So C finally corralled me into posting, and it's fortuitous timing. I just got back from Bonnaroo, everyone's favorite neo hippie organic loving music festival in the hills outside of Nashville, TN, so I have been immersed in sustainable, vintage, and eco minded hipsters (and a smattering of eco-disinterest, but we won't hold that against them).
Firstly, if you haven't ever been to Bonnaroo, it's definitely an experience you can't pass up while it lasts. Standouts, in my opinion, were Pearl Jam (the elder statesmen of grunge who are actually better with age), Gogol Bordello (who's music is like a gypsy punk filibuster you can't stop bouncing to), Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (with blues country soul and the occasional Zep cover), and Yonder Mountain String Band (bringing out the dancing hillbilly bluegrass in everyone). More importantly, Bonnaroo does a fantastic job of monitoring their own environmental impact. They had a bevy of compostable utensils and plates/cups, recycling everywhere, organic clothing on site, and an amazing volunteer staff that cleaned and recycled after every show. Last year alone, they recycled 60% of their waste, and bought carbon credits to offset their energy consumption.
In the midst of all this eco friendly rock and rootsy music, it's easy to forget that I have to look goooooood while rocking out. Fortunately, there are a bevy of music festivals this summer to show off your sustainable duds. Start with the most important piece, the hiply irreverent organic tee shirt with artwork by Karl Addison - llamas never looked so badass. Follow it up with stylish (if expensive) chinos by Loomstate made from 100% organic cotton. Even though it comes in blue, the checked pattern is far more nerdy ironic. The sandals are key for summer wear, so go stylish and hip in the Splaff Mens Recycled Rubber Black Flip Flops, made from recycled car tires. What's more punk than wearing tires on your feet? For the final "I'm a rock icon" touch, don this sustainable, organic fairtrade seagrass Fireball Fedora by Livity. Now you can continue pretending you don't care how you look at every festival this summer.
(Begin shameless self promotion.) Once you're wearing green, invest green with Smug Investments - read the blog here. (Shameless self promotion ended.)
Here are Chartreuse Chic, we try to accept the men in our lives the way they are. And so we recognize that as much as we'd like to dress them in some sexy organic jeans for the holidays, they're really not that interested in such things. So when it comes to boys, we're focusing on the big three: food, gadgets... and now booze!
The funny thing about Frog's Leap wine is that I've actually had it a million times and never knew it was organic! In fact, years ago I even worked at one of those NY restaurants where you had to talk about wine like you understood it (honestly, who genuinely understands wine?) and even they didn't know it was organic. Maybe that's because the bottles only claim to be "responsibly farmed" to avoid any supposed stigma attached to being a CCOF certified organic vineyard (I guess in the wine world, it's still not hip to be green.) Hey, I'm not complaining -- the bottles I've had have poured tasty, tasty stuff, and when it comes to wine, that's what really matters.
Frog's Leap Zinfandel $24.20. Or better yet, snag some at your local wine shop (shipping in bulk = fewer resources!) Perfect to add some big flavor to a big night in.
p.s. Now, we learned a little last week about the difference between natural and USDA approved organic. It doesn't look like Frog's Leap has that later seal of approval, so read a little about their farming practices if you're worried and decide if their version of organic rates high enough on your green meter. If only everyone were this forthcoming!
You know, despite the fact that this is supposed to be an "eco-boy" kind of gift (per M's gadget and food instruction), I actually think it would be super cool for anyone who commutes to work by bike or travels a lot, whether they're boy, girl, neither or both.
This wind charger is so adorable it blows my mind. I really think good design makes a huge difference when it comes to the ease of using gadgets and the likelihood of incorporating them seamlessly into your life. I don't think there's anyone on your gift list who wouldn't love charging their cell and ipod on the go with the sexy curves of the wind powered HYmini.
HYmini Wind Power Universal Charger $49.99. Perfect for your on-the-road warrior. Black was the best pic I found, but do go for the sexy, giftable green.
p.s. Now, there's some debate out there as to whether all the portable solar and wind options that have been popping up should contain batteries. Dark greens point out that the battery itself is a wasteful product that will end up in the landfill someday. But light greens like myself recognize the impracticality of only being able to charge a device that's connected directly to your charger when you're collecting that solar or wind power. With no battery, you're kind of stuck. With a battery, you have the charge you collected earier stored for when you suddenly realize that the cell you desperately need is on its last legs and you're in no position to charge your HYmini with anything more than blowing on it. Because let's face it -- that last scenario would be me every time.
Boys can be so hard to shop for sometimes. They're often too practical to secretly pine for items the way girls do. So I turned to my resident guy expert to find out what kinds of gifts would really wow a guy. M's answer? "Electronics and food." Well, let me tell you, organic food can be a surprisingly luxurious gift for someone who can't always get it themselves. I say this from personal experience, because M and I had just a blast last year tearing through Whole Foods with our gigantic holiday gift cards. Sure, we shop organic and local as much as possible, but the gift cards allowed us to splurge on things we would have never gotten otherwise.
The antibiotic and hormone free, independently and sustainably farmed meat from Niman Ranch is just the kind of thing that most people wouldn't spring for themselves. But trust me -- I've had Niman Ranch products at Chez Panise in Berkely, and they blew my mind quality-wise. See? Sustainable farming is good for more than the environment -- it's good for taste buds, too! Pick a sampler for the widest variety and the largest likelihood that you just might be rewarded for you gift with a nibble.
p.s. Is your eco boy an animal lover as well as an earth lover? Stay tuned for next week's gift for boys, which I promise will be entirely animal free!\
p.p.s. To learn more about the difference between "natural" and "organic" products, check out this write up.
I love recycled tire belts for two reasons (besides the obvious "what a brilliant idea for old tires!" thing.) First: They have a totally unique look without being too wild and out there. I've worn mine (in thick basic black from Hempest) to work and didn't get any second looks. Second: They really are durable! My old leather or leather-like belts all developed cracks or kitty bite marks after a year (they were all either H&M or vintage, so maybe things weren't in their favor.) But these tires were built to withstand way more abuse than they're getting around my waist (although I suppose I can't really speak for the abuse anyone else puts their belts through.)
These belts from Zero Per Gallon have the added benefit of fun colors and an absolutely hilarious write-up (which advertises the belts' "SooperDooper-Quik-'N-EZ NoHands Keep-U-Riding Fastening System (SDQNEZNHKURFS)" amongst other benefits.) Seriously, even if all your belt wishes have been met, you should check these belts out for the write-up alone. Sizes are for boys and voluptuous girls, but I'll bet skinny little things could ask designer Jonny5 to throw together a custom size.
p.s. Thanks so much to Fabulously Green and Hippy Shopper for the fantastic reviews this week! If you don't already have these two bookmarked, get over and check them out right now.
It's been ages since I've done something for the men out there -- they've got to look gorgeous and green too, right? This organic top would be a perfect gift for the guy in your life who needs a little help in the fashion department (luckily, I don't need to break it out for the man in mine!) This all-in-one knit top not only gives your man a great layered look, it also picks a slick color combo for him to rock out. You'll need no style sense to look good in this shirt, though I'm sure all the stylish eco boys out there will be running to snatch it up at this price anyway.
p.s. The other reason for the boy clothing post is as an excuse to talk about M's new blog about football betting. I know, not exactly green (althought I guess I could think of more environmentally harmful forms of entertainment.) Unfortunately, M's not allowed to talk online about the green investing he also does with his black box system (he's a financial advisor, so it's insider something.) But hey, if the math is good enough for the stock market, it's probably great for football too! Go check it out: Mental Handicap @ mentalhandicap.blogspot.com.
My favorite find at the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!" fair was these fantastic UtiliTies vintage ties updated with stenciled words and animals by . M got one in navy with orange stripes with ravens screened on it -- quite awesome. He's been wearing ties over polo shirts when we go out, and this one will take the look up another notch.
Make sure to check out the "Hot Models" section of the website for great examples of past work and some fun clothing combos.
UtiliTies, $20 for instock, $20 and up for custom.
p.s. That kid is super cute, isn't he? I really couldn't resist the photo.
I don't know why Gap hasn't publicized their organic men's tees, especially when their normal shtick is gigantic advertising blitzes. They've been out since February 2007, but I only finally found them last week.
Since there isn't a lot of info online, not only can I offer you no photos (unless M wants to be my model!), but all this info is from my memory, which I will admit is often a little wonky. I remember a crew neck, a v-neck and a wife-beater (there really should be a better name for those.) In general, the cuts were boxy and my normally medium M ended up with smalls. But the v-neck has a nice, modern look and the wife-beater is long enough and thick enough to work as a real undershirt or stand alone.
I know what you're thinking -- why buy organic from Gap when there are a ton of great little all-green companies that sell almost identical tees? Well, I was told that this organic line is sort of a test run for Gap, and we all know $ talks to big corporations. Plus, let's be honest, most guys like M aren't willing to spend much money on clothes, and these shirts are darn cheap!
Gap Men's Organic Shirts $16.50. Available at select Gap Stores. Call your local version to see if they're carrying the line or try out 1-800-GAP-STYLE.
In honor of M's sole desire for today (which is to BBQ burgers), here's an adorable (but not TOO adorable for macho grill masters) hand screened apron. The white color means stains will bleach right out, while the little icon on the side will keep your chef focused on what's really important -- keeping everyone fed and happy!
Well hello there. Maybe it's the bedroom eyes on this model, but I'm completely smitten with this polo from Same Underneath. Besides, the collar and the solid color on the shoulders will give any man that sexy, rugged V-shape (not that you need help, M dear.)
Let's be honest -- M might share my eco ideals, but there's no way he's going to pay extra for organic jeans. In fact, it was only this year that I finally convinced him to start buying jeans that fit instead of wearing hand-me-downs that were one size too wide and one size too short.
But these Eco Levis are in a price range he's willing to consider, and skinnier sraight legs always look good on boys -- I may convert him yet!
The nighttime uniform for men these days is so generic, it's sickening! In California it was ironic tee + sweatshirt + suit jacket + jeans + crazy sneakers. In Boston, it seems to be nice button down + nice jeans + work shoes. From what I saw this weekend, New York (well, the EV at least) still seems to be vintage tee + skinny jeans + converses. Honestly, do all men really have to dress the same in every single city?
M's been trying to funk things up lately by dropping the button down in favor of polo shirts and ties. I think these New Generic Brand ties would be the perfect final touch -- recycled so each one is unique, plus fun graphics that add a bit of whimsy without going over the top.
Octo-Tie $40 (tragically, I can't do direct links, but you can find this particular tie under "Ready Made.")
Treehugger
the ultimate go-to for all things hip and green
learned to love fashion in NY and sustainability in Berkeley; now I'm busy in Boston trying to find easy ways to keep up the green without giving up the chic.
