Style with a Conscience
In a world where resources are limited and eco-awareness is on the rise, a new
form of consumerism is gaining momentum. Those who were previously oblivious to
damage inflicted on both the environment and on less fortunate souls mired in
poverty are now beginning to understand the consequences of their purchases.
Mindless consumerism is drawing down as a substantial percentage of the
population is becoming aware of and changing harmful practices.
There are three basic principals of environmental responsibility that both
consumers and producers are now factoring into consideration. In order to be
environmentally friendly, materials must be organic, renewable, or recycled.
Organic refers to a fiber, either cotton or linen, that is grown without pesticides or
synthetic fertilizers, thus promoting a cleaner environment. To be labeled as
organic, an item must use a minimum content of 70 percent organically grown
fiber.
Renewable refers to a natural product that regenerates at a rate equal to or faster than
its rate of consumption. Renewable resources include bamboo, soy, Forest
Stewardship Council wood products and capiz shells. To be labeled as renewable,
a product must be made from at least 25 percent renewable materials.
Recycled refers to reclaimed resources from fabric mills and post-consumer recycled
items. Recycled cotton is made from reclaimed cotton 
left over after the
spinning, weaving and cutting process. Recycled polyester is made from
discarded plastic bottles. To be labeled as recycled, a product must contain at
least 25 percent recycled materials.
left over after the
spinning, weaving and cutting process. Recycled polyester is made from
discarded plastic bottles. To be labeled as recycled, a product must contain at
least 25 percent recycled materials. A growing number of retailers now feature organic clothing lines that feature
fabrics made of cotton, bamboo and hemp. These eco-friendly fabrics feature
natural dyes and fibers that are free of harsh chemicals or additives and tend
to be soft and durable.
Organic Clothing Websites We Love
Fair Trade Practices on the Rise
Another movement in retail goods involves fair trade. Fair trade means that
workers are paid what is fair, instead of what is minimally acceptable by law.
Global industries where fair trade practices are making inroads include coffee,
cotton, handicrafts such as art and jewelry, fruit, clothing and flowers. One
website that features unique, fair-trade products is www.Gaiam.com.
Fall Makeup Tips Donna Retif, makeup artist and hair stylist, along with Alex Guajardo and Debbie
Weeks, of Houston’s Tranquility Salon & Day Spa, provide these makeup tips for fall.
The foundation should be natural, to match your skin tone, with a touch of peach
color for blush to obtain a translucent look. Guajardo says, “the eye shadow shades will be a soft palette of white, beige, peach and cream
colors. They will be matte colors with very little shine.” To finish defining the eye, use a thick eyeliner over the top lid and a soft
thin line under the eye. For a more dramatic evening look, like Beyonce, give
the top a smudgy look.
From natural looking lashes to glamorous for a night on the town appearance,
Weeks uses a special “eyelighting” technique to create brighter, younger looking eyes. “There will be a lot of emphasis on the lips this season. They will be vibrant
and juicy,” Weeks says. Retif recommends, “bright berry colors that are glossy.” For more advice, contact Retif at 281-785-5677.
New Liposuction Laser
Biomedical laser manufacturer Erchonia recently introduced the Erchonia 4L, the
only laser to be FDA approved for use during liposuction. Designed to make the
cosmetic surgery process more efficient, the painless, non-invasive Erchonia
laser treatment is used just prior to liposuction, making the removal of fatty
tissue significantly easier and quicker. The manufacturer claims the Erchonia
laser helps patients heal three to four times faster, with less discomfort,
swelling, bruising and dimpling.
The Erchonia 4L is a small, hand held laser that instantly liquefies fat to
dramatically improve conventional liposuction treatments. It also smoothes the
fat just under the surface of the skin, greatly reducing the appearance of
cellulite. Patients can go back to their daily routines much sooner, and most
don't even need pain medication.