man? I think no one.

Heather

Heather Meade lives in Glastonbury CT, where she has worked as a stylist at a well known men’s fashion boutique for the past decade. She has been eating, breathing and dreaming fashion since she was a little girl. Discovering a new love for eco fashion – from its on trend designs to the ever-expanding eco menswear – Heather will bring you news and reviews on men’s eco-fashion. Along with fashion, Heather has found a new love for Mother Nature and our planet, eating in a more organic fashion, and taking care of her mind, body, and spirit.

A Fashionably Dressed Man’s Feet is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Dawson the bear

Every year hundreds of “problem” bears are killed in British Columbia, Canada as a result of poor human management of non-natural food sources. From 1992 to 1996, approximately 245 grizzlies and 4,246 black bears were shot in BC because of perceived and actual threats to human safety.

Human-caused mortality for black bears includes collisions with vehicles, removal of nuisance bears, illegal killing by any means and hunting, which is still allowed in British Columbia. Unfortunately, in many cases bear cubs are left orphaned.

Bear cubs that are orphaned in the lower mainland of British Columbia are eligible for rehabilitation, but bear cubs orphaned anywhere else in the province are not. These cubs starve and die – and we want to change this.  Our purpose is to let the BC government know that all orphaned bear cubs must be considered for rehabilitation. That is Dawson’s Mission, and this is his story.

In early October 2011, Dawson’s mother was apparently shot by a hunter in British Columbia, Canada – although to shoot a female bear with cubs is illegal.  His sibling was later destroyed by Conservation Officers because “the cub was habituated.” For approximately six weeks Dawson was being protected by local residents of Dawson Creek. After lots of discussions, phone calls, and a petition, it was decided that Dawson should be given a chance at life and he was rescued. He is in good physical condition and does not like people, so he is certainly not habituated.

Northern Lights Wildlife Society (NLWS) was formed in 2001, and in 2002 the society became a registered charity. Their mission is to assist and support wildlife by providing shelter and care for injured and/or orphaned wildlife, rehabilitating such wildlife, providing public education and collecting and publishing research data. NLWS were given the go ahead to rescue and rehabilitate Dawson. They travelled 1600 kms on their rescue mission and brought Dawson to Smithers where he will stay for the winter, protected and monitored.  The plan is to release Dawson back into his home territory in spring 2012.

A group of like minded people came together and through social media and petitioning gave Dawson a chance. We as humans can learn to respect and live with our fellow earth dwellers by adopting simple common sense routines to make sure bears do not become habituated, and hopefully one day we will also see an end to hunting these iconic animals.

Find us on Facebook, where you can follow his story – and maybe help us change hearts and minds.

Wendy

Wendy Chambers lives in beautiful British Columbia with her family. She is a photographer, freelance writer and interpretive guide at a grizzly bear refuge. Active in bear aware projects, she follows a vegan lifestyle and is also a senior consultant for OneGroup (providers of organic and natural skincare products and supplements). In her rare spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, skiing and spending time with her family – furry and feathered members included.

Bear, Interrupted is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of Liu Wen Cheng (Flickr)

Over the summer, I read a thought-provoking piece in the Guardian. It was about the ways in which luxury and sustainability don’t necessarily need to be at odds. Target examples, of course, were upscale vendors such as Vivienne Westwood and PPR (owner of several luxury brands, among them Gucci). But this paragraph sparked my imagination.

[S]top and think: what is luxury? Traditionally, luxury may be defined as an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain; nowadays, we could fit within that category things such as time, copper, cod…

That notion of judicious use of limited resources struck a chord with me. I started wondering what would happen if I turned the equation on its head, and instead started to see all purchasing I did as necessarily both sustainable and luxurious. So often, consumption is driven by a vicious cycle of living beyond our means to purchase things we can’t afford. But the alternatives to conspicuous consumption are often about an ascetic vision of doing without for the virtue of all. Somewhere on the spectrum between full mink coats and sackcloth and ashes, there had to be a happy medium.

Luxurious, sustainable clean!

My secret is to treat every purchase like a true splurge, a reward on every level: in and of itself, to my lifestyle, and to my budget. Necessities can be dressed up until they shine. And manufacturers of green products have gotten on the bandwagon at last, designing aggressively to ensure that often the most enticing option is also the friendliest to the earth.

Oral hygiene, for example, is one of the most boring daily obligations we have. But ever since I found an affordable, satisfyingly weighty, ergonomic toothbrush made from recycled U.S. Treasury bills* and a gorgeous antique creamer at Goodwill to store it in, brushing my teeth makes me smile every time I scrub up.

*Toothbrush ($6) + creamer ($1) + eco-toothpaste ($3): $10. Injecting beauty into the mundane – not to mention cracking myself up at the fact that my dental care routine is literally “so money,” on the other hand: priceless.

This pattern of behavior started to seep into every level of my decision making. When I find cheap avocados at the farmer’s market, I’m not just enthused about saving money. Instead I feel quietly glad to be able to nourish both my tummy and my wallet. And when faced with the option to buy several cheap pairs of shoes or one quality set of vintage cowboy boots, I didn’t even think twice. Skimping on experience to save money started to feel like cheapening the intrinsic value of things – and cheating myself. So conversely, buying high quality in small doses started to make everything, from my sturdy and stylish bike to my excellent third-hand kitchenware, feel like a reward.

December’s retail frenzy places a lot of focus on both bargain hunting and excessive overall spending – the epitome of being pennywise but pound foolish. This holiday season, I’ll be going against the grain: finding small, luxurious gifts (often from small businesses or local vendors) and then paying what they’re worth. After all: imbuing my life and those of my loved ones with greater value… that’s a luxury I can always afford.

Sustainable Luxuries Take Root is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag